THE FIRST WEEK

Peyton had many visitors while in the hospital. She spent time with her Grams (my mom) and Grandma Sue (Chris' mom). She was looked after by her Great-Mamaw (my grandmother). But we can't forget Great-Papaw (my grandfather) and Carlie. They were all smiles too!!

Our first night in the hospital was great and scary. She went back to the nursery around 9pm so Chris and I could get some rest. Around 11pm, I was told she up and rooting around (ready to eat). So..Miss Peyton was brought to Mama. Chris was so good with her (and me). He helped me get ready to nurse and stayed up with me and was just wonderful. Peyton made another appearance the next morning around 3:35am. Even though, my sleep was interupted, I enjoyed and will treasure every minute.

Peyton and I were discharged on Thursday, June 11th. Peyton was doing great..she was down to 7 pounds once we left the hospital, but we were scheduled to have a 2-day checkup with her pediatrician (Dr. Hall) Saturday, June 13th. By her check-up, she was back up to 7 pounds 4 ounces and doing wonderfully!! Dr. Hall said he would see us for her 2 week check-up (June 22nd). I called the grandparents to inform them and it turns out that Dr. Hall was both Chris and my pediatrician (what a surprise)!! So Chris and I must have been destined to meet!!

Most of this week was spent at home getting used to things. Grams was over to help us get oriented, and she was so great helping us with food and laundry and anything else she or I could think of. I couldn't have asked for Peyton a better Grams. Grandma Sue was also there to help with everyday things that we just couldn't seem to fit in with the new demands of Miss Peyton. She is so blest to have such wonderful grandparents.

On Sunday, June 14th, Peyton had her first trip to the "Bay House" to meet her great aunts and uncle as well as Great-Grandpa Motyka (Chris' grandfather). It was also her first introduction to Maggie (our daschund). Maggie was a little confused, but very friendly. It is going to take some time for her to adjust. But once, Maggie learns that she can get food from Peyton, I'm sure they will be buddies.

Induction Day

It was now the morning of June 9th..INDUCTION DAY!!. We arrived at the hospital at 5AM, but we had to wait. The drip was finally started about 7AM. I was about 4cm dilated and fully effaced. I felt my first contraction around 8:30, but it wasn't too bad just a little discomfort. Around 8:45 my doctor arrived to break my water. Unfortunately, the breaking of the water brought a little nausea and I got sick, but it didn't last too long. By now I was around 6cm dilated. Then the "real' contractions began...and it was a pain that just can't be described!!

Chris was wonderful..even though there was nothing he could do to help..he really tried. I was finally able to get the epidural around 10:45 and everything was wonderful again. Then the next thing I knew..the nurse was looking at the monitor then she checked me..and she said.."it's time to push..you are 10cm dilated." So around 12 noon we started pushing with each contraction and then Baby Ankersen was crowning, so my doctor came and the stirrups came up.

At 1:11pm, Chris said, "it's a girl." He cut the cord, and we welcomed Peyton Elizabeth Ankersen to the world. She let us all know she was here with her well developed lungs. Peyton was 7 pounds 7 ounces and 20 inches long with a full head of black hair.

After Peyton was done getting checked out and cleaned off, we had our first family picture, and all the family was able to come back to meet the newest member. It was a time I will never forget...what a blessing!!

At 3:23pm, Peyton was breatfed for the first time. She did wonderful and has been eating well ever since. After she ate, she went back to the nursery to have her first bath (4:16pm). Chris and I were able be in the nursery to capture this moment..it was great!! She was loving every minute...and I just couldn't wait to hold her again!! But it was time for me to go to my room to get settled. It wasn't long..and Peyton was back with us in the room (to eat again, of course)!!