Gretel Ginger was born at home last night, on November 6th at 11:52 pm, weighing 9 lbs.
I started having contractions around noon, but they were irregular and mild – lasting anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 ½ minutes, and from 2 to 10 minutes apart. By about 5 pm they were much stronger and lasting 1-2 minutes, but were 10 to 30 minutes apart and I was really wondering if they were just going to taper off for the night. I made a pumpkin pie, cut dh’s hair, and cleaned the house up – just in case the midwives did end up coming. The kids' grandma came and got them and the dog to spend the night at her house. All of a sudden at around 9:30 at night my contractions became very, very strong, painful, and close together – I still wasn’t sure if we should call the midwife, because I usually have such long labors, but the contractions were suddenly so intense that we did. She arrived half an hour later. From the time we called her until Gretel was born about two hours later, my contractions were back to back. I felt like I was in transition that never ended, and then blended into uncontrollable pushing without a break. At first I couldn’t even believe I was pushing, it all happened so fast. It was one of the hardest labors I’ve ever had, but it was also amazing to be done so quickly and to be holding our brand new baby girl before midnight. I didn’t tear at all, but I’m much more sore than usual from the intensity of the labor. Gretel is a great nurser, and she’s adorable, with a round pudgy face, creased nose, and just a little bit of hair. The kids are all completely in love with her and so are we. Dh and I are drinking champagne tonight and taking lots of pictures - I'll add one to this later if I get the chance.
Here are some pictures! http://www.flickr.com/photos/prudencepout/sets/1327092/
I started having contractions around noon, but they were irregular and mild – lasting anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 ½ minutes, and from 2 to 10 minutes apart. By about 5 pm they were much stronger and lasting 1-2 minutes, but were 10 to 30 minutes apart and I was really wondering if they were just going to taper off for the night. I made a pumpkin pie, cut dh’s hair, and cleaned the house up – just in case the midwives did end up coming. The kids' grandma came and got them and the dog to spend the night at her house. All of a sudden at around 9:30 at night my contractions became very, very strong, painful, and close together – I still wasn’t sure if we should call the midwife, because I usually have such long labors, but the contractions were suddenly so intense that we did. She arrived half an hour later. From the time we called her until Gretel was born about two hours later, my contractions were back to back. I felt like I was in transition that never ended, and then blended into uncontrollable pushing without a break. At first I couldn’t even believe I was pushing, it all happened so fast. It was one of the hardest labors I’ve ever had, but it was also amazing to be done so quickly and to be holding our brand new baby girl before midnight. I didn’t tear at all, but I’m much more sore than usual from the intensity of the labor. Gretel is a great nurser, and she’s adorable, with a round pudgy face, creased nose, and just a little bit of hair. The kids are all completely in love with her and so are we. Dh and I are drinking champagne tonight and taking lots of pictures - I'll add one to this later if I get the chance.
Here are some pictures! http://www.flickr.com/photos/prudencepout/sets/1327092/
Congratulations to you & your whole growing family! 
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Enjoy these precious moments. I'm sure she's beautiful. Gretel is one of the names on our girl list!!!
Glad it was short, if intense! I love, love, love the name Gretel! Great choice! I, too, am jealous of the champagne- I have a bottle left over from last New Years that I can't wait to break into!! Can't wait to see pics!
