A New Kind of Garden

As much as I love growing things outside (and more on this later, but we did actually have a semi-successful garden this year), this "garden" blog will now be more about our family, and the way its growing.

We proudly introduce our first addition, Miss Esther Kay Walker.  Born July 25, at 6:04 pm, weighing in at 7.7 lbs and 21 inches. 

Just a little about that wonderful day (warning: I have a few borderline-gross pics of Esther post birth).  We checked into St. Dominic's Tuesday night around 8pm.

 First thing Wednesday morning, Dr. Gnam broke my water, contractions started immediately, and they were STRONG.  Much to my relief, the epidural came shortly after that.  I was fully dialated and effaced by noon, and we were sure Esther's arrival would be early afternoon.  I had a WONDERFUL nurse, who treated me like royalty (and was there with an ice cold diet coke immediately after delivery).  I. Love. Her!
  Esther decided she wasn't quite ready, and Doc decided to let her "labor down" (which apparently means let her work herself out on her own instead of my pushing and pushing and pushing).  After another healthy dose of pain medication and some rest (I was even up for some visitors)...


the pushing only took about half an hour.  Lee was permitted to catch his firstborn and cut the cord. 

Robin was there taking pictures and cheering me on, and we had a waiting room full of support.

 

  After Esther was wiped off and our wonderful nurse made a special girly hat for her, we got to let some of our excited visitors come meet her.

 This is Mittie Kay, our dear sweet friend and Esther's namesake. 

 I will never forget the love and joy of this wonderful day.