our baby has "indoor plumbing"

The nice thing about my Thursday appointment was knowing the end was in sight. Sunday morning 5:30am I was scheduled to be induced. So we cleaned our house like mad on Saturday and my kids spent the night at their grandparents. We were up and ready to go. Paige drew me this picture before we left. Right to left: New baby, me, nightstand with cookies & candy (does my daughter know me or what?)
When we got there - I needed some serious help to get ready to have the baby. I was dilated to a 2 and my cervix was really thick. So they gave me some internal gels that caused me to contract, I went through a series of 2, which means 5 hours of hell.
It hurt & was a crappy 5 hours - but then my best friend came along, the anesthesiologist and gave me the epidural. Then they started the pitosum, which caused additional labor to set on... I couldn't care less. I felt wonderful (I love modern conveniences) - I love the goofy pictures of me & Jason just waiting around (don't we look like high school kids)
After about 4 more hours, my body was finally ready. I pushed 3 times & the nurses and doctors were proud to show off what they were sure was a new baby boy...

Except this baby had indoor plumbing. We were all a bit surprised. But so happy. (It's okay Dr. Flinders swore I was a boy as well)... We had a GIRL!! With a ton of dark curly hair. She was my smallest baby at 8lbs. 3oz., 21 inches and born at 3:53pm. They were worried about her heart beat fluctuating so much - but when she came out she was crying and so were we. She was perfect!

Proud daddy 3 times over.

The kids came later that night to check out their new sibling. James enjoying a few minutes with mom.

Paige didn't want to be left out of all the lovin'.

Proud big sister. Paige really wanted a girl, but didn't admit it after awhile. She was happy for the girl and was the first person we called. Paige picked out the baby's name over a year ago "Abbey" - so officially we will call her Abigail Annette Buchanan. Annette is my middle name & Jason's moms name (so we kill 2 birds with 1 stone). Paige loves having a new sister, but kind of takes it or leaves it. I think she will be more interested in Abbey when she can be bossed around or sent to do Paige's bidding.

James (aka "Brother Bear") is in LOVE! He gets all giddy every time he sees her & wants to touch her hands, face, hair, anything he can. He can't get enough of her. He will try to climb up on my lap to be near her or onto the bed so he can watch her. He truly is in love & this time she is ours to keep (not just cousins or friends babies).

Welcome to our Family Time... Welcome to our happy to be time! This has to be the most beautiful, the most peaceful place I've ever been to - it's nothing like I've ever felt before. When I think how far I've come, I can't believe it, and yet I see family- I see the way we used to be (lyrics from Brother Bear soundtrack) - I really can't imagine anything better then this. All the worry, frustration, fear, anxiety is gone and I'm left with this gorgeous, sweet little creation that fills me with joy.

She has a dimple in her chin just like Jason (definite Buchanan family trait). She looks a lot like Paige when she was born... we'll see how she turns out. Both my kids have surprised me.

Abbey & I stayed an extra day in the hospital (aka Mercy Gilbert - I think it is secretly a Marriott in disguise as a hospital) It was nice to have bonding time with no kids or demands on us. Check out the baby "lojack" on her ankle - if she gets within a few feet of an exit the nursery wing goes into "lock down mode"

We just hung out & got to know each other. It was really special and I will never regret that extra time just with her. Plus the staff at MGMC is amazing! They brought me warm tea & pastries one afternoon (love it!!) We are home now & trying to get used to all the noise, traffic, and siblings. I'm sort of missing our mini-vacation at the hospital and 24 hours of HGTV (I really need more channels on our cable)... It makes nursing less painful. Anyway, that's our Abbey. We've happy she's here and can't wait to see how she adds to our craziness.