First of all, thanks to Amanda for getting the news out to everyone so quickly (and for the Diet Coke and Smarties). Thanks also to all of you sweet folks for all of your well wishes.
We’re still amazed that we have a girl 
On Tuesday night around 10:30, I was feeling some mild contractions. Nothing to get too excited about, but as I have quick labour, we thought it best to go get checked out at the hospital. I thought they’d likely send us home, but better to be safe than sorry.
I was right that the contractions were mild, and I was still 3cm. The nurse on duty thought we might as well just stay there, as I was being induced in the morning. I curled up and went to sleep in the delivery bed, and Matthew curled up on the couch in the visitor’s lounge.
Since I was induced as planned, I got to have Heidi as my labour and delivery nurse. Not only is she the most amazing nurse ever, it was nice to have a friend to chat with. Karen is an X-Ray tech and was working that day, so she came up to hang out on her coffee and lunch breaks. Poor Matthew was left browsing through magazines while we girls spent the day chatting.
My water was broken at 8:30 am. By 11 am, I wasn’t in any real discomfort, and was only at 4cm, so they hooked me up to the drip. I was still doing well and talking through my contractions until about 12:45. From then until just after 2:00 I was in hard labour, but managed to breathe through each contraction. I whimpered a bit near the end, because it was a little, shall we say, uncomfortable.
I pushed through 2 contractions (just like with Nathan), and Emily arrived at 2:13pm. Both Heidi & the doctor shouted, “It’s a GIRL!!”
I burst into tears.
Not only was she beautiful and healthy (and remarkably quiet), she was a GIRL. Matthew and I were in shock for the rest of the day. Well, we’re still kind of in shock. I honestly didn’t have any “feeling” as to what I was having, but felt that the odds were in favour of us having another boy.
Nope. She’s a stunning little girl. She has long slender fingers, and tiny wrists. Her feet are also long and slender.
My mom tells me that she looks exactly like I did as a baby. I pulled out my baby photos and I think she might be right. I think it’s finally my turn to have a “mini me.”
We are doing well. I’ve “got milk” and she’s happy about that. She’s a very contented baby - we haven’t heard much noise from her, even when she’s hungry.
As for the baby pool…yes, I put it in a spreadsheet. Three people guessed a girl on the 11th. Heidi and Karen were two of them. No kidding. And Vicki was the third. All three ladies have girls of their own, so they must have felt the girl vibe. I think Heidi wins the pool, because she guessed 11:53 am, 8/10 and 22″ long. The woman knows what she’s doing, just like I said.
We’re settling in over here. The boys LOVE their sister. Graham is always kissing her, holding her (with our help), and saying things like, “She’s so PRETTY!” Nathan gives her kisses too, and surprisingly doesn’t get upset at all when I’m spending so much time holding and nursing her. I guess he knows she’s here to stay.
I’ll leave you with one last picture, and I’m off to dream with my baby girl. Dreams of pink, and purple, and all things pastel. Cute little dresses (with tights!), and ribbons in her hair. I’ve always said that it would be dangerous if I had a girl, and I wasn’t kidding. I’m going to have to work more so that I can pay for all the stuff I want to spoil her with. She is going to be our princess for sure.
23 Comments
Aw. I’m all teary eyed AGAIN. I’m so glad you got a little girl to love, cherish and adore. Congrats Ange!
Comment by Jen on October 13th, 2006 @ 2:42 pmSeriously, that gets me all teary too!
So very very happy for you guys, and congratulations!
I thought for sure you were having a boy. Way to go, X chromosomes! I already see the beginnings of that great Dykstra smile!
Comment by Leah on October 13th, 2006 @ 2:56 pmCongratulations. She is soooo very sweet and gorgeous! I can’t wait to see more of her!
Comment by Lisa on October 13th, 2006 @ 3:00 pmI am so behind! COngratulations! I didn’t even know…. I am so happy for you…. oh my goodness…. you have a girl!!!! God bless you and your little angel. I can’t wait to see you!!!!
Comment by Susan on October 13th, 2006 @ 3:33 pmHooray for the birth story! I am glad things were so pleasantly simple with the delivery and that you were able to power through the contractions like the labour machine you are.
And I agree, Heidi is the best nurse ever!
What a great birth story!! She is so pretty and you guys looks pleased as punch!! I’m sure you’ll just love having a girl and having “pink and girly” things around your house!! YAY, I’m so happy for you guys
She is just beautiful Amanda, and you are AMAZING to be home and posting already! Not to say still looking great 
I’m so glad that your boys are happy too, I’m sure there will be many “awwww” moments in your house. Have fun with your baby!
Congrats Angella, Matthew, Graham, and Nathan! I hear about your baby from daughter inlaw Jen. I’m so happy for you having a little girl. YOur life will never be the same. God Bless.
Comment by Wandi on October 13th, 2006 @ 7:08 pmWow, you are amazing Angella! Posting 2 days postpartum, hats off to you girl
I say too that it would be dangerous if I had a girl….have a blast on “the other side of the store”!
CONGTRATS!!!! I always dreamed of having agirl….now I dream about having a grandaughter!!!
Comment by joyce on October 13th, 2006 @ 7:34 pmI am glad you are settling in with Emily. Again, I feel so blessed that I was able to share in your special day! You are superwoman, posting already. Hope you are able to rest and enjoy the days with your precious baby girl.
Comment by Heidi on October 13th, 2006 @ 8:24 pmCongratulations! You’re short and sweet labour story brings me HOPE for my own! Emily is so sweet looking!
Comment by joyce on October 13th, 2006 @ 9:10 pmI’m so glad to hear that everything went so easy for you and that you’re recovering so well. I’m just so excited for you and your family!
Comment by Amanda Franks on October 13th, 2006 @ 9:34 pmCongratulations! She is beautiful and already looks just like you!
I love pictures of baby feet. I am glad you guys are home. Enjoy every moment with your precious girl. Congratulations again.
Comment by Jolanda on October 14th, 2006 @ 11:38 amShe is gorgeous! Enjoy all the girly stuff ahead, it can be pretty fun.
Comment by Danica Grunert on October 14th, 2006 @ 11:47 amEmily is just soooooooooo precious!!! Look at her, so sweet! She does look like Graham! Enjoy all those sweet snuggles. I already bought her something. I love the foot picture.
She is sooo cute, and you look amazing. After reading your story of when she was born and they said GIRL!I too got all teary eyed, thats so awesome. Plus she two big brothers to always protect her.
Comment by Lucy on October 14th, 2006 @ 4:12 pmI’m so happy you have your little girl, having my girl and two boys I understand the “trill of pink”. Emma still has more clothes than me and they are mostly pink. I love shopping for girls, they have a very large selection when the boys have minimal to choose from.
Comment by jazz on October 15th, 2006 @ 8:59 amLove the pics of newborn Emily, and her parents holding her. You put up a physical challenge, but you look not bad at all (or you put on makeup at least to look good in the pic, did you?). I seen photos of me when I was born and could imagine how my parents felt when I came. I met my nephew hours after his birth and stories from my bro on delivery (his GF had a C-section to have him 6 weeks early). I remember he was as small as my landline phone on my desk (about 1 foot 2 in.). I say big things start out small. +
Comment by Michael on October 24th, 2006 @ 5:48 pm
She is sweet sugar and spice and EVERYTHING nice=) What a beauty! So exciting…thanks for sharing and I’m so glad to hear everything went so well and she is so content! Hope you get your rest….T.
Comment by Tanneal on October 13th, 2006 @ 2:39 pm