Welcoming our Little Princess

The Barnes Bunch would like to welcome the newest addition to their family. This adorable bundle of joy clearly has a mind of her own. The plan was for Queen Monica to go to the hospital today to be induced. However, after a severe snow and ice storm which plagued much of the country until Wednesday afternoon Queen Monica's water broke. Sitting on the couch after dinner she suddenly felt a gush. She got up to go to the bathroom and figured it was most definitely her water.

King Joe went into panic mode a little and began calling the doctor and the grandparents for someone to watch the kids. The doctor said pack a bag and come on in. The grandparents said they'd be right there. However, knowing how quickly Queen Monica goes they decided to meet the grandparents at the hospital. So they got everyone out of the house and down the slippery sidewalk to the ice covered car. They were soon on their way to the hospital.

They arrived about 7:30 and Queen Monica was checked. Confirmed that her water did break and she was 4 centimeters dilated. So off to a delivery room they went. Contractions were coming pretty hard every 2-3 minutes. Grandma and Grandpa showed up to the hospital shortly after 8 and took the 3 older ones back to their house. Just seemed easier that way.

Queen Monica was really wanting to labor without any drugs however she never experienced back labor before. Plus, this labor was a little longer than she had ever been through. So she had some Nuban around 9:30. Didn't take the pain away really just helped her to rest between contractions. After getting up to go to the bathroom though things got rather uncomfortable again. It wasn't too much longer before she was pushing. They were still trying to break down her bed while she was pushing through the pain. And at 11:00 p.m. on February 2nd Princess Alyssa Margaret arrived in this world. Right on mom's belly as it should be. She was not crying, but she was assured that everything was fine. She was looking around though. They brought her to the warming table and assessed her while Queen Monica was assessed. Alyssa, who the doctor feared could be Queen Monica's largest baby was her smallest at 7 pounds 9 ounces and just 19 inches long. She's a champion breastfeeder. And the old wives tale of lots of heartburn during pregnancy is true as she's got a thick head of very dark brown hair. Queen Monica believes she looks like her big brother. King Joe is unsure still.

Alyssa chose her name. After going through all of the names that were thrown around for her she responded most to Alyssa so that's how she got her name. She is perfect. There was a glucose reading in the beginning which was low, but after giving her some formula through a small tube attached at the breast it went up and has stayed up. Only had to have that little bit of formula in the beginning. Queen Monica and King Joe couldn't be more excited to have her here finally.

So welcome Alyssa Margaret to the Barnes Bunch!