Drake Anthony Michel

My sweet baby boy came into this world on 11/10/11. Here is a quick rundown of D-Day. I woke up Thursday morning to get ready for my dr appt (I had an ultrasound and Non-stress test scheduled before seeing my dr because baby boy had been measuring big and then all the sudden small so they wanted to just be safe and check up on him). As I was getting ready I was having strong menstrual like cramping but no tightening...so i didn't think much of it. I went in for my non stress test the cramping continued but nothing was showing up on the screen as a contraction so again, I didn't think anything of it...but we did see that baby boy's heart rate dropped a few times and even though he wasn't in any stress it was something to look at. Well after all my testing I got to see Dr. M. I told her about my cramping and she smiled a big smile and said, "That is early labor!! Let me check you and see how you are doing!" She checked me and said I was 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. She told me since I was having early labor pains and I'm progressing she would strip my membranes. WOW..ouch. Then she sent me to labor and deliver to monitor baby's heart rate for an hour to see if it would drop again. Then she told me if my early labor pains were real then she would see me as early as tonight or tomorrow. I was so relieved...I knew it was going to work...she was soo confident. As I walked down the hall to L&D my contractions started! They were consistent 2-3 mins and after an hour of laying in L&D they got uncomfortable. The nurse told me I had to stay and walk the halls to see if they progressed even more and if I would dilate more. After 45 mins Dr. M found me and said baby's heart rate dropped a few times again and that my contractions were significant enough to keep me so to call Michael and have him come...and once he got here she would break my water. Michael hurried over and Dr. M broke my water (I was a 3). Soon after my contractions really kicked in!!! The nurse came in and told me that I should get my epidural bc the anesthesiologist was going into surgery and I would have to wait 2 hours. I knew that wasn't going to happen so I got my epi and was soo happy I did. A little later Dr. M came to check me and I was only a 5-6 (after like 4 hours). I was freaking out. Then she realized Baby was sunny side up and decided we needed to flip him so she had me lay so far on my side. No joke 45 mins later the pressure was INSANE! My nurse insisted that I couldn't go from a 6 to a 10 in that short amount of time but honestly... It wasn't just pressure...it was pain! So uncomfortable. We Kicked up the epi just a little and it helped a bit. Then just a little bit after that Dr. M came back...and guess what. I was a +2....yep baby was coming...head was right there...just as I felt and suspected!! A few pushes later Baby just kind of slid right out. I was soo happy to see him, hold him, kiss him, hear his cute cry and welcome him into the world. He is Perfect and just the sweetest little guy I have ever seen.

Being Checked in...so happy to know baby boy was well on his way!
Feeling some but not enough to keep me from smiling!
All his stuff awaiting his arrival!Drake Anthony Michel was born on 11/10/11 at 10:11pm...I am SOO happy!yes, I'm tired but that's ok!

Instantly in love!

classic pic with mommy and daddy!

Proud Daddy!

1st bath!

OBSESSED with his hair!!!!!

The next morning Chloe Jane came to meet her baby brother. It was as if he had been around forever. She walked right up to him and asked to touch his hair! Haha. I was a total emotional mess. I just knew she understood he was her brother and a part of our family! I love these 2 more than words can express...I never knew my heart could love so much!

I love her so bad, I missed her so bad and I was crying so bad!

She wanted to hold him...and kept touching his face. Lol...I tried to stop her but she just couldn't help it and I was so happy to see them together I didn't care.

She brought baby Drake a softy to snuggle with at the hospital. (Softy is Chloe's favorite thing. She can't sleep without hers so she knows how important it is for Drake to have one). Baby Drake brought Chloe a Rapunzel dress. She loves it!

We are a family of 4!! Crazy!

Aunt Jennifer came to see Drake and Chloe just had to be right by them. Loving on Drake.Coming home! I always am anxious to get home, more space, my space...You understand!

My handsome guy! LOVE!

They had a baby extravaganza at the hospital so tons of fun balloons were out. I told Drake it was all for him!Chloe helped mommy give Drake his 1st bath at home!

This is the cutest baby boy ever. Seriously when I say I'm obsessed...I really am!We are so happy he is here and so blessed to have this little guy in our family.

Drake is such an amazing baby. He eats so well and sleeps amazing. The 1st night was rough but since then we have only had to wake up 1-2 times a night and he usually goes right back to sleep. We are a happy happy family of 4!