McKenzie Is Here!!!

McKenzie Lauren made her appearance today at 1:14. She weighed 6lbs 13oz and was 19.75 inches long. Kelli was awesome and popped that nugget out in only 15 minutes! It was quite an eventful past 36 hours.

Kelli woke up Friday morning having contractions about 15 minutes apart but they did not hurt too much. Mom couldn't stand to be away so she came to my house about 10 am. Kelli had them all day long and finally called the doctor about 9 pm. Her doctor, Dr. Martin, was not on call so she spoke to Dr. Carter. He told her to go into the hospital so they could check her and see if she needed to be admitted. About that time I started vomiting horribly. FABULOUS! Of all nights for me to get food poisoning... Mom took Kelli to the hospital about 11 (I stayed home since I was still tossing my cookies). They measured her at only two centimeters and told her they would check again in an hour and if she had progressed they would admit her. Much to her dismay, she was still only two centimeters an hour later. She and mom came traipsing back to my house about 3 am. Meanwhile, I am still losing much lunch repeatedly.

Around 6 am, Kelli decided she could not take the pain any longer so she and mom went back to the hospital. She was now at three centimeters so they admitted her. Dad came to my house about 8:30 am and we headed off to the hospital together. On the way there Mom called and said that she was five centimeters and the doctor had broken her water. McKenzie was going to arrive TODAY!

Dad and I got to the hospital right after Kelli had gotten an epidural...thank Heaven! She was feeling good now. At 10:30 she had progressed a little more but her contractions were spreading out a bit so Dr. Carter decided to give her pitocin to speed things along. He told her he would check her again at 12:30.

Everyone tried to relax and Kelli attempted a nap to no avail. At 12:30 we heard the words we had all been waiting for, "Kelli, you are ready to push!" I think a little panic came over her when she realized it was go time. The nurse came into the room and prepared all the instruments while mom and I waited anxiously. The nurse and mom surrounded her while I stood in the back with the camera. I had been instructed to only take pictures from the north end.

The first contraction came and Kelli pushed like a champ. Dr. Carter told her that he could already see McKenzie's hair and that he didn't think she would have to push very long. Sure enough, about four contractions later the little angel was out! The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck but the doctor quickly clamped it off and cut it free. She laid on Kelli's chest and took in the view. She was as quiet as a mouse and the nurse had to jiggle her a little to get her to cry.

Although the initial contractions took forever, she was out in a hurry. She is beautiful and sweet and we are so happy she is here!