Aspen Kay Olsen

Our baby girl (#2) has arrived! Aspen Kay Olsen: born Sunday, January 9th, 7:44 a.m., 7 lbs. 7 oz., 20 inches. Here is the best picture we have so far (her face is a little swollen), but there will be more to come!
Below is a picture of Avery for comparison. She looks just like her big sister! An overview of the labor and delivery for those interested: I began feeling my very first and mild contractions on Saturday morning (2 days after my due date). Nothing particularly notable. They picked up over the day and by the night time, I thought it was a possibility we'd go to the hospital overnight if they kept picking up. I still thought it was possible they'd subside.

I woke up at 1 a.m. with a bit stronger contractions about 10 minutes apart, lasting 30 seconds a piece. I just stayed awake trying to relax on my ball or in the tub or just breathing. By 4 a.m., they were about 5 minutes apart and 45 seconds long. Intensity-wise, they were manageable and not scary, but took attention.

I decided to have my doula meet me and Brian at the hospital (my mom stayed at home with Avery). I guessed I was probably at a 4 dilation, and I originally wanted to labor longer at home but changed my mind when I thought of how long it might take to check in and I didn't want to be nearing transition during all that. Sure enough, I was at a 4 when we arrived about 4:30 a.m. I'm glad I went at this time. They strapped me to the bed for half an hour then let me walk the halls.

After an hour, I was barely at a 5 and I thought "well, I guess this could still take a while." I wasn't worried though, because the contractions were far enough apart and the peaks didn't last long enough for me to be frantic. I did feel nauseous though and threw up once. Then within another hour, I was at a 9! I was so surprised! The contractions still didn't feel like they had heightened a great deal; I just kept breathing and moaning and even stayed in bed because I felt that walking around would drain my strength or make me dizzy (plus the doctor would not be there for another 30 minutes and I was asked to stay low key). I was feeling very hopeful at this point because I was coping really well (I had enough time between peaks to regain my bearings). They were the most tough just before pushing and throughout pushing. My face and hands were getting tingly because I was breathing too fast; I hoped I wouldn't pass out, but my nurse and doula helped me with my breathing.

The most frantic I felt through this whole thing was when I was expected to push. I never felt this relief to push or overwhelming urge. I thought it would be easier and methodical, but I kind of had to make it up. They sort of suggested I could push if I felt like it, but I was more apprehensive about it because it wasn't the feeling I imagined. Plus the contractions were enough to keep me occupied and I was afraid to start pushing. I "manned" up and did anyway. After about 4 contractions (2-3 strenuous pushes each), it was all over. Amazing! She was here! The "ring of fire" never exactly happened (which was a relief). Everything was all said and done. Amazing. I just couldn't believe it. I was SO happy to have baby here!

Avery took a few minutes to warm up to her new baby sister. She was unsure of what this was all about. Soon enough, though, she wanted to hold her and share her bear.




Avery meets Aspen

Grandma teaches Avery to paint! She does so well!