"Birdie's" Arrival

Our 2nd daughter arrived 5 1/2 weeks early on September 11th! I have been horrible at getting the news out to everyone, but I'm proud I finally uploaded the pictures of our new little one....who I will call "Birdie" on this blog since it's not private. Her name is posted on Facebook.

On Sept. 9th, at my 35 week check up, everything was looking great, but I ended up in L&D later that day and 2 times the next day because of placenta abruption symptoms. I ended up going into pre-term labor the 3rd time I went in.

The whole experience was scary! We were scared for the baby and scared we weren't making the correct decisions (like how long to try for the VBAC I wanted and when to rush in for c-section). My contractions were a lot more painful than with Chick's birth, probably because I was so scared and because of the pain of the placenta tearing. Hatcher stayed level headed (despite my freaking out and physical abuse towards him during my contractions). Once Birdie's heart-rate started dropping we dropped the VBAC dream and rushed in for the c-section.

I was terrified that Birdie might not be healthy since she was coming so early. I was SHAKING the entire surgery! She arrived quietly and when she finally started crying it honestly sounded like a mouse because she was so small (5 lbs. 6 oz.). I felt so, so, SO much relief that she was ok, that I immediately started crying (and that's saying a lot cuz I never cry). Birdie is so strong for a premie and didn't even have to be taken to the NICU. She. is. a. dream. come. true.

I'm so glad that Hatcher was there and was my rock during the entire night. We're SO grateful for all our friends that watched Chick for all the L&D visits and during my hospital stay. I'm feeling better every day, and I'm happy to say that my back was feeling better even in the hospital since Birdie decided to make her grand entrance. Here's our hospital pics!

You've never seen a happier father than Hatcher when Birdie was born! And I can't believe I posted a pic of myself from the actual night she was born...but there I am in all my glory.

Chick LOVES Birdie. The FIRST thing she said when she saw her was, "Well, she's going to have to get bigger." Lol, she was hoping she'd come out a 3 year old.

My sister happened to be in Philadelphia and was able to stop by and meet her niece, Birdie loved her.

Birdie was actually too small for her carseat since they start at 5 lbs, but they stuffed towels to make her fit!

I love these two!




Birdie's hair kindof looks like she getting ready to go to NASCAR, but I swear it's not a mullet and I won't let it become one!

Chick told me I had to stop taking pictures because, "Look, it's hurting her ears!"

On the right, I caught the moment right after Hatcher had given Birdie a "fist pound." We're proud she already knows how to do the supa cool "explooode" ; )



I was taking the pic on the left when Chick jumped in....she wants attention so much right now she's actually willing to have her picture taken!



Hatcher and Chick got Birdie ready in her take home outfit...


That's one very happy daddy.



WE LOVE HER SOOOO MUCH!!