Welcome Baby Abigail

Abigail Lynn was born on Easter. My water broke at 3:30 a.m. and we checked into the hospital at 6:00 a.m. I began pushing around 3 or so, and she wasn't born until 6:38 p.m. I was in labor for 15 hours! I was shocked! I expected a shorter labor, because I had heard that it was somewhat hereditary, and my mom and my sis both had short labors. Not I...15 hours with 3 hours of hard pushing! When I finished, I looked like I got hit by a mack truck! My husband was phenomenal during labor and delivery - he did watch her come out, and he did cut the cord. My mom was in there with me and she was wonderful! My girlfriend was also in there taking pictures of the labor and stuff. It was the most exciting experience of my life. She weighed 8 lbs, 15 oz. and is 21 inches long. She has lots of hair (I expected that with the constant heartburn I had), and huge feet!!! I think she can wear shoes made for a 2 year old.

I was released from the hospital yesterday, but they are keeping Abby until Sunday. She had fluid in her lungs and was having trouble breathing. She's been diagnosed with pneumonia, but seems to feel fine. They did have her on oxygen for about 36 hours, but they weaned her off of it, and she's been breathing well for almost 48 hours now. Today, they removed her IV fluids, and they're feeding her whenever she's hungry. We weren't able to hold her all day Monday, but yesterday and today we've been able to change her, feed her and hold her. She's really getting the hang of the whole breastfeeding thing, even though the special care nurses are giving her formula. I am really hoping that my milk will come in tomorrow, so that we can start feeding her my milk.

I feel pretty good, but I am still on pain medicine. My feet don't fit in any of my shoes - even the sandals! There is so much more to tell, but I am exhausted and have a lot to do tonight before bed. We're going to pack a few clothes for her to wear - she's too big for the clothes that the hospital uses for newborns, and I am going to try to get a few pictures emailed out to the extended family.

I will try to check back in here, but we're spending all of our time at the hospital this week, just staring at Abigail and watching her sleep.