Ainsley's Birth 8.25.2018
I absolutely HATE surprises. They aren't my thing. I am a planner and I find comfort and excitement in knowing what lies ahead. This causes some contention in my marriage because my husband LOVES surprises. I read the last chapter of a book before the first, I enjoy knowing what my birthday gifts are weeks in advance and I always have to look at the menu and know what I am ordering before I walk into a restaurant. He has often tried to plan "surprises" and it always ends in an argument. I need to plan when I'm going to straighten my hair, I need to pick out an outfit, I need to eat salads for two days so I can pig out at dinner. I need to plan these things and the older I get the less spontaneous I am.
My surprise-loving husband had brought up waiting until delivery to find out the gender of our second child. I honestly did not care either way whether we had another son or a daughter, so I pondered the thought. He did not take me seriously, my family & friends didn't take me seriously, and honestly I did not take myself seriously when I said that I could wait 9 months to find out. I still can't believe that I waited that long and I am actually proud of myself!!
I had a wonderful pregnancy, although a little tougher than my first, it was still relatively easy and enjoyable. I had the exact same symptoms as I did with my first just stronger and more intense this time around. The only difference this time was that I had really bad breakouts on my face as opposed to glowing skin and the baby's movement was also more aggressive this time around and actually painful at times. I just figured this baby was bigger and we were both 99.9% sure it was a boy since I had similar pregnancies!
We are all thrilled that she is finally here and are adjusting very well, especially big brother! Thank you to our families and friends for helping with Holden, providing a freezer full of dinners, visiting and providing us with some socialization. We are so appreciative of your support during this time and could not do this without you!
I am proud of myself for holding up my end of the deal and waiting until birth to find out the gender of our child. The agreement that we had if I waited was that if it was a girl, I would have free reigns on purchasing clothes and new things for the nursery so that has definitely been fun. I've actually always envisioned myself as a mom of 3 boys, so I am still in shock 3 weeks later. We are truly blessed and I am learning all about bows and bloomers, starting to look forward to tea parties, pedicures, and teaching my daughter all about how to be a dynamite shortstop ;)
I absolutely HATE surprises. They aren't my thing. I am a planner and I find comfort and excitement in knowing what lies ahead. This causes some contention in my marriage because my husband LOVES surprises. I read the last chapter of a book before the first, I enjoy knowing what my birthday gifts are weeks in advance and I always have to look at the menu and know what I am ordering before I walk into a restaurant. He has often tried to plan "surprises" and it always ends in an argument. I need to plan when I'm going to straighten my hair, I need to pick out an outfit, I need to eat salads for two days so I can pig out at dinner. I need to plan these things and the older I get the less spontaneous I am.
My surprise-loving husband had brought up waiting until delivery to find out the gender of our second child. I honestly did not care either way whether we had another son or a daughter, so I pondered the thought. He did not take me seriously, my family & friends didn't take me seriously, and honestly I did not take myself seriously when I said that I could wait 9 months to find out. I still can't believe that I waited that long and I am actually proud of myself!!
I had a wonderful pregnancy, although a little tougher than my first, it was still relatively easy and enjoyable. I had the exact same symptoms as I did with my first just stronger and more intense this time around. The only difference this time was that I had really bad breakouts on my face as opposed to glowing skin and the baby's movement was also more aggressive this time around and actually painful at times. I just figured this baby was bigger and we were both 99.9% sure it was a boy since I had similar pregnancies!
The Friday before my due date (Monday, August 27, 2018) I decided to take the day off. I enjoyed spending time with my son in the morning followed by some alone time with a manicure, an expensive coffee and lunch at The Fearrington Village.
Pullen Park and spending some quality time with my first born
Alone time <3
That afternoon I had an appointment in which I was 4 cm dilated already! The NP recommended she strip my membranes and notified me that I would most likely go into labor within 48 hours. We made arrangements for my son and enjoyed a date night at our favorite burger joint, Bad Daddy's. There was definitely no counting calories in preparation for possible labor; I crushed my entire burger, tater tots, 3 ramekins of ranch, and a PB & J milkshake!
Date night, the eve of Ainsley's arrival (and yes I went to dinner in those shorts)
Fueling up for labor!
Around 4 am I started having contractions and at 6 am I woke up my husband to notify him. We decided to drive to Chik-fil-a for breakfast, which is right by the hospital as I was afraid of not making it to the hospital in time! I labored for about an hour in the parking lot while enjoying my chicken biscuit in between contractions. Around 8:30 am my contractions were intensifying and we decided to head to the hospital in which I was admitted at 5 cm.
So excited to be admitted!
Ainsley or Henry?
Around 10:30 am and 7 cm I received the epidural and at 1:00 pm my mom arrived from DC and my water broke on it's own. I started pushing around 2:15 pm and at 2:38 pm our beautiful baby girl entered the world!!! She weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. They placed her on my chest and from the angle I was at, the umbilical cord was between her legs so I actually thought she was a boy at first. Talk about a whirlwind of emotions and confusion when I realized she was a GIRL! We named her Ainsley Catherine Walters and we are both still in shock that SHE was a SHE this whole time!! The surprise of a lifetime for sure!
The look of exhaustion + confusion
So glad she is finally here!
Holden meeting his little sister for the first time
HOME from the hospital and excited to start this journey as a family of FOUR :)
I am proud of myself for holding up my end of the deal and waiting until birth to find out the gender of our child. The agreement that we had if I waited was that if it was a girl, I would have free reigns on purchasing clothes and new things for the nursery so that has definitely been fun. I've actually always envisioned myself as a mom of 3 boys, so I am still in shock 3 weeks later. We are truly blessed and I am learning all about bows and bloomers, starting to look forward to tea parties, pedicures, and teaching my daughter all about how to be a dynamite shortstop ;)
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