Sofia Arianah Winters

We waited 41 weeks and now she is here! Our beautiful daughter arrived January 8, 2009 at 9:52am. She weighed 7.68 lbs and measured 19.5 in.
The labor process was a long one. My "water broke" at around 2am on Jan 7. I checked in to the hospital at around 2pm. I was already 3cm dilated and Jason was in downtown CHicago! The plan was to check in that evening to start me on cervidil and induce me, but Sofia had a different agenda! Jason arrived at the hospital at around 4:30 pm just in time for the contractions to start. The pitocin started and the contractions started. I was determined to do it 'all natural' The contractions got stronger and closer together. Jason was such a good coach, helping me breathe and get through each contraction, MIdnight came and they were unbearable! I didn't even have rest in between. I couldn't do it any more. I gave in, and got the epidural. WHat a difference, made me just wish I had gotten it sooner! But I wouldn't change it. I got to experience labor(kinda). Jason and I were able to take a 2hr nap. I had to get two doses of antibiotics because my membranes were ruptured for over 24 hrs.
By 5:30am, I had dilated to 9. The nurses came in and began setting up the room to start pushing. We were all excited! the doctor checked my at 7am and I was still only 9.5. The doctor said I has till 8am to get to 10 or we would have to have a c-section. At that point I was scared, but thought it's only a half cm. 8am came and I was only 9.5. Doctor had to call the OR and get me in at 9. I was so scared. I totally lost it. Everyone was praying. Jason asked the doctor if she would check me one more time right before going in to the OR. She agreed and I was still just 9.5. We went in and I got all drugged up! It was the weirdest feeling. I couldn't feel pain, but I could feel sensation of the cutting and tugging. The anesthesia made me really sick and I started throwing up. Jason was at my side of course. Then we heard the most amazing sound ever- our daughter's first cry! It was so overwhelming, Jason and I both lost it. We were crying, she was crying ( it was a very loud cry too!) The nurses brought here over-behind the blue curtain she was so beautiful. I got a quick glance and started throwing up! Once they took her to the nursery, they started suturing me back up. I don't remember anything, but a couple hrs later I was waking up in the recovery room. The nurse said the anesthesia began to ware off and I was feeling the staples and sutures, so the put me under! so weird..
I held me daughter in the recovery room and got to feed her for the first time. During our stay Sofia developed Jaundice and she was under photo therapy all day saturday. As for me and my history of anemia -kicked in. My hgb dropped to 7.2- which is super low. As soon as I was off bed rest I had a faint spell and was put back on bedrest. It was very crazy, but such a joy at the same time because we have our beautiful daughter now. We were discharged from the hospital Sunday night and have been adjusting to parenthood- nighttime feedings, diaper changes, crying, poopy faces! WHat an amzing joy/blessing. Jesus is so amazing! He created this tiny little person to perfection! We appreciate all the prayers as we begin this journey of parenthood. Our desire is to show Sofia the love of Christ and raise her in the ways of Christ.
Our prayer is that Sofia's little heart would be so gentle, loving and sensitive to the voice of Christ.

pictures to come...