And baby makes four!

Hello! Thank you to all who left such heartwarming comments! I would love to respond to each of you personally, but I am overwhelmed by the response. I have loved hearing from all the readers- it always amazes me how good people are in this world. It gives me such hope for the human race. So, lurkers.. lurk no more! : )

I'm officially old school because I am on a laptop and CANNOT type, so I may keep my text to a minimal today. : ) I have been avoiding our office computer since it is in the lower half of our house. The stairs and I are not on the best of terms as of late. But, I am feeling wonderful, have had a shower almost everyday, have been getting great sleep, and have had loads of help. Things at the McCash house are happy!

Labor:

David and I walked at the mall for an hour and a half- then things got going. We went to the hospital and were admitted at 2:45 a.m. At that time, I was dilated 5 cm and 100% effaced. I still felt really great and social, so I didn't take anything for pain. Rachel, David, my mom, my aunt, my dad, and Jonni (David's sister) were there and we visited, played on the computer, talked... I was able to walk around the room, which also helped speed things up.

I was checked again at 4:00 a.m. and had dilated to 6 cm. At 7:45, my doctor broke my water and things went super fast from there. I dilated from a 6 and held Harbor in my arms in 2 hours and 45 minutes. I did ask for an epidural (demanded, really) at about 9 cm, but was of course too far gone. Transition labor, getting from that 8-10 cm, was hard work. I'm just thankful I went fast. I had back labor and felt most of my discomfort in my low back and upper thighs. Harbor was not quite turned when he delivered and his little nose was a bit bruised. I won't lie- it was very painful, but also very short lived. The intense pain lasted only an hour before it was time to push. The good news is that without the epidural, I was able to walk around as soon as delivery was over, which was nice. Total time from admittance to birth- 8 hours.

Harbor William:
8 pounds even, 20 inches long, and a full head of dark hair. : ) Fat cheeks, too. Thank goodness he was two weeks early! He would have been a hefty Thanksgiving turkey at full term! : )

Nursing is going well. It is hard work, but we are trying to get into a schedule of sorts. I enjoy the quiet time with him and I know it is beneficial for both of us.

We are so happy, our family of four. Bichon has been so sweet and Harbor has been welcomed into our home with love and thanksgiving. I'm thrilled to add "mom" to my many titles.

Enjoy the first few hours of Harbor's life in pictures! : )





















Thank you to all of our loved ones for stopping by to visit!










































The Lord is so good and we are thankful for His grace and love!