3 Days old and counting...

She is finally here. Our beautiful Kaija Marie Hill arrived at 4:51 a.m. on August 26th. On Monday, I had been getting some regular contractions since midnight and my doctor's office felt that I should go and get checked. We went to the hospital at 1:30 p.m. and had a a non-stress test, and the nurse did not feel I was ready yet. She said I hadn't really started to dialate yet and felt that it wasn't really labor, and the contractions would stop or maybe speed up. The day continued, and so did my contractions. I went to a women's club dinner, but the contractions were really getting to me. I hunted down Tyler as he was arriving at the gym. He skipped out and we planned to stay in for a movie and some air popped popcorn. By the time the movie was over, I was worried about how I was going to sleep. After laying in bed, getting up, laying down and up for an hour, my husband watched the clock, and when he said he saw 3 contractions that were 5 minutes apart, we decided that it was time to go to the hospital. I was worried that because there were no signs earlier that they would still send me away. We got to the hospital at 1:30 a.m. I was really relieved when they checked me and told me I wasn't going anywhere until I had a baby; I was at a 3-4. Labor was tough, but I spent most of the time on my feet and doing squats. After 44 hours with only five hours of sleep, man was I tired. Tyler was great and supportive, and I only yelled at him a couple of times. At about 3:50 I was ready for the tough part. I was very lucky and blessed that it progressed so quickly. At 4:51, Dr. Merrill caught our little bundle. He also did a fabulous job. She is so beautiful, and we are enjoying every second with her.

Kaija's first exam.

Dad's first time holding her. Look at that smile.

Even cute when she cries.

Time to check out!