Sunday, December 5, 2010

I have a niece!






My sister was due on Thanksgiving and finally had her little girl yesterday, Saturday! I have been offline most of the week, back and forth to the hospital. She was going in daily for nonstress tests and ultrasounds to monitor her fluid levels. Finally on Friday at noon she was induced, and she labored until 5pm on Saturday. She had a strong epidural in place so she was comfy, but definitely tired. Eventually they decided to do a c-section for failure to progress.

Kaitlin Allison is finally here! She is 8 lbs 3 oz and was face up, which they think is what stalled her labor. That is exactly what happened with Jacob, who was 8lbs 4 oz and delivered by c-section after 18 hours of labor.

My sister's husband is Chinese, and Katie looks just like him. She has light skin but very Chinese features, and a bit of dark fuzzy hair.

After the c-section my sister was taken up to the postpartum floor, and her husband went home to shower and such. I stayed with her, poor thing was puking non-stop. I got to snuggle with the (2 hour old!) baby and keep my sister calm. The nurse came in with a bottle for the babys first feeding, since my sister is on epilepsy meds that they can't decide if the baby should get through breastmilk or not. Anyway, I got to feed Kaitlin her first bottle. The little munchkin immediately sucked down 15 mls. Just like that!

Wow. That is more than Emily has ever taken orally in one sitting, in her entire life. I was blown away. I know it's normal and expected, but it really hit me hard.

I think watching a "typical" little girl grow up in the family is going to be a bit tough. I am over the moon excited for my sister though, and can't wait for her to go back to work in 2-3 months. Then I am babysitting Kaitlin! :)

10 comments:

Michelle and Sean said...

Congratulations to you all!! What a cutie! So much fun! Bummer for the c-section though. Glad that the baby is healthy!!

Rebecca Jackson said...

Congratulations!!! She's absolutely precious!

I completely understand the shock of seeing another child {especially a cousin} do something that your little peanut is unable to do. It's truly amazing that a heart can be filled with such love and pain at the same time. Hold both little girls close and treasure them for the true gifts they are.

Elizabeth said...

Congratulations on your new little niece! How wonderful that you got to be there and feed her -- I hope your sister is feeling better soon!

erica said...

Congrats! She is super cute! I love those cheeks!!

The VW's said...

Congratulations Auntie! She is adorable! Have fun spoiling her! Big Hugs!!!

Lacey said...

Congrats auntie! Those are some major fat cheeks!

Shannon said...

She's so cute! I can't wait to see more pictures of her! Yay! Congrats!

Becky said...

She is BEAUTIFUL! :) I'm so happy for your family. A new one from Heaven is always such a joyful time. Enjoy her...they grow fast!

Cathy said...

Congrats to your family with a new member. So glad you could help and spend time at the hospital.

Donna said...

CONGRATULATIONS Auntie!!! :)