Meet Mr. Carter Blake Creel

Early Wednesday morning I woke up with some sharp stomach pains.  I woke Anthony and told him that I seem to be having them every 4-5 minutes so if they didn't go away soon, then I was pretty sure I was in labor.  We got up and started packing our bags just in case and since they didn't go away, we headed to the hospital.  Once we checked in they verified that I was 4 cm dilated so Carter would be arriving.  After letting our family know, we got settled into our birthing room. 

From early on Anthony and I had decided that we would try to have the baby naturally...we strongly believed that interfering with nature can make labor more difficult.  We stayed strong until I was about 7 cm dilated and I started vomiting from the pain.  It was hard enough to fight through the contractions and I knew I still had the hardest part left, so we chose to have the epidural.  We were so happy we did because I was able to relax and give my body a rest for the really hard work.  I have a whole new appreciation for women who can have their babies naturally!!!

My labor was pretty textbook until this point.  Once I dilated to 8 cm, the contractions started to slow down from the epidural so it took some time before I got to 10 cm and was able to push.  The doctor also discovered that Carter was facing the wrong direction which was making the labor a lot harder.  They tried to turn him, but he was happy where he was.  After 3 hours of pushing, Carter joined our family at 1:40 pm-6 lbs 15 oz, 20 in long.

Carter's first bath

It is definitely a surreal experience...we waited 9 long months and all of a sudden there is a life that we created together.

The first few days of Carter's life have been a roller coaster of emotions.  We've had some rough spots and sleepless nights, but one look at his face makes it so worth it. 

Thank you to all of our friends and family for your support.  It has been awesome to see how excited each of you have been to see Carter.  It has also been wonderful to not have to worry about having a clean home or meals!  We love you all!