We wish you...

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

and Ryleigh, too!

A Baby Story

It was Friday morning, December 16.
I had just dropped Alexis off at preschool.
I was 2 centimeters dilated,
and the baby had clearly dropped.
Braxton Hicks contractions had set in.
It was time to get walking.

Fast forward a few hours.
My stomach looked to be quite a bit deflated.
I couldn't feel any baby movements,
and I began to think that maybe my water had broken.
Just to be safe, I checked in with the OB.
The office was closed for the day,
so I was told to come to the hospital for a routine check-up.

Sure that I would be sent home right away,
I had Vic stay with Lexi while I made the ten minute drive.
What I was not expecting to hear was that my amniotic fluid was quite low
and that they would have to induce me that very evening.
Grandparents were called, Grandpa Tom jumped in his car.

With no contractions to speak of and a mobbed labor/delivery ward,
Vic and I settled in for dinner and laps upon laps of walking around the hospital.
Still no room of our own, since the hospital was literally full of laboring women,
we tried to enjoy our time in the triage unit.
I was going to have to get Pitocin, which I wasn't happy about,
and we were told that the baby would likely arrive some time the next day.

Just after 10:30 pm, we hung up the phone with my mom,

telling her that we should have some news by late morning.

Within a matter of minutes:

my water broke

the contractions came on strong...painfully strong

I demanded Vic get the doctor while there was still time for an epidural

oh yeah, and I started to panic.

The doctor reassured us that we had plenty of time.

My body, however, was clearly telling me otherwise.

This baby was coming, and she was coming in a big time hurry.

Vic literally raced down the hall, screaming for our doctor.

There was time for her to run in with a nurse,

sterilize the area, grab a bassinet and instruct me on when to push.

My legs started shaking, I felt numb, I told my husband that I couldn't feel my tongue.

Now I was definitely in a panic.

Thank goodness Vic remained so calm and reassuring and, with the help of Dr. Fickies,

kept me focused on having a baby.

Not more than five minutes later, at 11:05 pm,

Ryleigh Ann Hamilton made her grand entrance.

No pitocin, no epidural, no private room, no time to process the fact

that I was having a baby - the good old fashioned way.

In hindsight, I am thrilled that the birth was a totally natural one.
I am amazed at what the human body is able to do.

I will always remember the experience of bringing a life into this world.

It was certainly not the "birth plan" I had envisioned,

but it brought us our beautiful daughter,

and I am forever thankful.

And that's how we became a family of four!

Welcome Ryleigh!

Our hearts have doubled in size.
Ryleigh Ann Hamilton, we welcome you with love.

December 16, 2011
11:05 pm
6 pounds, 2 ounces
19 inches
(and no epidural since our little lady was in QUITE a hurry to join our family!)
We are truly blessed.

It's Beginning...

to look a lot like Christmas!

There's nothing like creating new holiday traditions as a family -

and carrying on those we grew up with as kids

Not sure which excites us more each day:

racing to see whether Harry, our elf, has returned from the North Pole

or racing to the mailbox to see who will greet us.

The advent calendar is also very high on our three-year-old's list

Right at home on the Big Guy's lap.

Tops on Lexi's Christmas list this year are:

a big girl bicycle and a baby sister (in that order)

Looks like a winner

Santa's Visit to the town green was a big hit.

It was a beautiful day,

and there were arts and crafts stations, a petting zoo, 

horse and carriage rides, seasonal treats 

and of course time with St. Nick and his elves

So excited

Our little helper took charge of trimming the tree. 

(When she wasn't looking, 

we basically re-hung every ornament to ensure they'd stay on)

This used to be a job for me and my dad growing up.

It's really special to see the passing of the torch. 

Our little bakers posing in front of their finished products

When the line for another Santa visit is about 45 minutes long, 

you do the next best thing...pose with Rudolph

Spreading Christmas cheer at the preschool holiday party

Yes, indeed, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

And we are pretty excited :)

Thanksgiving...in December

The Christmas spirit is alive and well -
and in full swing - over here in Hamilton land,
but first up are some pictures from Thanksgiving.

We spent it here at home - with Vic's side of the family.

Started the day off right, with a little Starbucks and Macy's parade watching.

Followed by some time on the swingset

And then we got down to business

There's nothing better than a house full of visitors,

and we had a fantastic (and pretty relaxing) day 

filled with time spent playing outside, 

followed by lots of food and wine.  

Lexi was thrilled that everyone stayed for a "sleepover party".
And her very pregnant mom was thrilled that, thanks to all the help,
her kitchen and dining room were as good as new by the next morning.
We missed you LaRoses and Hanks and can't wait to see you all soon.