Nola's First Day

We're finally home with Nola! But before I get into how great it is to be in our own (very clean - thanks Donna, Matt, & Finn!) home, let me lay out the back story.

E and I wondered if Nola and I would be sharing a birthday, but that didn't come to pass. Instead, after mild to moderate contractions that evening (13th), E woke at ~2 am with fairly strong contractions. With the distant memory of E's 18-hour labor with Finn, we tried not to get too excited...timing contractions, packing, talking, etc. Pretty much ignoring our midwife's recommendation to not hang around the house too long, since labor with the second has a way of progressing more quickly compared to with the first. But over about 30 minutes E progressed from one stage to another, suddenly becoming very serious. A this point she was working incredibly hard, and then started feeling hot and sweaty, and felt like a bowl movement was coming on...uh oh. With contractions about 4 min apart and lasting over a minute, we quickly loaded up in the driving rain/sleet/snow and made way for the hospital. Later E told me that she was having serious self doubts right before leaving the house - a good sign that things were moving toward the end game! Upon check-in (~3am) she was 8cm dilated and expertly weathering strong contractions. Our awesome midwife showed up, E weathered a few more contractions, and then started pushing. About 20 min later, after a short, but very-intense (drug-free!) labor, Nola was born (4:05 a)!

We are so happy to report that she is happy, healthy, beautiful, and perfect in every way. Here are some photos from her first full day.

Finn finally getting to meet his baby sister. He was really cute - excited, cautious, and curious. He's going to be a great big brother.

E soaking up the Nola time. How special she is to both of us.

Nola. In DuRoss fashion nicknames to follow. So far, tossing out: Nol, Noly, Noler, Nellie.

She's a sleeper (at least during the day)

It was great to have so many visitors. Here Nola is meeting Chip, Audrey and cousins Ruby and Owen.

Mom and Matt. A special thanks to them for taking triple duty with meals, Finn-entertaining (and explaining, I'm sure), and house/basement details.

My special girl...can't seem to hold her enough.