Valentine Baby

On February 14th, 2008, Charlotte was born.   

Charlotte's birth story was kind of funny.  We checked in at the desk and the nurse told me if we waited a minute we could get the "nice" birthing room that was being cleaned. 

Sure. 

I waddled down the hall with Todd to a little waiting room.  After about 20 more minutes of contractions I went to the desk and told them I didn't care where I had the baby.  They just kind of giggled and said it was done.  I was having pretty intense contractions at that point.  I'm not a screamer, but it was killing.  I think, by looking at me, they just figured I had plenty of time.  I got in there and the nurse checked me and gasped. I was dilated to a six.  She apologized for making me wait and asked if I wanted something to take the edge off while we waited for the epidural. 

Sure.

She gave me stadol and I immediately started to feel fabulous.  I was totally high.  I remember being warm, feeling like I was floating, and just not having a care in the world.  It was great.  Among other things, I told Todd I wanted Rob and Big to deliver my baby.  When the anesthesiologist got there he actually had to poke me twice.  I clearly remember telling him it was a good thing I was high or else I would have been extremely mad. 

When my Dr. got there the stadol had worn off but the epidural was working nicely.  He reprimanded the nurse for giving me the stadol, but I was totally fine with it.  He had me push through a contraction and I told him I could tell nothing was happening.  He replied, "Well, it's probably just because I started you early.  You really aren't ready yet."

Huh?  Strike one, buddy.

We sat there for a few minutes and he determined things ready and we started again.  This time I pushed through a few contractions and she was here.  Unfortunately, while pushing, the Dr.'s cell phone rang and HE TOOK THE CALL.  Yep.  One hand below and one on the phone. I remember looking at Todd with a you've got to be kidding me face to see that he was as disgusted as I.  I really wish I would have slapped the phone right out of that man's hands.  I will never forget that. I lost all respect for him in that moment.  Strike two and three.
Buh-bye.

Birthday

 Charlotte entered the world at 6 pounds 11 ounces and 19 inches long.  She aspirated meconium (probably gasped when she heard the doc chuckling on his cell phone) so she had to spend two days in the NICU.  It was weird having her in there, but it made for a nice, quiet recovery room for me :)  I could go down and hold her whenever I wanted, and the nurse would just call me when she was hungry. 

 Year One

 Year Two

Year Three

Year Four 

.  She is so beautiful and she is such a good big sister to Carver. Every morning while I work out they do blocks and build forts and watch PBS together.  She loves Macie and eagerly waits for her to get home from school every afternoon so they can play.
She definitely has a southern drawl.  She says "ma" instead of "my"and "ah" instead of "I". 
She always says Dad is her buddy and lately she cries and cries when he drops her off at preschool. 
Her favorite show is Curious George, favorite food is quesadillas, and she still loves her blankie and her thumb.  This girl LOVES to snack. 
She is a softie.  You can't even tell her no without her putting her hands over her ears and running off sobbing.
We love her so much, and she will always be my favorite Valentine.

Charlotte at four year check-up:
44 inches tall, 45 lbs 13 oz.