Baby Emma

 
Emma Josephine Holding

born: May 12th 2011
weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
height: 19 inches

Emma was born Thursday May 12th at 11:34 a.m. I was scheduled to be induced that morning, 1 week before our due date since Lexi was so big (8 lbs 12 oz), and we didn't want this baby to get as large. We got to the hospital at 6:30, started the induction process at 7:30 and by 9:30 I was ready (i.e. nearly begging) for an epidural.

When the did the epidural the first time, around 10:00, it only blocked my right side. Since I preferred to be numb on both sides, they REdid the epidural and by 11:00 I was completely numb.

By 11:00, I was also ready to have the baby, apparently. No one had anticipated that I would progress THAT quickly and our doctor barely made it into the room in time to deliver Emma.

We had a little bit of a scare shortly before delivery. With every contraction, Emma's heart rate would drop drastically. Thankfully she was delivered very quickly (about 9 minutes) and within a few (excruciatingly long and emotional) moments, she was crying and her heart rate was back up. Apparently, she had the cord wrapped around her arm and would pull on it with every contraction, causing her heart rate to drop. She is healthy and fine, but it was a scary, terrifying moment for Mom and Dad.

We named her Emma because that was the only first name we both liked. Josephine has multiple meanings - Paul's dad's middle name is Joseph, and my aunt's middle name is Jo - we felt Josephine was a nice way to incorporate both our family names.

We've been home for a few days and everything is going well. She is a sweet, snuggly, LITTLE (ok, little to US - remember Lexi was almost 9 pounds) girl and big sister Lexi loves to hold Emma and give her kisses.