She is Here

Last evening was such a roller coaster.....first they told Kendra to go to the hospital and expect a baby to come. She went...her blood pressure came down a bit and they decided to keep her until morning. Then she would be allowed to go home but stay on bed rest....not fun when one is all alone all day.......then about nine o'clock she called and said she was in labor and 100 percent effaced and dilated 3-4. She started having contractions on her own and so they broke her water and things began to happen quickly. I went to bed with my cell phone in my hand. At two oclock the phone rang....a healthy baby girl had arrived. She weighted 4'15 and was 18 and 3/4 inches long. Not two bad for five weeks early. Kendra seemed well...hadn't had much pain especially after the epidural. Those must be wonderful...she said it was horrible while they were putting it in because she was contracting but after that they tried to get some rest. Three pushes and she was out. I didn't ask what time she was born but I expect it was sometime slightly earlier. When Kendra called, Craig was in the special needs nursery taking care of the baby and would spend the night in their on a cot right near her. Isn't it a stitch these days. Can't you just see that new daddy caring for that baby daughter....I don't he has ever seen the bottom of a baby girl. I just tried to call Kendra and she doesn't answer so perhaps she is still sleeping. I can think of lots of questions this morning but during the middle of the night I was just happy she had arrived and all was well.

I talked to Lauri a few minutes ago and it sounds like the troups there are getting a plan together. If Mom isn't home, the others will pinch it. Scarlen is talking about going to Kendra today and staying for a night or two. Scarlen's friend will bring Lauri on Thursday and take Scarlen home. Lauri would stay to the weekend when her husband and children would come to see the baby and get Lauri home. Lauri is planning to make a visit to the children's clothing section of a local store to see about getting a couple preemie outfits. At the baby's small size, nothing that has been prepared for her will fit for awhile.

The name? There is none yet. Ooops Kendra just called. The name is Emerson Mary Chatham. I can live with that one. I knew Kendra likes last names as first names so she has tried many of them. I expected it would be Addison. Craig requested a middle name after his deceased mother. Emerson goes better with Mary than Addison does. I'll bet we will have an Em or Emmy but we will wait to see what the parents call her.

The not so good news is that the pediatrician wants to keep Emerson in the hospital for two to three weeks. That's tough on a new mom. Pray for health for that baby. So far so good, Kendra said they had not had to use anything to assist her so far.

PTL