Number Five Has Arrived!

So the last time I posted a blog, I was actually timing my contractions and blogging to pass the time and distract me so Mom and Doug didn't know what was going on.  At 10 pm on Oct 21, I knew I was in labor but was determined to not go to the hospital until I was getting close and after midnight (last time they charged us an extra day because we checked in at 11:30).  So after a nice, long shower and walking around the house, I finally let Doug call the doctor and wake up my mom.  We headed out at 11:30.  My contractions were about 2 to 3 minutes apart and getting intense.  I walked into the hospital shortly after midnight.  The ER noticed how far along I was and sent me to Labor and Delivery without admitting me.  I walked into my delivery room at 12:10 and my water broke.  I was 5 cm and asked for my epidural.  The nurse started my pic line and went to get my fluids.  In less than 5 minutes I was ready to push.  Doug ran and got the nurse who came running and grabbing things.  At 12:26 the baby was out after pushing very minimally with only the nurse and Doug there to assist.  They placed the baby on me and I was the one to announce that is was a GIRL!  She was beautiful.  And I immediately fell in love with her just as I have with all five of my children.  The doctor came running in several minutes later and gave us both great check ups.

Josey Bette is our fifth child, third daughter and a perfect addition to our family.  She was 6 lbs 12 oz and 19 in.

10 days later, we are settled at home. Tonight was the first time all seven of us were together and it was a blast.  All the kids just love playing together.  And the four older ones love helping out with the baby.  I feel great.  We are still adjusting and settling but it has gone very smooth so far.  I am overcome once again with joy and awe that God has blessed me five times with such wonderful children.  I lean on Him everyday to give me the grace to raise them in a manner that brings Him all the glory!

 We promised the girls they could be the first to find out whether the baby was a boy or a girl.  So Yaya had the kids up, fed and dressed and at the hospital at 7:30 am!  They all guessed boy and were surprised when we announced it was a sister.

 The boys seemed to get over the disappointment of it being a girl quickly.  I can already tell they are going to be very protective older brothers.

 This little girl is going to have three mommies trying to boss her around.  But she will be loved a ton and hopefully that is what she will remember most.