Welcome Baby Alice!

Welcome

Alice Mckell Martin

Born November 11, 2010

6 lbs 13 oz

19 inches long

She's finally here! Baby Alice has already woven her way into our hearts and made a place for herself in our family. She's 5 weeks now. Obviously I'm a little behind (this blog being one of many things). But the past 5 weeks, while tiring, have been wonderful. Here's the story how Allie made her way into the world...

While I was due on the 15th, my Doctor and I decided that I would be induced early to make sure Baby Allie was monitored during the entire course of labor. One of the reasons I believe Noah survived birth was because his distress was caught early. I didn't want to go into labor and have her be in trouble before I even got to the hospital. Just a precaution to help ease my worried heart.

Shane and I went to the hospital early Thursday morning and quickly got checked in. by 8:30am I was on the pitocin and things were rolling. I was very lucky to get a FABULOUS nurse. While chatting, I mentioned that I didn't think this would take long seeing as I was only in labor for 4 hours with Noah. I was very happy when she rushed my order for the Epi. Unfortunately the first Epi didn't work. Not one little bit. It was quite the bummer but it happens... although they said it very rarely happens. Typical, right? While waiting for it to work, I wasn't allowed to get up but I had to pee so very badly. It made every single contraction so much worse than it needed to be. I was just trying to hard not to pee my pants. Once they pulled the bad Epi out and did it again, I was numb within minutes and I was able to get the much needed cath. Let's just say I was NOT dehydrated.

After that I rolled on my side and things went fast. I think I went from a 3 to a 10 in 15 minutes. I had a little O2 to help the little one. She was fine it was just the dips in her heart rate from the pressure of the contractions. My nurse asked me if I felt any pressure yet and I said no but then the very next contraction it was there... and it was time.

I pushed for 3 minutes... it only took that long because I took a break after the second push. For some reason, hormones... endorphins... I don't know exactly, but I get kinda loopy and drugged when pushing time comes. It's happened every time. I get sorta tired and drugged. It's weird. That's why I took a break but after 4 total pushes Baby Allie was here.

Alice was born at 2:23pm on Thursday November 11th, 2010 after only 6 hours of labor.  She weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. The first thing I noticed about her was her dark hair. Not only did she have hair, it was dark! Absolutely beautiful. And her chubby cheeks... can't forget those either.

After she was born, they put her on my chest. I held her and loved her and she hasn't left my side since. Very much a completely different experience than I've had before. She was healthy and I was grateful. Her APGAR scores were an 8 and a 9. Unbelievable!

I got to see Shane give her her first bath... in my room! When they took her for her hearing test, I went too. She passed.

Before we went home she had an Echo of her heart just to make sure everything was okay. It looked great. Not even 24 hrs old and her PDA was already closed. She did have a PFO (hole between the left and right sides) but this is common and it will most likely close too.

Since she was doing so well and I felt great, I checked out of the hospital early and headed home. I was eager to see my other babies and it would be easier to be able to get my own food and meds without having to wait on busy nurses. All told, we spent about 26 hrs in the hospital. Pretty cool... very cool actually. Sure beats months and months like before.

When we got home, the first thing Lilly asked was to hold her new baby sister. It was so sweet seeing her hold Allie. My two little girls... this Momma's heart was full.

In the past 5 weeks, Allie has been a super baby. The Lord knew I needed an easy baby because I sure got one. She never cries. Just the occasional yelp to remind me she wants to be held. And she does love to be held. But I don't mind one bit. My arms ached to hold Baby Noah... holding Allie has been nothing but a pleasure. And kissing her chubby cheeks and breathing in her soft breath... can you tell I am absolutely in love with this little being?

So far, her hair hasn't fallen out and I'm so glad because look at it? I LOVE it. Lilly was bald until she was 3. Noah has always had is crazy blonde hair. This dark cashmere hair is beyond precious.

Getting up at night isn't as hard as I remember it being the first time around. I am tired and I've fallen asleep on the couch more times than I can count but I don't feel so insanely tired like I did before. I don't seem to get anything done though. Just as I get one thing on the list crossed off another gets added. Showers are few in number too but I know all this will change and change way too quickly. I'm loving her being little regardless of how stinky I might be. I'll have time to shower later.

Last February, after my ruptured ectopic, I was afraid I would have any even harder time conceiving than I usually do. There were no words to describe my surprise to find out I was pregnant again only 2 weeks later. The entire pregnancy I felt great; better than I had in years. And now, here she is. I'm the momma of three now. I have no doubt that she was meant to be here and I am already grateful for what she has given me. Just like Lilly and Noah are my miracle babies, Lilly after struggling with infertility and Noah after needing a heart transplant to live, Allie is my miracle because she came when she was suppose to against all odds and in the process she healed me. Healed me in more ways than I can even begin to tell.



Be A Hero. Be An Organ Donor.