Introducing Lima Bean!

Well we did it! Or in the words of Caesar, "Veni, Vidi, Vici!" :) 

Lima Bean arrived on Tuesday, September 27, at 5:29 pm, weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and a length of 20.5 inches.

Overall the day went very well. Andrew and I arrived at the hospital at 6:30 am. We were escorted to our room, where we stayed until Lima Bean was delivered, fed, bathed, and asleep. It was a very nice hospital and my nurses were so great. Their shift began at 5 am and ended at 5 pm. Well they decided to work overtime so they could see LB delivered. I thought that was pretty cool. Interesting how easy it is to develop relationships with people.

I am not ashamed to say I had an epidural and loved every minute of it. Had I known how worry-free the whole "installation" process of the epidural was going to be, I would've done it a lot earlier. However, I was too scared to go through the pain of what I thought would be unbearable, so I opted for the lovely contractions instead. I'm glad I changed my mind. Not only did it take away the pain, but I think it helped speed up the contractions because I was able to relax.

Over the course of the day, I enjoyed two cups of chicken broth, one cup of beef broth, and three or four jello cups (I lost count). I was pretty darn tootin' hungry, and my entrees of choice truly hit the spot.

After a lovely day of waiting, LB finally decided to make her appearance. I had to push for 45 minutes - that epidural worked so well I couldn't quite figure out what was an effective push, but LB was a trooper and patiently waited on me.

When she finally arrived, Lima was placed right on my lap (skin to skin, as they call it) for a bit of snuggle time. I was so moved and at a loss for words. What a miracle! For nine months I've been waiting to see that little face... those fingers and toes... her sweet lips and nose... and she was now lying on my stomach. It was utter bliss.

Andrew was able to cut the cord and give Lima her first bath. He did such a great job.

Once everything was said and done, the hustle and bustle had died down, Andrew, my mom, and I enjoyed a little peace and quiet with our new little arrival... and a little Chick-fil-A. Oh man did that hit the spot. And yes, I ate ALL of my food (just wait for the pic).

Andrew and I spent the night at the hospital, which was nice because we were waited on throughout the night. It felt good to know if I had any questions or concerns, all I had to do was push a button.

After another day at the hospital, our little family of three headed home.

There are no words to express the love that Andrew and I have for this little baby. She is such a beautiful little blessing that God has given to us. Our prayer is that we will glorify our Lord and Savior by raising her up in the knowledge of the Lord and that there will never be a day when she doesn't know and love the Lord as her Savior too. We are feel honored that God would entrust us to one of His little covenant children. To God be the glory!

Below you will see pics from the day... excuse the lack of effort on my part to give much explaining. I'm a little pooped!

Before I go, though, I want to give a big thanks to my mom and Andrew for being such a huge help throughout the labor/delivery process and our time at home since returning. I certainly couldn't survive at home if it weren't for Mom helping with the cooking and cleaning. And of course I couldn't survive without Andrew for his support and impressive diaper changing skills. ;)

I hope you enjoy seeing pics of little Lima Bean - aka Mary Elizabeth.

LB's cleaning table

We did it!

Can't get enough of her.

Dr. Kort - my OB

Mimi and Emmie

YES PLEASE!

And dessert.

First bath

Best. Feeling. Ever.

Sleepy head

Time to go home!

Since being at home...