Happy Birthday, Annabeth!

Wow, what a weekend this has been! We just got home from the hospital a couple of hours ago and I am still trying to catch up with everything that's happened. I guess I should just start from the beginning. Thursday afternoon, when I went in for my weekly check-up, I was surprised to learn that I was dialated to a 3 and 90 percent effaced. The doctor told me I should get my things ready and come in at midnight to start antibiotics. I told her I had one more day left at work and that I wasn't ready to go into labor, but she didn't think the baby would wait for me. I left the doctor's office in a panic because our house was a complete mess and I felt totally unprepared. After some frantic cleaning and hurried packing, Brent and I headed to the hospital. When we got there at 11:30, Brent suddenly remembered that we shouldn't check in until it was exactly midnight, as he did not want to pay for another day in the hospital. (I'm so glad that my husband is so financially concsiencious-even in a stressful situation such as this.......sigh) Feeling a little angry with him and anxious to get admitted, I waited in the waiting room for about 30 minutes and took a few last minute pics. This is the last picture that I took of my pregnant belly! It's weird but I actually kind of miss having it.

In the morning, they began inducing me at 6:00 and by 10:00, it was time to start pushing. I can't believe how fast it all happened. I got my epidural so quickly that I really didn't have to suffer for very long. To be honest, I was actually more worried about Brent than me. I thought he was going to pass out when he saw the needle. Luckily, mom was there to make sure he didn't pass out. Here are a few pics from the delivery room.

Baby Annabeth makes her debut to the world on May 2nd at 10:13.

Everyone else got to look at her first. How dare they take her away from me! I made her!

Our first picture together as a new family.

Me, mom, and baby. She was a great coach! (for both of us)

Gettin' cozy with her Big Daddy. Be nice to him, Annabeth, if you know what's good for you. He's the one with all the cash. We're broke.

Getting burped by mommy.Daddy's little girl. She already has him wrapped around her finger.

I love this picture! Isn't she cute? We are in love and can't wait for everyone else to meet her. Good luck prying her from grandma's arms!