Introducing: Lydia Larson

The most beautiful angel was born at 3:31 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 in St. George, Utah. After nine months of secrecy -- more like indecision on my part -- we revealed her name as Lydia Larson and she is amazing!

Because I'm pressed for time (I have a child who likes to feed for about an hour over the course of 90 minutes each time) I'll give a quick recap in hopes of posting more later.
We'll see.

I went to a routine doctor visit on Wednesday, Aug. 5. I was a little worried about a lower level of fetal movement so my doctor's PA sent me over for a non-stress test. Good thing she did. They checked the amniotic fluid level and found it was way too low (3.9 for anyone who knows what this stuff means) and the technician called my doctor who said it looked like a good day to have a baby.
Although we've been hoping for her to come a few days early, when the time came I suddenly felt completely unprepared. I even asked if I could go home for an hour, just to feel like my things were in order and get my hospital bag. But this was not an option because of their concerns for her safety. I was immediately admitted to labor and delivery, crying like a baby with my husband receiving reassuring glances and comments from the staff that this was perfectly normal.

Once settled the day progressed like this:
Wednesday, Aug. 5
10:30 a.m. -- Admitted to labor and delivery
11:15 a.m. -- started on the pitocin
12:45 p.m. -- Dr. Lunt broke my water.
4:15 p.m. -- Epidural
Thursday, Aug. 6
2:15 a.m. -- Dilation complete
3:08 a.m. -- Started pushing
3:21 a.m. -- Dr. Lunt arrived
3:31 a.m. -- Lydia is born!

Although everyone will immediately cringe when I say this: She was 9 pounds 1 ounce (cringing and amazement seems to be people's reaction of choice) and 21 1/2 inches long, I have been feeling fine. My recovery has gone very well and she seems so little to me. :)
The only glitch was a case of jaundice that made Lydia have to stay in the hospital one day longer than me. Luckily I was able to stay on at the hospital as a boarder. After one day they sent us home from the hospital on Sunday with the beli lights for another day. But today she was able to join us out of her little tanning bed and is doing great!

After the epidural I was feeling somewhat social.

My mom was there and Kevin actually drove up from California for the day/night as a surprise which was really fun!

Derek was amazing through the whole thing :)

Our little family.