I had really been hoping that our baby girl would wait until after my mom and dad arrived (on Monday evening) before making her debut. I wanted my mom to be with me during labor, as she was for Sebastian's birth, and it would be easier if my dad could look after Sebastian while we went to the hospital.
Happily Liesl was extremely considerate - she indeed waited just long enough, even letting Grandpa and Popo have one good night's sleep after their trip. We spent all day Tuesday outside, walking around various local parks, and the exercise did the trick. I started to feel a little bit uncomfortable around midnight - not contractions, but pressure and an upset stomach. I had felt that same way a few times earlier though, and was not convinced anything was happening.
I had my first contractions around 3:30 am, but unlike the first time, they felt manageable - I could breathe through them without panicking (or screaming). It gave me the impression that I still had quite a bit of time. But by 4:30, they were coming every 4-5 minutes and lasting for a minute, so we woke up mom and dad and started to get ready to leave. It was raining, and dark, and I decided to go with my gut and head to Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow (a 10-minute drive) rather than to Roosevelt Hospital in the city (a 45-minute drive, to where my ob-gyn delivers).
We arrived at the hospital around 5:30 am and checked in. I was still feeling okay - as long as I could hold Steve or my mom's hand and look at them during contractions, I could breathe and stay calm. My water still hadn't broken, so I wasn't sure how far along I was (I was afraid they'd tell me I still had a long way to go, and shouldn't be there). The nurse checked and told me that I was, astonishingly, 8 cm dilated. Almost there! I was so surprised, and happy, and relieved to be nearing the end. Not to mention, extremely very happy that we decided to head to Phelps rather than Roosevelt.
Liesl was born shortly thereafter, at 6:29 am. She was delivered by Dr. Mendelowitz, who was the attending doctor that morning. I only pushed twice, I think, and out she came. The umbilical cord was entirely wrapped around her body (not her neck, thankfully), which caused a moment of concern, but she immediately started breathing and crying and all of those very welcome things. And just like that, our daughter. We are so blessed.
Our boy is three! We celebrated with presents and strawberry shortcake on Thursday (and aunt Mary!) and with more presents and cupcakes on Saturday (and Grandpa Raab, uncle Tom, and cousin Rio!). Sebastian was thrilled. He loves his new toys.
