Isabella Blaire

Yesterday morning, Courtney drove herself to the hospital because she was not feeling well and having back pain and noticed the baby was kicking less frequently. Since she was 41 weeks along, they admitted her and started monitoring the baby as Courtney's contractions grew stronger. Throughout the day, they noticed baby's heart rate dipping after contractions and taking longer and longer to recover. Labor wasn't progressing as quickly as they would have liked, and it seemed the Pitocin may have been part of the problem instead of the solution. Also, Courtney had a fever from what they termed a "uterine infection." Finally, at around 7:30, they decided to take Courtney in for a C-section. 

We all waited anxiously in her room and made our guesses about Bella's time of birth.

They moved us to the main waiting room so they could bring Courtney back in the L&D room to recover.

Luckily, we had sustenance!

Finally, at 9:00 we got news from a nurse that Isabella Blaire was born at 8:15 p.m. weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz. and measuring 21-1/2" long! Mother and baby were doing well.

We were told it would be a little bit before she was ready to see us. Drew went to the restroom so we played a trick on him--we all hid around the corner so he would come out and think we had left him to go see Bella! Hey, we were really bored.

FINALLY, Jimmy came out at 10:24. Yes, I have it documented. He told us about the delivery and reassured us that both were doing well. He said Courtney was going to try nursing Bella for about 15 minutes on each side, so we settled down to wait some more.

An HOUR later (!), we finally got to go to the room to see them! But... Bella had been taken out for blood work. They brought her in about 10 minutes later.

Watching the grandparents gingerly pass her around like she was the most fragile, expensive piece of crystal was HILARIOUS!

Poor Courtney--she was EXHAUSTED from a long day of labor and worry.

  

One of the prettiest babies I've ever seen! And DEFINITELY my most perfect, favorite niece to date.

She and I got to know each other.

Bella meets her cousin Taya just hours after birth! 

 

This morning, I was so anxious to see that precious baby again and introduce Noah and Audrey to their new cousin!

Noah had spent the night at a friend's house. Cody's mom related this exchange:

Cody: "When babies are born they're all covered in blood and stuff."

Noah: "Yeah, but I think they wash them off right away."

Cody: "Yeah. They call that a 'baby shower.'"

Courtney was still very tired but feeling pretty good and looking like a pretty, proud lil' momma!

When my mom showed Audrey a picture of Bella after she was born, Audrey said, 

"Aww!! She's so cute!!! Is she out yet?"

 

 

My mom got a turn this morning when she brought Audrey up to meet Bella!

 

Welcome to the family, Isabella Blaire! You'll have lots of laughs and limitless love in this group.

I can't wait to spoil you rotten!