Hello Edie!

At last! Edie Jolene Youngs was born on December 10th at 8:41 pm - 10 days past her due date! She weighed 8 lbs 6 oz and measured 20 3/4" long. We waited a long time for her but now that she's here the waiting seems like a distant memory. Our family feels so complete now, even though I know it may be a bumpy ride for a little while. How do we divide our attention between Anna and Edie? How do we reassure Anna that she will be just as loved as she was before her little sister arrived? How do we get dressed and out of the house?!

Here is the birth story for my friends who like the details. For me it was true that the second child comes faster and easier. I started having contractions around 1:30 in the morning but they were manageable and I was able to sleep off and on through the night. In the morning Anna went to preschool and Todd and I stayed home, hoping these contractions would really turn into something. They became very intense, yet very irregular as the day progressed which was confusing. I kept checking in with my doctor and doula and finally decided to go to the hospital around 6:00 pm to get checked.

It was interesting because as soon as we got in the car they started coming on super strong and like clockwork every five minutes. I think being at home and laboring in front of Anna all afternoon created a mental block because I didn't want her to see me in pain. By the time we arrived at the hospital the contractions were every 2-3 minutes and I was 4 cm dilated. Things were moving quickly! Our first nurse Edie (yes, that's where we got the name!) moved us to the labor and delivery room around 6:45.

I had an amazing support group working with me through every contraction - Todd, Emily, our doula and midwife. After about an hour and a half of laboring on the birthing ball they thought the shower might be a nice change. I wasn't so sure- the last few contractions were extremely intense and I didn't want to move. They stood me up, my water broke immediately and I felt an urgent need to push. Nobody was prepared for this! While the nurses and midwife scurried around to get things ready, Todd, Emily and the doula helped me get on the bed on all fours. Eleven minutes later Edie was born and they passed her through my legs so I could gaze down at her. She cried right away and looked up at me with her big eyes. Emily even cut the cord! It was an unforgettable experience.

Now we are home and adjusting to our new life. Anna is doing great. I know there will be ups and downs -we've already had a few. But I can see how sweet and protective she will be towards her sister. Today, Edie was crying in the car and Anna told her "Don't worry Edie. We'll be home soon." It made my heart just melt.

I can't thank my parents enough for being here for Anna. It was so much easier to be at the hospital and away from her knowing she was in such good hands.