Hazel's Birth Day Story

Hazel's birth story is a short one. She was simply ready to come! I wasn't even sure if I was going into labor because I'd had just a few sporadic contractions, so once they did start coming, we had some friends come over to watch the kids. They arrived at our house about 6:30pm. Jacob talked to them a bit while I made a mad dash for the car, I said hello but that I wanted to get in the car before the next contraction kicked in. My friend, Layla, said "you look so composed" - as I wore flip flops and yoga pants and dashed towards our garage. We took off to the birth center and as we entered the contractions were like a minute apart. I had to stop and get down in a yoga pose (child's pose) in the hallway, and then stop again at the front desk and do the same thing. The nurse said "let's hurry to your room" and I said "let's RUN!"

We got to the room and I got up on the bed for another contraction. Through my breathing I asked the nurse if she thought I'd have time to get in the jacuzzi tub (something I've done with both previous births and loved). She didn't really have time to answer - I barely had time to kick off my flip flops and get my yoga pants off before Hazel came bursting out into the world! We had been at the birth center approximately 10 minutes. She was born at 6:59pm. I surprised myself and pushed her out while on my hands and knees - and as the Doctor on call came running into the room, she didn't even have time to get her special gear on. I pushed once and my water broke and the next time, she was out! The nurse laughed and said, "to answer your question, NO I don't think you'll have time to get in the jacuzzi!" She also said "I just love it when we have to admit people AFTER the baby has arrived!" We didn't have time to do any of that stuff! It happened so fast, Jacob was kind of stunned. As she was placed on my chest and we were rejoicing all of a sudden I remembered: "Hey! Get the camera out! We need some pictures!" I had asked Jacob to actually photograph the birth this time, to give him something to do since I tend to be very inward during the whole process. But the labor and birth happened so fast, he missed it! Not to mention, he broke his arm the evening before, so it was pretty painful for him to pick up my big heavy camera - but he did anyway to capture the moments right after Hazel entered our family.

We literally called our friends who were watching our children about 20 minutes after leaving the house and told them the news, and to tell the kids their sister had arrived :) We spent time with Hazel and then called/texted family and friends and once she was all cleaned up and settled I put a headband on her and took a picture to send out. The hospital served us a "celebration" dinner before Jacob went home for the night. We clanked our goblets "Cheers! Way to go, team!"

I couldn't sleep, I was too excited. A new baby is WAY better than Christmas, and I still can hardly sleep, I just love holding her, cuddling her, looking at her, and listening to her cute little breathing and newborn noises. 

So, here are the images my special photographer took (thanks Jacob!) to capture Hazel's grand arrival. We feel so very blessed and lucky to have another sweet baby girl join our family. Her brother and sister just can't get enough - and neither can we. She's super tiny, and just perfect :)  

*warning - images related to birth, you've been warned*