Friday, August 08, 2008

Baby Girl Powell is HERE!


Our new baby arrived this morning, 08/08/08 at 9:33am, 20", 7lbs 13 oz (Levi was bigger, but she is the biggest girl), at exactly one week overdue. Labor was about 11 hours, from 10:30pm-9:30am. The midwife showed up at 9am, and I was dilated to an 8. That was so frustrating because 8-10cm is the hardest part of labor. I was already exhausted and really getting discouraged. This was my first labor where I had more pain relief in a seated position than walking, so I sat in the tub for about 20 minutes. Suddenly, she just descended, and I had to push her out! I hadn't planned to deliver in the water, but at a certain point there's no turning back. She was incredibly purple and didn't cry much, but nursed really well and had a great heart rate and breathing.
We got to sleep a little, but now she is awake and just gazing around. Troy is enjoying his turn to hold her after all these months. Last night we went out for a walk (it's wonderful our oldest can now stay home with the other kids, so we put them all in bed and headed out). After coming home and going to bed, Troy rubbed my belly and kept telling her, "Come out, sweetie." Not long after I started having "real" contractions. I told him to go to sleep, and about 3am left our room to listen to an audio book, snooze a bit on the sofa, and walk around. The kids woke up to mommy in labor, and were excited to go play at their friends' houses and see their new sister when they come back home.
I'm so glad labor is over, and so glad to meet my new daughter, yet a bit sad that it's over. Giving birth is such a unique and amazing experience!

32 comments:

Meg said...

Oh Emma, she is simply beautiful and it looks like she already has plenty of spirit!

Congratulations and enjoy your snuggling time!

Erica said...

She's beautiful Emma, congratulations to you, Troy and the family. Can't wait to see those photos scrapped.
Erica

Pals Place said...

She is so beautiful! Congratulations. Glad to hear everything went okay at home and that you are doing great! Good luck and we will love to see more pictures and meet her soon? What did you name her?

Nicole Young | Urban Wings Art said...

Ohhh she is just gorgeous Emma!! Cograts!!!

PalsRWe said...

She is adorable. You can already tell she has a fun and spunky personality in those pictures. Calm and sweet with Mommy and silly tongue with Daddy.. Soo Neat, and we are happy that your wait is over.. Enjoy all those snuggles. We Love You
Kiley, Brent & Kaedyn

Lavender Vine said...

Congratulations! She is a beauty, just like the other kids :) Can't wait to hear what you name her.

The Gray Family said...

Congratulations Emma!!! She is absolutely gorgeous!!! And I admire you so much for having her at home!! What a gorgeous family you have!

Anonymous said...

She's gorgeous Emma as are all of your children, congratulations to you and Troy, look after yourself and the little one :)

Amber said...

Emma she is gorgeous!!!! Congrats to you and the family! Now, when are we going to hear her name???

Anonymous said...

You know that your kid is going to be brilliant when they prefer to look around over crying. Congrats from Arizona.

khland said...

She is darling, of course!!! Let me know as soon as you name her.... xoxo

Antoinette said...

Aww she's gorgeous Emma, congratulations to you all. And what a special date to be born! I've just learned - from watching the Olympics - that 8 is a very lucky number! That will be one lucky girl :)

Marty's Little Corner said...

Congratulations, Emma. She is such a little sweetie and to have such a great birthday. You did good.

AmandaScraps said...

Congratulations Emma! She is beautiful! You look radiant in your photo. Can't wait to meet her!

Unknown said...

Emma, congratulations to you all - she is so beautiful!

Hoozieg said...

She's simply gorgeous! These are fabulous photos of you two! Do you have a name? CONGRATULATIONS!!!

mruchti said...

Yeah - she's here and she's beautiful!! Congratulations to all of you!

Mars said...

Congratulations. She is the prettiest newborn! Love the photos

Sharon said...

Congratulations Emma!!! She is an alert little thing - already sizing up her Dad. Enjoy your beautiful little girl :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Emma!!! Congratulations!!! What a wonderful addition to your family. So glad to you see you both so happy and healthy.

Sands_Healy

Anonymous said...

Emma, she's beautiful! Congratulations to you & your family!

Unknown said...

Congratulations Troy and Emma! She looks like a real cutie. Emma, good job! You're a trooper. Hope you're feeling okay.
-Ed & Julie

Anonymous said...

Emma, she is gorgeous! Congrats to the whole family. --omiof5

jennilynn10 said...

Congrats Emma & Troy and family!!! Beautiful baby Emma! Love the photos!

Kelly(M&M) said...

Wow, what a beautiful birth story. She is gorgeous and I can't believe you make it sound so easy to have a baby at home!

Thanks for the link to your blog. I haven't looked for a long time and I had no idea about your mom. I am so sorry and I was touched by your accounts. I shared my thoughts on the passing of my father on my blog, but your words are so eloquent. I would love to talk with you about it some time.

We miss our Texas friends! I can't believe how beautiful and grown up Taya is. Seems like yesterday we were hanging out with you guys and now you have 5 kids- crazy!

Anonymous said...

Well done Emma! Congratulations to you and your family. :)

Samara Gugler said...

Congratulations Emma! She's beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Emma! I'm so happy for you. She's so beautiful!
And, I have to say, coolest birthdate ever!
Today I asked Taya how you were feeling and she said, "Tired." Here's hoping you get some rest!

The Nielsen Clan said...

Congratulations!
I agree that home births are awesome. I am so excited for your family!

Anonymous said...

Emma,
What a beautiful, alert little angel. Enjoy the "newborn"moments. As you know, they go by all too fast.

Only you, would be able to find the energy to make a scrapbook page to show off Zoey immediately. As always, you're amazing!

Anonymous said...

Emma.....congratulations! She is just beautiful. BEST of luck to you and your family!

Pam said...

So adorable, congratulations!
Pam