IT'S A GIRL!

PARKER SIERRA STOCKE

December 18, 2008 @ 12:26 AM

6 lbs 14 oz

19.75" long

I was in labor at home for about 4 hours, and wasn't sure if it was real labor or just contractions since I was having so many pre-labor contractions in the days before. My cousin started timing them on the phone with me and said I need to go to the hospital right away. They were 4 minutes apart. We called up a friend, and she came over to stay with Peyton. So bags are packed, and we're on our way to the hospital in the pouring down rain. It's a 40 minute drive. The contractions were getting stronger & closer together, so by the time we arrived, I was dilated to 2 cm. The nurse told me to walk for an hour and she'd check me again. After about 40 minutes, I was doubled over in pain and crying. She checked me again & I was 4 cm. She said, "Great! You get a room!" About 2 minutes later, I was in extreme pain and begging for an epidural. She was way too relaxed and said I needed to get in my room first. Ugh! They wheeled me to my room, I got on the delivery bed, and about 2 minutes later, a huge contraction came and my water broke as my body was trying to push Parker's head out. I was trying to hold her head in since there was no doctor and just 2 nurses prepping the room, but my body was pushing her out by itself. At this point, I'm screaming for the epideral and the 2 nurses got in a fight over whether or not I can have it. Meanwhile, Parker's head starts coming out, and when the nurse sees it, she says I need to push. I said, "What?!! Are you kidding me?!" She said, "No, you're going to have this baby right now! You can do it, Holly. The worst pain is over. I swear it doesn't get any worst. Now bear down and push!" Next thing I know, I'm pushing for 10 second intervals with barely any time to catch my breath. Thankfully, the doctor came in just in time. Keep in mind - I had no painkillers and felt everything! I've never screamed so much or felt so much pain in my life. Everything went so fast. I was at 4 cm, and then 12 minutes later, I was pushing her out. I felt amazing afterwards though. Talk about an endorphin high! I held Parker, and then when they took her to clean her up, I got up, took a shower, and put my regular clothes back on. I was ready to go! Didn't even bust a sweat! The nurses were laughing in amazement.

My mom flew in on Saturday, right when I got out of the hospital, and she did an AMAZING job taking care of all of us. She was here for 4 days, cooking, cleaning, shopping & babysitting. Her help was priceless.

I can't believe it's already been 10 days since Parker was born. The days are flying by. It's been a mix of happiness and sickness around here. Peyton had bronchitis and got me sick while I was in the hospital. That made for a miserable few days. I was coughing everywhere. Now Parker is sick with the same sinus infection & cough, but the doctor says she can't have any medicine. I'm going to have to be a hermit for about 6 weeks until her immune system builds up.

Peyton has been very good with her, and so far we don't see any jealousy. Peyton wants to wear diapers again and says she wants to be a baby, but I hear that's pretty normal in this situation. She's also very clingy, but gets that way any time there is a change.

We had a great Christmas. Peyton LOVES all her new toys, puzzles, books, & paints. Her favorite is The Littlest Pet Shop toys. She has a whole village of them in her playroom and plays with them for hours every day.

Hope everyone else had a Merry Christmas, and that you are all healthy and doing well.

Much Love,

Holly & Family