Ava Rae...

Ava was born on Thursday Jan. 31st at 9:15pm. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. She is doing well (knock on wood). I went in Thurs. morning for the induction and found out that I was already at three cm. They started inducing around 11:30 and after awhile it really started kicking my butt. I could not believe how fast the contractions were coming on. I was having them every minute and a half and they each were lasting about one minute (how fun!!!). I decided to go ahead and get the epidural, which may I add was an absolute life saver once again. They checked me again around 7:00-7:30 and said I was now at a seven. Around 8:00-8:30 I started to feel some pressure and joked around with my mom and Nate that her head must be on it's way out. The doctor came in again right before nine to check me and when she looked she said "Oh my, her head is right there." She broke my water and set everything up, got everyone there and I started "pushing." It took about 2 minutes and she was out...I pushed for maybe 15 seconds...let me tell you that was even easier than when I had Kaden and I didn't think it would get any better than that.

They put Ava on my chest and then took her over to where the bed was setup to clean her off and make sure she was stable...SHE WAS...so then we were able to hold her for about 30-45 minutes or so. It was absolutely unbelievable. Ava is doing great right now...she is breathing on her own and without oxygen (knock on wood). We have been able to hold her and kiss her. I am so grateful for everything. I pray that she continues her strength up until, through, and after surgery. We still do not have a date for surgery, but I guess it is for some time next week.

I did get discharged from the hospital, after some begging, because I missed my little Kaden so much and he was begining to get upset that mommy was not around. He was not allowed back into the maternity ward so we weren't able to see each other. My parents and Nate brought him to the waiting room this morning and I went out there to visit...it made me almost cry when he saw me. His eyes got bright and he got so squirmy and basically jumped into my lap. When I had to go back in he kept shaking his head no...sooooo I promised him that I would come back to the Ronald McDonald House today to stay with him and that is what I did.

I will continue to try and keep everyone updated on Ava's progress. Thank you all for your prayers and support.