My Christmas present weighed 6 lbs 13 oz......

You guessed it! Stella Makayla Flynn was born Christmas Eve day!

And this is how I felt around 5 am....

Not good at all. This labor SUCKED. Why can't men be the one to go through it??

Anyway....let's get to the good stuff. The LABOR STORY. TA DA!

Around 3:30 on Wednesday night, I started having strong contractions. I had a doctor's appointment Monday, but I was only dilated to a 1. I went to the hospital at 9 and was only at 1.5 dilated, so they decided to monitor my contractions and see if there was any change. 45 minutes later, I was at a 2.5, 45 more minutes later, I was at a 3.5. They admitted me and got my antibiotics started since I tested positive for Group B Strep. At midnight, I was between a 4 and a 5 and the Dr said I could have my epidural if I wanted. I decided to get it so I could get some sleep. About 10 minutes later, I started feeling weird and numb all over and blacked out. I tell you what, I was scared to DEATH. As was Clancy. The anesthesiologist came back quickly and lower my epidural and put something in my IV. I started to come to, threw up, and felt fine. It was the weirdest thing ever. My blood pressure had dropped to 60/38!! Scary! This happened another 4 times before they said to stop the epidural for now. My contractions stopped completely and I slept. Around 7 am, my doctor came and said Let's get this show on the road! I couldn't agree more. They started a pitocin and a low dose of epidural. My water broke around 8, and I could really feel the contractions. There was blood in the amniotic fluid, which they discovered later was because part of my placenta had ruptured. My left side was numb, but I could feel everything in my right side. NOT FUN. I have soooo much respect for all you mama's who go natural!!!

At 10:15, I was a 9-10, and they called my Dr to come deliver. I started pushing and she was born at 10:32 am on 12/24/2009! Her cord was around her neck, but it was long enough to not bother her until her head was out. I was able to up my epidural right when I was at a 8-9, so I could feel her coming out, but I didn't feel any pain. She arrived 17 days early, but weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz. and 19.5 inches long!

She is perfect! She sleeps a lot, eats well and is adored by her sisters! The best Christmas present we could ever receive.

Now, enjoy the pictures.

She LOVED her bath!

I just can't get enough of her! She reminds me a lot of Livia, but definitely has the Flynn nose!

I know, the no make up look is really in right now.


My three girls, AKA my life.


Our family of five! Don't you love how the nursing pillow is still on. I think it's classy.