Miss Olivia

Well, it's only taken me a week to announce the newest member of the Hansen family and I don't think that's too shabby! Olivia Elise Hansen was born on July 4th at 11:25 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. (my biggest baby yet!) and 19 inches long. I had been scheduled to be induced on the 6th since I was over due but I wasn't too excited about it. I had really wanted to go into labor myself but I was also extremely ready to get this baby out of me! So I finally admitted defeat and started making plans for her to arrive on July 6th. I had always said that I didn't care which day she came as long as it wasn't on Independence Day. Apparently that's what did it...so like my children to do the exact opposite of what I tell them! However, of all the holidays to be born on that isn't such a big deal and this way she'll get fireworks every year! I started having contractions at about 3:00 a.m. and by 4:15 they had become painful enough and close enough together that I woke Eric up and jumped in the shower. My dear sweet sister, Kristi, was kind enough to answer her phone at 5:00 a.m. and quickly came to sit with Micah and Hailey until they woke up and my parents could come and get them. We arrived at St. Mark's Hospital at 6:00 a.m. but they didn't officially admit me until about 8:30 which seemed like the longest 2 1/2 hours! Apparently there was some confusion and the nurse was under the impression I was trying to have a natural birth and there was even talk of sending me home while the labor progressed. Close to tears and being adamant about not leaving the hospital without a baby in my arms I finally told the nurse I definitely wanted an epidural. Well that changed everything, especially since I was progressing quite nicely, and by about 10:00 a.m. I was getting my epidural. Yahoo! I have to say that after doing this 3 times this was by FAR the best anesthesiologist I had had and he is worth EVERY penny of what we will pay him! Unfortunately, my midwife was not the one on call and they were unable to get ahold of her so I had another midwife do the delivery. I was a little bummed at first after spending 9 months consulting with someone else but the on call midwife was wonderful and I was quickly put to ease. Yet again my water had to be broken but I consider that a good thing since my babies are here so rapidly after that happens. Once fully dilated I was ready to go and 3 pushes later our sweet baby girl was here! For the first time I was able to watch the delivery and I will admit it was the most disgusting and wonderful thing I have ever witnessed! She squeaked a little but didn't cry and immediately stretched completely out, I'm sure grateful for more room. I was really hoping that she would come out looking like a specific name to make the decision process easier but...she didn't. Eric put the final decision on me since he got to name Hailey but I was really having a hard time deciding. We had narrowed it down to Olivia or Greta. Both had their pros and cons and we debated them for awhile but by that evening it was clear that she was an Olivia. Elise is my middle name and without ever caring before to use it I felt really strongly to pass it on. I find it funny how I was always against using popular names, which is why I have loved Micah's name so much, and now 2 out of my 3 children have more popular names. But when you find the right name it doesn't seem to matter any more. (I just hope she's not 1 of 20 Olivia's when she starts kindergarten!) Both Micah and Hailey have been absolutely wonderful with her so far (knock on wood) and have been great to listen to me when I tell them they can or cannot touch her. It's been really sweet how gentle and tender they are with her. It will be interesting to see how things go once all my help is gone and it is just me to give all 3 attention but I'm glad it's gone well so far. It helps that Micah and Hailey are such good buds and play and keep each other entertained. And even more amazing and wonderful is that Olivia has been great! (So far and again, knock on wood!) She hardly makes noise at all and mostly just squeaks when she's hungry. Unless I let her get really mad and then she'll let out a cry or two. She has been too sleepy that I've had a hard time keeping her awake long enough to eat but I know that will pass all too soon. It is amazing how someone that didn't really exist in this world a week ago could fit in so well and can bring such overwhelming love to our home. It's like she's always been a part of us. Having her has also made me appreciate and love Micah and Hailey even more. I love to watch them and to see how big they seem next to Olivia, especially Hailey! My little baby girl is now a giant! I guess she is no longer the baby though. It's hard to believe I now have 3 children! It hasn't really sunk in yet and probably won't for a little while. Here are a few pictures of our little Livvy although I have to say the camera does not do her justice!