Thursday, May 26, 2011

Introducing Gigi!!


Our sweet girl is HERE!
Gabriella Juliette was born at
11:59pm on Tuesday May 24th
She weighed in as our tiniest baby (even smaller than the twins) at a petite
6 lbs. 10 oz.
18 inches long
She's itty-bitty but one perfect little package of preciousness!
We're so grateful for God's many answered prayers in her being delivered free of complication for mommy or baby!! I know this will be more information than most of you care for....but as a Doula, childbirth details fascinate me. Her birth story below....
C and I headed in for my induction at about 6:00 on Tuesday evening. I was dilated to 3. 50% effaced and -3 station. I was not excited about being hooked up to Pitocin, but they felt like she was too high to break my water. My Pit drip was bumped up every 15 minutes until about it was 10:00 and running at 22. I was pretty uncomfortable because the hospital required continual fetal monitoring which meant I was stuck in the bed and not able to move around at all on Pitocin. After 4 and 1/2 hours on Pit, I was not progressing. Contractions were uncomfortable, but irregular. I was getting discouraged with lack of progression and my inability to work with labor. At 10:30, C and I requested they go ahead and break my water and they agreed. My precious midwife friend (who doesnt even have rights at this hospital) arrived about then just to support and be there for me.
Breaking my water was just the ticket to getting things moving along. My contractions immediately intensified. It was determined that Gigi was posterior, which meant excruciating back labor because she was turned the wrong way. I was in agony and beyond frustrated with all the leads and monitors I was hooked up to because of all the risk possibilities they were troubleshooting for.
At 11:15, I was only at 4 cm, 90% effaced and she still hadnt moved down at all. With splitting back pain, minimal progression and inability to move around at all, I was loosing hope. I was in agony!! I told C to go ahead and request an epidural. I could not continue for hours like this stuck on my back in a bed. I think it was the hardest labor Ive had yet because I couldnt work with it.
C being the experienced birth coach that he is apparently told the nurse that he thought I was in transition and wouldnt need it, but that I wanted something for the pain. He was right on. Before they could even get the anesthesiologist up there, I was feeling like I could push. They checked me at 11:50 and I was complete. The shocked nurse who checked me rushed out of the room to get help. My high-risk OB was paged but never even made it. With two pushes, she came out screaming with the cord around her several times. Nothing in the world like those first moments meeting your baby!
I had pretty bad hemorrhaging which took a while to get under control, but all indicates my heart is just fine and baby girl is perfect! She's been a champ nursing and is a big time snuggler and sleeper. And already has daddy wrapped around her little finger.
My precious sister stayed with the kiddos overnight when we went in for the induction and brought the proud big brother and sisters up to meet Gabriella yesterday. Oh....and cupcakes....and a banner....and gifts....and everyone showered and dressed in their matching Big/Sibling shirts. Have I mentioned, she's amazing?!?!
We are recouping and savoring these precious first days bonding with our little princess. Planning on discharge from the hospital later today. Gigi checked out fine and received an ECHO yesterday just to make sure (and for Mommy's peace of mind). Her heart looks just fine. Praise the Lord!
Grateful for answered prayers. Counting fingers and toes. Savoring that sweet newborn smell. Giving thanks to God for indescribable gifts.

32 comments:

Abigail said...

She is gorgeous!! Congrats! I'm very glad all went well.

Trini said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen said...

Congrats beautiful Mandy. She is precious!!! Hope you can get home soon....glad she is here and all are healthy-- so proud of you-- you are my hero! :)
love you!!
Karen

Robertson Fam said...

Praise the Lord!! SHe is just beautiful! Your family is absolutely precious, enjoy these first memories with little gigi!

Heidi Ann said...

Oh Mandy, she's beautiful! Her hair is amazing, there's nothing like a newborn! I'm absolutely thrilled for you and your darling family. And SO happy you and her are healthy and doing well, how we treasure good health. No doubt you will have many eager helpers. Congratulations, she is precious!! Much love!

Shannon said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I'm so glad things went well. God is good! :)

Julie said...

Congratulations!! She is precious and I loved hearing your birth story. It inspires me for my labor coming up. Blessings!

The B Family said...

Praise GOD from whom ALL blessings flow! Loved getting your text yesterday morning...she reminds me so much of Evie as a newborn. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!

linda said...

Congratulations! You have a beautiful family!!!

lianelson said...

Beautiful birth story! And thanks for sharing all the details, I love it! Congratulation!

Raymond said...

Fantastic photos, Mandy. I can't believe you are blogging from a hospital bed. I have no idea about half the stuff you said, but it's so awesome that everything turned out without (the potential) complications. Awesome that Chad knows how to look out for you and the way you two work together. Awesome that your family is supportive in every way. Awesome that you share some of your real feelings. Awesome is our God. Much love.

Lacey said...

She has the darkest hair I've ever seen! She is absolutely precious! Congrats to you and C for another beautiful baby girl!!

Lydia Honken said...

Thanks for making me cry (is that weird that I can't see or read a birth story without tearing up?) :-) The whole process is miraculous - that time when the precious treasure is met, face to face - immeasurable joy. SO happy for y'all! Thanking the Giver of good gifts...

Crystal... said...

Beautiful. Yes I am in tears, I just love reading birth stories. There is just something amazing and miraculous about bringing life into this world. Thanks for sharing your story and the precious photos of your little(ok big) family! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

likeschocolate said...

Congratulations! I am so glad all went well. I am sure an answer to many prayers. She is beautiful!

Brooke said...

Beautiful! So glad you are doing okay and Gigi's heart is healthy. Thank you for sharing your story...you have so many different experiences, I love that you are helping other moms through labor and delivery and you are so prepared for that just from your own life :-)

daysease said...

Overwhelmed to tears of joy for you!! God is so good! Congratulations!! Blessings to you and your oh-so-beautiful family. May the Lord heal you rapidly and wholly,... sincerely, c

Faith M. said...

She is beautiful as is your family of 8! I love all of the pictures. I pray that you are home and getting settled. Blessings!

shannon said...

Another beautiful Smith! Congratulations to you all and thank you for sharing this with us!

Anonymous said...

whoa! what does your husband do to be able to afford so many children? I will Pray they all get College scholarships!

Monica said...

congratulations to all of you!! she is absolutely perfect, and i'm so thankful that everything went so beautifully. looking forward to lots of pictures and posts!!

love,
monica and ken!

Anonymous said...

way to go, mandy and chad :)

Evie n Lizzie said...

Congratulations!!!!! She is beautiful.
What a miracle!!!

Margaret said...

What a beautiful family! You already had the market on beauty captured, and now you've gone over the top with the arrival of another precious angel! The photos of all the kids are gorgeous! From the looks of things you will have all the help you need!

My best to your family!
Margaret
www.lunabelleboutique.com

Ashley Brown said...

She's beautiful!! Congrats :)

Bethany said...

Congratulations! I'm so thankful everyone is doing well. Enjoy these sweet, sweet days.

lonamcclain86 said...

Congrats! What a beautiful story and a beautiful family! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

Mindy said...

Mandy, your post was wonderful news and I'm so glad everything went well! One more addition to that beautiful family of yours, yay! Congratulations!

Three Fold Cord said...

Praise the Lord! So happy for you. I think the part of your story that stood out the most to me was the leadership of your man. Girl! Since I know that you read The Pearl's book and to see him take such initiative in the birth was an amazing testimony of the Lord in your marriage. He knew that even in that intense pain he could take the Lead and knew you would/ could follow. So happy for you. She is gorgeous and tee tiny! Enjoy!
Charlotte

Donna said...

So, so excited for you and happy endings!! Gigi is one gorgeous baby and certainly fits into your beautiful family well! Love her sweet picture on Facebook!! Enjoy!!!

Rachel C said...

So sweet :)
Congrats, and enjoy that little one. You know how fast they grow...

brittany said...

wow mandy...you're amazing!
we praise the Lord with you for a healthy tiny gigi and a healthy you!
love ya...hope to see you two soon.

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