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.

Comments

Jessie Lewis said…
Oh Maren, I'm so happy for you. A darling little girl. She's precious. I can't wait to see her. Contgratulations!
SHe is so cute! I cant wait to see her!!!
Jill Manning said…
Several things...you look absolutely amazing for having just pushed a baby out of you! You are such a babe! Second, she is adorable! I see a lot of James in her, but I do need to meet her in person first to really say. I love that James is totally enamored by her, he will be a great big brother for sure. And you made me cry, that song from Brother Bear is one of the reasons that I love and cry at the Disney Parade and it was so great that you added to your family picture. It was totally appropriate! I can't wait to come by and see you and your new little bundle! I'll give you a fews day though, I am sure the adjusting is going to take a while!
Nikki said…
Congrats to you and your family, she is beautiful and you look great. I love the little pouty face picture of Abigail. I am happy for you guys.
Erin said…
HOOORAY!! We are so excited for you. I showed Elle the pictures and she just said, "Oh Mommy, she's just soooo cute!" We think she looks a little bit like James. He must be in heaven with his new baby! Enjoy! Can't wait to meet Abbey!
amy said…
She is beautiful. Glad you are all doing well. Now I can get you a really cute girly present. And why does this make me want to go to Disneyland?
Anonymous said…
Congrats guys!!
disneyking said…
Cake,
Soooo insanely happy for you all. She's absolutely gorgeously perfect. Huge congrats to you and J. The Clark clan from Payson, UT. is so happy and excited for you!
Much love
Ilaria said…
CONGRATULATIONS, Maren and Jason!!! We've very happy for you! Thanks for sharing the news with us. :)
jodi cantrell said…
Oh Mares!!! She's perfect! I LOVE all of her dark hair! Can't wait to see you and meet Abbey!! Congrats to you all....love you so much...
xoxo
jodi
Anonymous said…
What a beautiful baby, and I can't believe how good you look for just having had a baby. I always looked so killed out. Honestly... "No pictures please!" Congratulations. It's fun to have a baby in the house again.
Anonymous said…
WOW MAREN,
seems like the joke was on the doctor at first, reading the blog i was lauphing at the description of you giving birth.. Flashed back to the opening birth scene in big business where the mother of the country twins briefly no louder than a mouse makes a hmm. noise and gives birth. Made me lauph.. Thats so great for you babes.. a lil Abby of your own. Gratsi sister Gratsi.. i lo9ve you and cant wait to meet my new niece.
Ciao
~Nikki said…
CONGRATS YOU GUYS! Abbey is just gorgeous - and Mare Babe - you look gorgeous, too!!! wow! xoxoxo
Stacey said…
Yeah!!! Congratulations. She is beautiful! You look great too. I'm sorry it was a long wait but oh, so worth it!!! She's just precious and I can't wait to meet her. James and Paige are going to be the best siblings! We're so happy for you!
Beka said…
YEA! pics, she looks so big and chubby aleady, but so beautiful and you really do look great after delivery...did you not wash it since chelsea cut it?:) cant wait to meet her! call if you need anything!
Anonymous said…
Smallest baby of yours? I remember mine was 7 lb 5 oz and was already at the 75 percentile! You are a great mother and Abbey is so cute! Congratulations!!
Joele and Matt said…
She's beautiful!! I think she looks like her sweet brother. Best wishes and YAY!!!
Mona said…
Congratulations! Maren, you have been blessed with a beautiful family.
Tai said…
Hey Congratulations!!!

I found your blog recently because I decided to cyber-stalk you. It's good to see you guys doing so well with such a cute family.

Tai Biesinger
Anonymous said…
Buchanans just want to add my congradulations to the scores of others. SOO happy for you, you have a wonderful little family. Kiss that little Abby for me and tell her Aunt Leslie is her fav. Kellys allready got the other two, gotta start young. LOVE THE DODDRIDGES.
The Blakes said…
I can't wait to meet her. And you are a hot mama! But we all knew that.
Kat said…
Congrats!!!!!! How is it that you look hot after having a baby! That is just madness! I am so happy for you and your sweet little family! Just think one day Reece will have a sister-in-law named Abbey!
Love you!
Anonymous said…
Ok- On September 21, I was all tense, and ran to the phone at something around 95 miles an hour everytime it rang- I was so excited and again, tense. The minute I heard- It was a GIRL(take that mom) my wacko imagination started planning. (when I say wacko- I mean it. You can even ask my my friend her phone number is...) So- my crazy scheem is that we could pretend that you are like dying because you need some serios 13 year old niece assistance with your wonderful angle, and the almost 7 year old fashion diva, and i can come to the rescue. I mean, Paige and I would be like buds- I mean I was just like her at that age. I wouldn't be surprised if she started writting stories about things such as fairies of the buttercup when she is in 4th grade. And I can fly on my own on an airline, and maybe I could stay the whole summer(again. Reunion, HERE I COME!) So- Call me and we'll start plannin. Or maybe you already have a wacko sceem of your own. Love yah- Madison
Sarah Sharp said…
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm glad everything went well and you are all safe and happy.
Maren, Congrats on the new baby! She is darling and WOW!!!! that crazy thick black hair. Like mother like daughter right? Hope you are feeling okay and all is going well. Can't wait to see her for REAL.

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