Welcome Madelyn Paige!

I have been trying to get this blog update typed since Saturday, but the days keep getting away from me! Part of the holdup is I want to post some good pictures and I haven't had a chance to upload/go through pics. I have finally decided to just get an update out and then do a second post with better pictures.

On Wednesday, October 30th, I stopped feeling Maddy move. The whole pregnancy she has been really active, squirming and kicking. It was very unusual that by lunchtime, I had not felt her at all. I call the OB"s office and they had me drink a cold, sugary drink and lay down for an hour. If I felt less then 3 movements, they wanted me to head straight in. If I felt between 4-6 movements they wanted to see me Thursday morning and if I felt more then 6, we were good to go. I felt 4-5, but some of those were so light they were questionable so we were scheduled for Thursday morning.

Thursday when we got to the office we were hooked up for a non stress test. We had just started when Dr. Wai came in. He used a buzzer that should "shock" the baby and make them move. Maddy still didn't move. Less then 15 min into being there, the decision was made that the safest thing would be to deliver Maddy that day. We headed to labor and delivery at 10. My IV /Pitocin was started adn water broken by 11:30. By late afternoon when Dr. Wai checked me I was dilated to a six. Twenty minutes later, I was shaking uncontrollably and feeling the urge to push. When they checked I was fully dilated. 3 pushes later, Maddy arrived at 4:51 PM on Halloween! She weighed 6 lb 11 oz and was 19 1/4 in long. She had her cord wrapped around her neck twice so we definitely made the right decision.

She has been a little angel. She is doing great breastfeeding, she is a great sleeper, she never fusses. The only "issue" is some reflux.

We saw Dr. Benzick yesterday. He is thrilled with how she is doing. She is a little jaundiced, but nothing concerning. She is 6 lb 2 oz which is an appropriate amount of weight loss. All milestones for a 4 day old have been met ;). I feel really good. I am doing more then I probably should, but that is pretty typical of me! Overall, things are going as well as can be expected.

Alex is head over heels in love. He is forever kissing her or asking if he can hold or cuddle her. He has been incredibly helpful and is willing to do whatever I ask.

I have been so blessed to have my Mom with me for the last 10 days. She has been such a great help and is treasuring this special first few days with her baby girl. We are all so in love with this little doll already!