your big entrance.

Dear Brielle,

You were due on October 27, 2013.

On Monday, October 21, Mommy went in for her last Non-stress test and ultrasound. This time you measured about 4 weeks small and your heart rate dropped really low for a few minutes! All the nurses were worried and told me that I was probably going to be having you soon! Daddy and I sat in a room praying while we waited for the nurses to get off the phone with my doctor.
It felt like we were waiting for days!!
They finally came in and told us that I was most likely going to be induced! We just had to wait on a call from my doctor to tell us when.

For the next few days, I played phone tag with the doctor. It seemed like we could never get ahold of each other at a good time. haha!
FINALLY, on Thursday morning, I got a call from my doctor. He told me that mommy was going to be induced THAT afternoon at 3:30 pm!!!
It seemed unreal that I would be holding you within the next 24-48 hours.

I quickly began to pack up the last few things Daddy and I had on our hospital list and put everything in the car.

As Daddy and I pulled away from the house, I quickly realized that the next time we would be driving home, we would have you in the back seat!! That was so crazy to imagine.

During that car ride, my thoughts were consumed with questions like...What would you look like? Would you look more like Mommy or Daddy? What would your cry sound like? How big would you be? Would you be healthy?
But the one thing I knew for sure was you were going to be absolutely PERFECT!

, 

Last Belly Picture
Left: 37 Weeks & 4 days
Right: 39 Weeks

When we arrived at the hospital, Mommy was put in a Labor & Delivery room. It was HUGE!

A nurse came in to let us know that they were running a little behind and that I would not be starting the induction process for another few hours.

Mommy's doctor came to the hospital to explain what was going to happen and to check to see if I was dilated or effaced. I had just been checked a few days before and I was not dilated at all.

When he checked I was already 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced!!! 

That was amazing news! We were that much closer to meeting you.

At 6 pm, the nurse came in and started the Pitocin, the medicine to start the contractions. 

At first, Mommy didn't feel any of the contractions. I wasn't in any pain! yay!!

At 8 pm, the nurses came in to check me, but there was NO PROGRESS!! You must have been very happy in Mommy's tummy, haha.

Grammy and Auntie JJ were in the room helping Mommy. Grandpa, NaNa, and Papa came to visit me before you came. We were all sooo excited for you to get here!!!

At 11:50 pm, they checked Mommy again and I was 3 to 3 1/2 cm dilated and 70% effaced.

Yay, progress!!

At about midnight, the pain became excruciating! Daddy helped by rubbing my back during the contractions. I don't know what I would have done without him!
You have the best Daddy.

At 1:45 am, Mommy was in SO much pain and I got an epidural. 

After about 10-15 minutes, I couldn't feel anything below my boobs.

I had nurses coming in flipping me from side to side to keep the epidural distributed evenly. Haha. I felt so helpless.

At 3 am, they checked Mommy again. I was 6 cm dilated and 90% effaced.

 I decided that I should probably get some sleep since you probably would not let me get much once you were here, haha.

After a few hours of sleep, the nurses woke me up to check me again. At 5:15 am, I was 10 cm dilated and 100% effaced! That usually means its time to push, but they said your head was still too far up and they wanted to wait an hour for you to drop more. So Mommy decided to go back to sleep!

The nurses woke Mommy and Daddy up at about 6:30 am...IT WAS TIME TO PUSH!!!

They had me get in position, called my doctor, and Mommy started to push at about 6:50 am or so. 

Once you started crowing, Mommy's doctor, Dr. Fiorentino, called Daddy to come over. You should have seen Daddy's face!! He told Daddy, "Get over here! You're going to deliver your baby!" He was so brave and walked over to the end of the bed. Grammy grabbed Mommy's hand for support and Auntie JJ rubbed my head as we all watched Daddy grab your head and catch you as you were born. 
That was the most amazing moment of my life! I could see in Daddy's eyes that it was love at first sight. You already had him wrapped around your tiny little fingers!

You, Brielle Gracelynn Adams, were born at 7:14 am on October 25th, 2013.
You weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz
19 inches in length

Daddy putting on your first diaper!

I was so swollen from all the fluids!

Daddy making Mommy laugh!

First time Breastfeeding!

Daddy's first time holding you!

You had the cord wrapped around your neck 3 times and had some trouble catching your breath at first but you got the hang of it very quickly. You had some trouble in the beginning but you were PERFECTLY healthy and absolutely beautiful!! The nurses laid you back on Mommy's chest and everyone left the room. 

Daddy and Mommy got a whole hour alone with you! You were a pro at breastfeeding. Barely cried. My little cuddle bug.

I'll be writing to you again soon! I love you soooo much!

Love,
Mommy