Hallie Kate's Birthstory

On Monday, May 9, 2011, (one of my two due dates- the other was May 10) I had my 40 week appointment with Dr. Damrich. He was going out of town the following weekend, so we decided to be induced on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

We got to the hospital at 4:55 and got all settled in to get ready for HKs big day! They started my IV.

Right after they started my IV- before the pain started :)

Soon after they started my IV, I asked about a nurse's husband I work with. I had heard she was super sweet, and I wanted to introduce myself- that was all. However, they let her take care of me that day. At first I was like wait, I WORK with her husband everyday and have her son in Math, and will have her other 2 kids in the next few years! However, I decided to go with the flow. This was the best decision I made besides having Dr. Damrich deliver her. I am beyond thankful she was a part of this special day.

Shay, our fabulous nurse after delivery

Shay and Hallie the day we left to come home

Shay, Hallie, and I as we were getting ready to head home

I was dilated to a 3 when we arrived and quickly progressed to a 4. I was given some pain medicine and then given an epidural about an hour later. We started pushing about 12:35, but she was turned on her side while holding her ear. So, she took a little longer to make her appearance. About 1:30 the doctor came in and helped make it possible for Hallie to get here. He mentioned something about a C-section, and I might or might not have slightly panicked. With a little medical intervention (episiotomy and forcepts), the C-section was avoided and HK made her debut at 2:03 PM weighing 6 lb 12 oz and measuring 20.25 inches long!

Hallie after delivery when they were weighing her

Daniel updated facebook to keep everyone up to date and I want to include those updates for sentimental reasons. So, please excuse any repeated information.

6:10 am Baby update #1- All is going well. Nurse says she is "contracting beautifully". She is having no pain through contractions. Her dilation had already went from 1.5cm to 3cm since Monday. Mandi Bradford Courington (tag on facebook)

6:37 am My daughter will share a birthday with Cameron Newton. Make that a check mark on the old bucket list.

9:23 am Baby update #2 - Mandi is doing well. Epidural is in and she is at 4cm.

10:14 am The Red Wings have 8 players over 35. Always wondered why Hockey players last so much longer than athletes in other sports.

11:07 am Update #3. We are at 7cm and 100% effaced. Won't be too long now.

11:43 am Update #4 We're at 9 cm now! That's really close to 10 by the way

12:36 pm Update #5- We are about to start pushing.

1:34 pm Update #6... didn't want the last update to be #6 so we are still pushing. Hopefully #7 will be the last update.

2:52 pm Update #7 HK- 6pd 12oz. 20"

Everyone is well!

Everyone who waited patiently on HK's arrival (others not pictured: Bob Swain and Tiffany Hall)

An elder and fellow minister from Roebuck, Leroy Owens

Proud Grandfathers laughing at a video about the April 27th storm stealing a guy's hamburger (no lie)

Granna, Nona, and Aunt Kim enjoying each other's company