Norah Anne Butterfield

-Taken from journal entry written on 4/4/13

She is HERE!

6 lbs. 6 oz.      19 inches long   

Taken at the hospital when she was less than a day old. 

Our little Norah Anne made her entrance into our little family on March 30th (10 days early)- she is already quite the obedient child.  I told her she was not allowed to come on the 29th(because that is already mine and Lincoln's birthday) but that she could come anytime after.  She didn't wait long and came the next day!

So here is how it all came to be---

I had a Dr. appt on the 28th and I was still dilated to a 3... he asked if  I wanted to have my membranes stripped-- which he said would pretty much for sure cause labor within 24 hours and she would arrive on the 29th.  It was so tempting because we just wanted our sweet little one here but after going back and forth on the decision I decided that I really didn't want her to come on the 29th (although Adam thought it would be very convenient to have all three of us on the same day-- 1 cake, 1 party, 1 day to remember). So we decided to let things happen naturally- If she came on the 29th so be it- but I didn't want to force it. We made it through the 29th (phew) but that night of the 29th I woke up feeling a few contractions that seemed maybe a little stronger than normal so I was thinking maybe this was going to be it.  But by the time morning came they had gone away and I wasn't feeling any consistent or any strong contractions.  Because it was the day before Easter we had a day full of activities planned.  First up was the Kiwanis Easter Hunt at the park.  I remember going every year as a kid so it was fun to have Lincoln able to participate in. Once he figured it out- he got quite the stash of candy. We stayed and played at the playground for a few minutes and then headed home.  I made the pasta salad I was bringing to the Barton Easter picnic and then we went to get Lincoln and Adam's haircut. Well we attempted to get Lincoln's cut.  He screamed and squirmed and wouldn't let anyone touch his hair. Let's just say we have quite the stubborn little man on our hands.  At this point it was almost one and I didn't really notice any pains or contractions.  The Barton picnic was at 1 so we headed up to the Red Cliffs. It was a super hot afternoon-- we got lunch, visited, and just hung out. It was about 3 or so when I really started to get uncomfortable.  At this point we decided to head home because it was no fun sitting up in that heat.  The drive home was when I first really thought that today was probably going to be the day.  The contractions really started to get painful. When we got home, Adam had to run out to work to get his computer and some stuff that he needed to work on for the day.  While he was gone I started timing contractions and sure enough they were within 5 minutes and lasting about a minute. At this point I called my Mom and Dad and told them to come and get Lincoln. Once Adam got home and my Mom and Dad got here, Adam and my Dad gave me a blessing, we grabbed our stuff and headed to the hospital. Let's just say the ride to the hospital was no fun-- I am just glad we only live 10-15 minutes away- although it seemed much longer than that. It was now about 5:30 pm. Once we arrived at the hospital they took me right in a room because they said I looked ready to go- boy were the right.  Dr. Chalmers came in and checked me and I was almost dilated to a 8. The first think I asked was, "Can I still get an epidural-- I want one ASAP- I hope it isn't too late to get one."  Luckily I was still able to get one and the anesthesiologist was there in no time. He made me happy again. I love modern medicine.  Once the epidural kicked in I waited in peace for about a hour before it was time to push!  I started pushing at 7:30 pm and 3 contractions and a series of pushes later, little Norah arrived at 7:40 pm.  We couldn't believe how fast she came.  No complaints from me. We were so happy she arrived healthy. Another surprise was that she had hair-- and it was brown. I guess we were planning on another little blondy baldy. I was so happy she was already taking after Me!  I'm again so amazed at the miracle of giving birth and bringing a Child of God into this world. I love to think that this sweet little spirit had just arrived from out Heavenly Father.  We feel so blessed to be able to raise another sweet little baby.

(Here are a few 'moments' after birth pics- glamorous right?)

  

   This delivery was about 10x easier and quicker than with Lincoln.  She was a dream and came out as cute as can be.  It was also nice that I didn't have my epidural on very long or as strong so my legs regained feeling pretty fast. Recovery was great and I felt really good after. We stayed one night in the hospital and were able to leave the next day (Easter Sunday) at around 3 pm.  So really we were only at the hospital for about 22 hours-- that's the way I like it!  Overall the hospital stay was great. Everyone was wonderful.  I also really liked our Doc- Dr. Chalmers.  How grateful I am to have such skilled and knowledgeable people to make this process what it was.  

Me and my Daddy- I already have him wrapped around my finger. 

After we got her in her carseat we realized that I didn't even have a picture of her with me in the hospital--- so better late than never! 

Ready to go!  

Here is Lincoln meeting Norah for the first time and giving her kisses.  

---Here is our first family picture and Yes it was taken in our bathroom. We are classy like that.---

Pops meeting Norah for the first time.

   Since being home it has been a bit of an adjustment going from one child to two. Def. more crazy!   Lincoln was so cute when he first met Norah and was all smiles.  Bummer thing is that he got a nasty cold and cough the day after she got home so we haven't let him hold and touch her as much as he wants.  He loves calling her 'baby sister' and lights up whenever he sees her.  

So far Norah has been a really good baby-although the first night we were home she was HORRIBLE... her wanting to eat every 10 minutes was no fun. But the next few nights were great- her waking up about every 3-4 hours. She already seems to be a much better sleeper than Lincoln ever was.  She also doesn't cry much-- instead just has quiet little wimpers. I am sure that will change but we'll enjoy it while it lasts.  We Love our Norah and can't wait for a lifetime of experiences and memories with our new little on. 

Norah being cute on Day2.

More pictures of me that were taken in the hospital.