Our Princess has arrived

Rachel Marie Nielson

Born : Wednesday August 4, 2010

Time: 1:32 pm

Weight: 7 lbs 2 oz Length: 18.5 inches

GODS ANGEL SENT TO US FROM ABOVEAll thanks again to hypnobirthing, I was able to have another natural birth with no medication. I just love the adrenaline and how you feel afterwords. It' s like a complete high that I have never felt before, besides with James' birth. From the time contractions started (11:00 am) to the time I got to the hospital (12:15 pm) to the time I had Rachel (1:32pm) I was ready and rearing to have my little princess in my arms. This is the wonderful story of Rachel's arrival..... At my 37 week appointment I was dilated to a 3 and 75% effaced. I thought for sure I was going to have Rachel the next morning, because that was exactly what I was the night before I had James 21 months ago. So I started to really plan for this baby to come and I think I over did it with the move to Spanish Fork and everything. I did not take it easy, but was completely overworked as I spent the3 full days packing, unpacking and cleaning. I just wanted to be ready when our little one decided to come, and I didn't want our house to be in shambles. I finally felt ready a week later, mom and dad had come to help me a bit with James and allow me to rest and feel more prepared. When I went in to get checked this time for my 38 week checkup I was dilated to a 4 and 80% effaced. Doctor Savage, (my personal favorite child bearing doctor) said I could go tomorrow or in a few weeks and that there wasn't any forsure date she could give me. Well that evening I felt great and started thinking that I still had a week or so to go. So we had a late night and played Settlers of Catan with my parents, had dad give me a blessing and so forth. Earlier that day Dad helped us find a dryer and washer to complete our needs for our new place. I finally felt ready, but was pretty confident she wouldn't come for at least a few days.

Wednesday morning arrived and like normal Josh went to work and James and I said bye to mom and dad, who had decided to take off to Arizona for a few days to visit family. I had just gotten out of the shower and put my make up on, while James was downstairs watching a Living Scriptures movie and I needed to go to the bathroom. Well I went, yet I had the urge again to go about 3 more times and that's when I began to second guess that I was having contractions. They were not harsh at all but then I started timing it and they were every 6-8 minutes apart. I called Josh and told him what I was feeling, but explained that I didn't know if they were contractions or not. So then I called my friend, Cassie, who came and picked up James for us. Then I called mom and dad and told them that I was feeling something and was heading to the hospital, but that it could be a fake. They suddenly turned around(they were only an hour out), hoping for mom to make it for the delivery.

As Josh arrived home pretty fast, I finished the last minute packing and handed James off to Cassie. At this time, the contractions where now harsher and I really had to focus on my hypnobirthing, or they would have been really hurting. Josh and I took off with all we needed to the hospital. All I remember thinking was -Josh, get me to the hospital before I have this baby, because my doctor told me that this one was going to come so much faster and that when I start feeling the contractions I better get to the hospital right away. Well our drive to the hospital ended up being about a 15 minute drive which is usually a 25 minute drive, thanks to Josh. The roads were a little busier, it being noon and everything, but Josh was speeding and going in and out of lanes. When we got there I insisted that Josh park, while I wait for him at the door. My contractions were now about 3 minutes apart. As we walked through the Provo Utah Vally Hospital, I had to stop and lean on a wall for a second, because they were pretty intense. Josh had me sit in a wheelchair, but by the time we reached check in I just couldn't sit there anymore. It was way to uncomfortable, so I walked to our room. The nurse finally came into check me after getting ready and comfortably ready to have my baby girl. I was now dilated to a 5 and she called my doctor who was at the grocery store. Josh's mom and my mom arrived in time and they massaged my legs with lavendar essential oils. It was crazy how every single sense of mine was so alert and certain things would feel good, then a second later I would be pushing it away or asking someone to stop. Josh was the best birthing couch I could ever ask for. If it was not for him, I could not have done it so peacefully and comfortably. He was the one who kept my mind busy thinking about other things and finding my happy place (which was holding James and Rachel in my arms reading them stories, dressing Rachel up in pink and flowers and being at the beach in the sand.)

There was an intern with my doctor and he helped the majority of the way, with the guidance of my doctor to deliver Rachel. As my contractions got closer and closer my doctor asked if I wanted my water broken. I didn't know what the effects where so I asked and they just said it would make her come faster, but that the contractions would be harder. I was all for it. After she broke the water, she came in a matter of minutes.

The most intense part was when she was crowning, or as my doctor says, the ring of fire. During this time, she told me that if I did not push when I had the urge to push, I would not tear and have a better recovery. The nurse helped count with my breathing, as I had to hold my breath for a good 10 seconds a few times. Josh was there on the right hand side of me, helping me bring my legs in and push too. I totally needed instructions on how to push, because I had forgotten because my mind was so fixed on the hypno part of the delivery. When I was allowed to push, I pushed a few times and I heard my mother in law say-" Is that black hair?" I was so pumped and during my pushing that made me even more excited and the pain didn't seem that bad.As I heard her first cry and had her on my stomach and then my chest, bonding with her skin to skin, all I could do was cry. She was perfect and beautiful. They continued to clean her off and Josh cut the umbilical cord and she was right there on my stomach and chest. She grasped my finger and held on pretty tight for a newborn. Then once they weighed her and really cleaned her up and wrapped her up for warmth they brought her back to me and she nursed so easily. Oh my goodness, I never knew it could be so easy to breast feed. She grasped on, with barely any help from me at all. Ever since day one, she has been a total cuddle bug, a beauty to the eyes, a great feeder and a calm and very peaceful little angel from heaven. There were so many relatives and friends who spoiled us with hugs and kisses on this special day

The main comment were: "Wow, she had dark brown hair and looks like her momma." "She is beautiful" "She's so little."

Rachel was held for hours on end. She was only put down at night time when mom and dad needed to sleep. The first night she slept for 5 hours and only nursed 2 times during the night. Lucky for me, that was the only time I could sleep, because we had visitors the majority of the time, which we totally loved. It was the best, just laying there, visiting, downing the grape juice and staring at my little princess.

Our family of four. Two boys and two girls, how much more perfect could life get?

I wasn't quite sure how James would respond to his new sister. Thus, I thought of something brilliant that totally seemed to help. I bought James a few gifts that were from Rachel. When James walked into the room for the first time, I had him come and sit with me in the bed. I introduced him to his sister and then brought out the gifts. When he saw the toy car he was so excited. I told him it was from his sister Rachel and that he needed to give her a kiss and say thank you. Then he got a Buzz Light year sippy cup, which he thought was way cool. He kissed his sister again. For the rest of the day whenever he wanted something like candy or food we told him it was from his sister. He ended up really liking that sister of his. Let's just say that James is no longer the only child now, but our favorite little guy. He will make a spectacular big brother. I am curious to see how he adjusts to the new change.

We are the proudest parents. Isn't it just amazing how the Lord has created an amazing way for us to experience new and exciting things. Being a women and giving birth to my little baby girl was a miracle and a honor. I find myself thanking God over and over again for the opportunity we have to raise his son and daughter and to love them unconditionally. There is no greater gift that I can think of then having this responsibility every minute, every hour and everyday of these childrens lives. Being a mother is the greatest thing!! Welcome to the world, my little princess.

Here is our little lady in her going home outfit. Of course she is in pink and a flower.

Our Princess goes out into the real world looking fashionable and beautiful. She is just a pure ray of sunshine.

Rachel, your mommy and daddy love you so much and can't wait to create memories with you. We already know that you will bring happiness and more love to our family and home. Welcome to your new home with mommy, daddy and your big brother JamesP.S- Mom, I am so glad that you made it to Rachel's delivery and entrance into the world. Thanks for your support and love. James loved the time spent with you and grandpa. He got spoiled with all those park visits, stroller rides, etc. It was fun seeing you get closer to your grand kids and myself. Your time and sacrifice to be here for me will always be remembered. And thanks to you guys for letting me relax and really recover. XOXOXOXOX