Annabelle Leeann

Annabelle Leeann joined our family on 7/10/11 @ 6:25. She weighed in at 7 lbs 7 oz (the same as Penelope) and measured 18.5 in long. We went into the hospital at 8 am Sunday morning to be induced. The pitocin was started around 9:15. After several hours my contractions finally got into a good rhythm and so Dr. Lopez broke my water to help speed up the process. About two hours after than I told the nurse I felt like I should be pushing, so she checked me but I was only at 7 1/2. She said she would call Dr. Lopez (who was in the hospital checking on patients) and let him know that she thought the baby would be coming in about 15-20 minutes. So 20 mins goes by and the nurse comes in to check on me and I told her I think shes coming. So she went to check (with one sterile glove on) and the baby's head was on its way out. With no other nurse in the room she started to try to figure out what she was going to do. Luckily another nurse came in and was trying to help her put on the other sterile glove. They finally got the glove on, but Annabelle had already arrived. The nurse did a fine job delivering with one hand and the baby came out in about 3 pushes. After she was delivered about 4 more nurses came in and said "why didn't you tell us she was delivering?" Well I bet you can guess her answer. She was a little busy and just simply couldn't. So anyhow then Dr. Lopez showed up after they cut the umbilical cord and started cleaning her up. Luckily I did not tear at all, but two minor scratches (as the Dr. called them). So a few little stitches and I was good to go. Dr Lopez was great, I had told him I had a history of rapid labor, but I don't think he thought it would be that rapid. So here she is..... She started peeing right away so they got a diaper on her quickly.

Mom and Dad were at home with Penelope when she was born so they came down and were there shortly after her birth. Penelope was a little confused when she came in the room. She saw aunt Sara and headed straight for her, then she realized I was up in the bed with the baby (with a little help) so then she came over to check things out.

She was instantly in love with the baby and was very protective of her. Every time she sees her she says, "aww shes so cute" or "shes beautiful".

Our first family photo with the new addition.

Here's Annabelle with the quilt that Grandma Cheryl and Aunt Holly made for her. Isn't it cute!

Proud Parents

Proud Grandma Cheryl and Papa

Proud Grandma Betsy

On the way to the hospital Penelope told Papa that he wasn't allowed to hold the baby because he was too scary. So they worked out a deal that Papa could hold her if he would be nice, but as you can tell Penelope was concerned that Papa wouldn't hold up his end of the bargain, so she kept an eye on Annabelle while Papa had her.

Chris wanted to let Penelope try to feed Annabelle so we got a little bottle of formula and she gave her a little after she had nursed. Penelope was in 7th heaven being a big girl.

This is Penelope's favorite thing to do now. Hold and kiss baby sister Annabelle. As I said before she is very protective of her. She does not want to leave her behind, doesn't like to hear her cry (she trys telling baby to shush and gets frustrated when she doesn't.), and she does not like when people (other than mom and dad and herself) hold Annabelle.