pumkin patch

We had so much rain this October that we almost didn't make it to the pumpkin patch. Since this is one of my favorite Fall activities I'm glad the weather finally cooperated. I'm also glad no one stepped on a bee hive (Sawyer, last year!) makes for a lot more fun ;)

what everyone wants to know...

Who does she look like?

We haven't figured it out yet. And the opinions are completely mixed.

I'm really curious to see what happens with her hair and eye color...I need to know which Bitty Baby to order for Christmas!

a baby story

Despite sky high blood pressure, Campbell being breech twice during the final weeks, and my absolute misery at the end, I was not induced for her delivery. I was scheduled to be induced on the 6th, but just minutes before leaving for the hospital we got a call that the unit was too busy and the induction would be delayed. By two o'clock that afternoon it was clear it wasn't going to happen at all. As disappointed as I was to not meet Campbell that day I resisted the urge to reschedule for the following morning - I was trying to force things and I knew it. In my heart I really did want the excitement of going into labor on my own, but waiting for that to happen was torture as my 10/9 due date approached. Of course now that she is here I can say nothing in my life has ever been more worth waiting for.

On the 7th I noticed contractions early in the day, but they were mild and inconsistent. Still, I was hopeful that they would intensify and set labor into motion. Finally at 8pm as the boys were winding down for bed I noticed the contractions coming every 10 minutes. They were not painful at that point and for two hours they failed to come any closer together. By 10 o'clock I was in full swing walking up and down the stairs and turning laps around the kitchen table to see if the contractions would get stronger. Jonathan in the meanwhile was glued to the Phillie's play off game. As the final inning played I was hit with a lot more pain and the contractions jumped to 4 minutes apart. I imagined that my mostly male dr.'s were all watching this last game in the series too, so I didn't start dialing until the final batter was up. The dr. on call told me to come right to the hospital and as soon as my mom arrived to watch the boys we were in the car and on our way.

I was upstairs in labor and delivery right before midnight and in a lot of pain. I mentioned every 20 seconds that I wanted my epidural. With as much agony as I was feeling I was surprised and slightly deflated to learn I was only 4cm dilated. Amazingly, after the epidural, I was checked again and had progressed to 8cm in just one hour! The nurse told me to relax and try to rest and that when the baby was down we would start to push - it was surreal how quickly it was all happening. With the boys I was in labor all day with pitocin to move things along. Right before 3am I told the nurse I felt some pressure, and sure enough I was fully dilated and ready to push. I could not believe when Dr. Lindberg announced after the first set of pushes that her head was out - I wasn't feeling any pain! She was far and away my easiest delivery and the experience was absolutely beautiful. I can freeze the moment she slipped into the world in my mind. There was such a hush and calm in the room, it was magical to know I was going to meet my baby. In minutes my daughter was in my arms. So long awaited, so tiny, so perfect. I enjoyed every moment of taking her in.



Later that morning Nanny was first to visit!

The big brothers arrived in the afternoon and couldn't wait to hold her!

They were instantly in love!
My heart melted to see Graham so happy to have a little sister.



Campbell had lots more visitors at the hospital too - Cappy, Uncle John & Aunt Ruthann, Uncle Bob, Cousin Angela, Pastor Candy, and mommy's friends Mindy, Korey & Laura.

The boys brought me flowers, and even the water turned PINK!
I was so excited to dress Campbell from head to toe when it was time to bring her home from the hospital.



Graham was the best welcoming committee!

We were all excited to spread the word that Campbell had finally joined our family!

Welome Campbell. You are an answered prayer. You are my wish come true. You are so very, very loved.

two

I was so relieved when I had Campbell on the 8th, since it meant I would be home from the hospital in plenty of time to celebrate Graham's second birthday. Turns out, she's his favorite present of all time - he loves our new baby to pieces! At two he's ready to take on the role of big brother and it's the sweetest thing ever!

Graham is a happy little guy and he melts our hearts every single day.

Graham is tall and talkative and most people think he's older then two
He adores Nanny and waits by the window when he knows she is coming over
His favorite tv show is The Wiggles and he sings and dances along with gusto
Graham is by far our best eater
He is friendly and affectionate and so, so loveable
He wishes he had his own cell phone
He loves to play cook, color and play ball
Outside is his favorite place to be
Graham loves counting, learning his letters and looking at books
He can hold his own when he wrestles with his brothers
His eyes are the bluest
His curls are the cutest
His heart is the sweetest
And we are overwhelmed with love for this little guy
Happy Birthday Graham!!!

this magic moment

Campbell Hartley Russell
October 8, 2011
3:04 am
7lbs 12oz
20 1/4 inches