Ella's Birth

Introducing Ella Suzanne Chandler

April 3rd at 9:57am

6 lbs 14 ounces & 19 1/2 inches

At 1 am April 3rd I woke up with contractions 5 minutes apart. I waited an hour and then woke Steve up. He timed them with me for the next hour because he really didn't believe me!!! After that they started to get a little stronger and closer together. Steve was not happy with me when I informed him that I needed to take a shower before we went to the hospital. I slowly got on my bottom and scooted myself down the stairs to the bathroom. I took a bath because I was not able to stand and at that point the contractions were about 3 minutes apart. I got a few last minute things together and tried to straight iron my hair while Steve was not looking! When we got to the hospital I was at a 4+ and they admitted me. An hour later I was at a 6+ and finally got my epidural. At that point, like with Addyson, the epidural slowed down my labor. So after a couple of hours they gave me patocin and they started up pretty fast. After an hour went by and it felt like her head was right there I wasn't surprised when she told me I was at a 10 and it was time to push! My doctor was not on call but the midwife that I had met before and really liked was there. She came in and it was an amazing experience. The midwife sat on the bed with me as she delivered Ella. There were no stir-ups I was on my side and was able to watch the whole thing. 3 pushes and she was out. She had a little breathing problem at first but got over it fast. She is heathy and perfect!

Ma and Grandma texting everyone they know... even at 6am!

Passing time crocheting.

You have to LOVE the epidural! Playing cards just before giving birth.

The midwife and nurse really pushed some skin to skin time right after she came out. They referred to it as the"golden hour". I thought that maybe they would clean her up just a bit but no such luck! It ended up being a wonderful experience and I was just so happy to finally be holding her. I was able to see her and check out her little body, toes and hands.

Steve cutting the cord.

Ella being camera shy... that won't last!

Trying to decide who she looks like. I think the end result was Chandler, but we do see a lot of Addyson, who has more of a Radmacher look.

Steve and I had my mom and his mom there. It was great to have them be a part of this wonderful experience with us. Thanks to them we have these pictures and video.

I wish so much Addyson could've been in this family picture:-(

(If you didn't know, the hospital wouldn't allow children under 12 in the hospital because of the flu season.)

Daddy holding his baby girl for the first time. His face tells everything.

This little girl is going to be tall. Her feet and hands are ginormous!

I look pretty booty in this picture...well I look pretty booty in ALL of the pictures. But I had to use this one. Look behind me at Steve. What is he looking at so intensely...

March Madness! Final Four! I know my timing is perfect. He told me I had to have her by 2:30- so I gave him some wiggle room and had her at 10am... I am such a good wife!

The 3 of us ready for bed.

Our nurse made these beanies for all the baby girls. I thought they were so cute. She was our baby "Jemimah".

Steve's bed was not the nicest so I shared mine with him for a picture. (why I'm not covered up, and allowing you to see all my goodness, I don't know!)

Going home!!!

We were at the hospital exactly 24 hours. I was pretty excited to get home and introduce her to her BIG sister Addyson!

We have waited for this day for so long, and it finally happened! She is truly a little miracle in our lives and we our so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed us with this sweet spirit.