I pulled two all-nighters in a row and I'm tired but oh so happy! We had our baby girl on Tuesday morning at 6:15 a.m. after 8 hours of laboring through the night.
Aria Irene - 8 lbs. 4 oz. 20.5 inches long. (Pronounced Ahr-ee-uh.) We're both healthy and well. And I'm still amazed that she wasn't ten pounds after being ten days overdue and with a belly as large as mine was! - especially because my last one (Carter) was three days overdue and he was 9 lbs. 7 oz.
{These two were taken yesterday when she was born. All others are from today.}
It was such an amazing experience to labor in the comfort of my home and to birth in water. I can't even describe how awesome it was. My midwife and her assistant did a wonderful job of helping us to deliver our baby. Mark was able to catch her when she was born and to cut the cord once it stopped pulsating.
My doula was so fabulous. This was the first time I had ever used one and she literally helped to cut the pain of most of my contractions by half just from counter pressure to my back. I also now swear by a birth ball - something I've also never used before. I wouldn't have made it without that thing during contractions - I sat on it almost every time to relieve some of the discomfort. It really made a difference.
This was such a great experience and I feel like I could do it again drug-free. (I couldn't say that after Carter's birth!) I just keep looking back at it all in awe. I feel like a first time mom all over again.
We are loving having a baby in this house again. We can't get enough of her! She was up last night from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. with only tiny little bouts of snoozing in between but we were able to get some sleep this morning. She's been a little fussy off and on but hopefully that will work itself out soon enough. At least I can sleep when she does for now. And, really, I don't even care because she's just so darn cute and precious!
Mark is home today (and, of course, yesterday). He's been so helpful for everything I need right now so I can stay off my feet as much as possible. I couldn't do it without him! And, a huge thank you to my sister, Sara, who came and got the kids yesterday and kept them for the night! It's been so nice to rest.
The kids were home for the birth but they were upstairs sleeping in our room. They woke up right when I was delivering and were able to come downstairs as soon as we had her. I just love the whole dynamics of this birth. It was everything I'd hoped it would be.
hello precious! Aren't you a beauty!
Posted by: Sarah | April 18, 2012 at 02:51 PM
So happy everything went well for you, Jen...you're such a brave soul...and obviously a very happy one with your beautiful little girl...May God continue to bless all of you....Lupe
Posted by: Lupe | April 18, 2012 at 02:56 PM
Oh my goodness, I can't wait to meet her! So pumped for you guys and I'm so happy that everything went perfectly!
Posted by: Heidi | April 18, 2012 at 03:03 PM
Oh, Jennifer!! I just could not be any happier for you than I am right now!! I am praising the Lord for blessing this whole entire experience, and mostly for the gift of new life and your sweet, beautiful little Aria!!!
Posted by: cyndi | April 18, 2012 at 03:24 PM
she certainly is so precious! i'm glad everything was so perfect for you and your family.
congratulations to a beautiful family!!
Posted by: Sandra | April 18, 2012 at 03:29 PM
awww I just love this! She is so cute! And I am seriously just so pumped for you guys to have a little baby again! So fun! :)
Posted by: Gretchen | April 18, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Awwww! So sweet. I'm glad that your birth experience went so well. Did you like the water aspect at all?
Posted by: Mindijo | April 18, 2012 at 03:42 PM
I mean, I realize you mentioned it. But, do you swear by water yet or not? Because I definitely do. I tried the ball once, but I can't remember it making a difference. However, I think it was with my first- so I didn't have a clue about labor at all.
Posted by: Mindijo | April 18, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Okay, comment number three. She is so beautiful. She is a good combo of both families- I can see your brother Matt and I can see Mark's side of the family, too.
Posted by: Mindijo | April 18, 2012 at 03:45 PM
congratulations!! she is such a cutie:)
Posted by: Kelly | April 18, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Such a beautiful baby, and birth story! I'm so happy for you!!!! What a blessing!
Posted by: Angela M. | April 18, 2012 at 04:03 PM
She is gorgeous, and already looks a few months old with those chubby cheeks!
Get some rest, it will catchup with you soon!
Sounds like you had a wonderful experience, congrats again!
Posted by: Sue | April 18, 2012 at 04:23 PM
She is beautiful!!! Absolutely darling!congratulations to you and your family..so happy for all of you!!!
Posted by: Jessica K. | April 18, 2012 at 04:33 PM
Congratulations Jen! She is darling. So fun to hear and see the little one in your house! Glad everything went well for you.
Posted by: Tricia | April 18, 2012 at 05:16 PM
She is just beautiful. I have a lot of respect for how you did this birth and how well it went for you. I am just so happy for you! I mailed Aria the blankets today. I had no intentions of waiting until she was actually BORN to mail them, but I only got them boxed up on Monday and bam - she was born!
Posted by: Shara | April 18, 2012 at 05:45 PM
Oh, she is just so sweet!! I want to come and snuggle her!
Posted by: Sara | April 18, 2012 at 06:10 PM
what a fantastic way to enter the world, miss aria!
i am so happy for you, jennifer! and that you found a way to cope with the pain, and do it all at home. beautiful!
Posted by: jen t | April 18, 2012 at 06:18 PM
That picture of you sleeping and snuggling Aria is so cute. Can't believe that's your baby!!!
Posted by: Jean Heinonen | April 18, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: yvonne | April 18, 2012 at 07:39 PM
Sweet Baby Girl! What a beauty. Thanks for sharing this joyous moment. I love her name. Blessings upon blessings to Mama, Daddy, Baby and family. As I type, this poem comes to mind:
"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow, for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow, so quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep." Enjoy rocking that little one and give yourself grace to focus on the moment...housework will wait. Rest and snuggle. I am so happy for you Jennifer!
Posted by: VintageBethie | April 18, 2012 at 08:20 PM
AHH! I cannot believe how BEAUTIFUL she is! She looks so much like Nikayda, and she was just the most gorgeous baby too. I cannot believe you guys have a baby in your house again! It's so awesome to see!! Can't stop smiling :)
xx
-K
Posted by: Kaitlin | April 18, 2012 at 08:44 PM
Amazing story. You describe so well that heavenly calm that comes after a birth. She is a beautiful baby. I wish for you....rest.
Posted by: Barb | April 18, 2012 at 08:53 PM
Congratualtions! How exciting! I am so pumped that your home birth went well (water births are amazing arne't they?) It really is a different feeling birthing at home, so relaxing and more comfortable afterwards. :)
Posted by: cami | April 18, 2012 at 09:15 PM
Such a beautiful little girl!
Posted by: Kathryn | April 18, 2012 at 10:18 PM
I'm so happy it went well!!!! Congratulations to all of you !! What a sweety !!!
Posted by: Jacomijn | April 18, 2012 at 11:57 PM
I forgot to add to my former comment: aren't you proud of yourself?!!! You did it all by yourself !!!!! Well done !!!!
Posted by: Jacomijn | April 19, 2012 at 05:46 AM
Congratulations on your beautiful new daughter! I'm so happy for you to have had such a marvelous birthing experience - such a blessing.
Posted by: =^..^= | April 19, 2012 at 08:57 AM
She is gorgeous. Perfectly healthy and not traumatized. Congrats. Welcome little Aria
Posted by: jennifer dessert | April 19, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Congrats, Mark and Jen!! I am so pumped for you guys!! She is adorable!! She definitely fits into your family... So glad everything is going well and enjoy your precious bundle!! Thanks for putting up pictures, I have been anxiously awaiting to sneak a peak at her!! :) Happy Belated Birthday, Aria Irene!!
Posted by: VickyM. | April 19, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Congratulations!!! What a sweet, doll baby you have! Enjoy every restless minute, they are the precious ones. xo!
Posted by: calikatrina | April 19, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Congrats on your newest addition ~ what a sweetie! :) Heidi
Posted by: Heidi L. | April 20, 2012 at 07:55 AM
congratulation!!
Posted by: sandy | April 20, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Wishing you all the Best
Posted by: Laura | April 20, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Congratulations! She is beautiful.
Posted by: Annu | April 22, 2012 at 02:58 PM