Friday, March 12, 2010

Introducing Ruby Grace Berry


My contractions started on Thursday morning. I didn't think I was actually in labor; they were 8-15 minutes apart and lasted only 15 seconds or so. I thought they were just more Braxton Hicks with a bigger kick. I went to another prenatal appointment at 1 and was given an exam and told I was 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced. I thought, "Good, now stuff is starting to move along, but it could still be several days".

When I got home things really started to get miserable. I started having contractions 2-3 minutes apart but they only lasted 15-20 seconds, so I thought there was no way it was really labor, despite the fact that it was intense and did not feel good at all. What happened to contractions being 5 minutes apart and lasting for 1 minute?! I asked Bobby if he could come home early since I was so miserable, but told him I didn't really think anything was happening.

About an hour later my water broke and I realized this was the real deal. Bobby called a minute later asking how I was feeling and I told him and he said, "Shut up!" He raced home and we headed to the hospital.

We got there about 6 and when I was checked I was already dilated to 5 cm. An hour later I was at 7 cm and then by 8:30 was fully dilated. Wow that was fast! I'm glad it was though because we were set on doing a natural labor, and if it had taken longer than that, I know I would have gotten drugs. I told Bobby several times that I wanted drugs but we pushed through it. And finally we started pushing, which was a welcome relief to the first stage of labor. Much to Bobby's surprise, I told him pushing didn't really hurt at all (though I was pretty vocal during the process, it was just because I was exerting so much effort) so I think he felt better after that. Especially since I pushed for 4 hours.

Ruby was doing great, her heart rate was wonderful, but she just wasn't coming out. She was crowning for about an hour and was just stuck, so my midwife called in the on call doctor and I had to get a snip, and then Ruby wriggled right out at 12:16 AM.

And is she the cutest thing ever! 7 lbs 5 oz, 19.5 in long and with a head full of dark wavy hair.


Check out the hair!


My midwife, Lisa and nurse, Nora were absolutely wonderful, so supportive and attentive the whole time. I loved giving birth with a midwife and would do it for the rest of my pregnancies.


Daddy changing Ruby's diaper for the first time.



We are so grateful to have our little angel here with us safe and sound. She's absolutely perfect and has been a great sleeper and eater so far. We can't wait to take her home in a couple days and settle in to being our new little family of three.

13 comments:

Mom said...

Yippee! We are so glad she is here and everyone is fine. She is really cute! Can't wait to see her in person.

Kristen said...

oh, my newest cousin!!! I love her, she is so beautiful! Thanks for the update. I am glad that she is here and you don't have to be pregnant anymore (for now)

Jess said...

Yay! Welcome to the world, sweet Ruby. You are loved so much! Congrats, Maggie and Bobby =)

Annie Oldham said...

She's beautiful! Congrats again and we love all three of you.

McArthur Family said...

Yay!!! You did it!!! I'm so proud of you!!! She is beautiful! I love that Bob is in his scrubs too.

Can't wait to take some darling pics of her...call me when you're ready.

Kate Johnson said...

Hooray! I am so glad that Ruby has made her grand entrance! We can't wait to meet her. She is absolutely beautiful. And when can we bring over a dinner for your new little family?

Tony and Erica said...

congrats to your new little family! Im so happy for you guys- she is a sweet little thing and is just beautiful! Im glad mom is doing good too!

B and J said...

Welcome Baby Ruby! What a beautiful little girl, Congrats Maggie & Bobby, we love you!

walkntalk said...

Baby Ruby is absolutly perfect! We are so happy for you. Heavenly Father is so amazing to be able to create such perfection. What a miracle.Glad you are all doing well. Congrats. Phil and Michelle

Kristen Brady said...

Congrats to you!! 4 hours of pushing - you are the champ!!!! She's beautiful!

dave&abby johnson family said...

WOW!!! she is so beautiful! congrats you two, we are so stoked for you!

Craig & Elizabeth Fortney said...

congrats!!! She is beautiful!!!!It is such a blessing being a mother. You guys will be great Parents!!!

Amy said...

Maggie! Congratulations!! I just read your blog and am SO PROUD of you for delivering Ruby natural! That is great! My Sister in law told me to enjoy these first few month and I did not realize how wise that was until he was a few months old!!! Milk your time with her like this because it goes so so so fast! I did a few days a week sleeping with Jakob and awake with him. It did wonders for how I felt! So, rest and and sleep! I am so happy for you all! --Amy Anderson :)