WELCOME LITTLE HAYLEE!!

Our little girl is here!! After 37 1/2 LONG weeks, she's finally here! I have a kidney stone to thank for my early induction.....not so sure how happy I should be about THAT, but I DID get my epidural on time and my water didn't break at home (which would've allowed Kyle to deliver me at the side of the road with his hatchery tools), so all is well. I spent 6 out of the last 7 days in the hospital (not in labor). I went in last Friday, thinking I was in labor, but they sent me home saying they thought I had a kidney stone (much to my dismay). By Saturday night, I was in again with the flu and got to stay until Sunday afternoon. Monday I was home (in labor, even though the nurses wouldn't believe me) and by Tuesday morning, they got to see me at Kadlec AGAIN. I was most positive that they'd agree I was in labor THIS TIME, but alas, they didn't. Turns out my "back labor" was my kidney stone. I was having contractions too, but not enough they said. Well, Dr. Ortolano saved the day by coming in to say he'd induce me or we could worry about the kidney stone first and then he'd induce me. I almost jumped off the bed (and if I wasn't writhing in pain, I would have). He said that nobody should have to deal with labor and a kidney stone, so he was trying to make me feel better. It worked. Anyway, we decided to deliver, hoping the kidney stone would pass during delivery (while I had my lovely epidural).
Anyhow, even though Kyle didn't deliver me on Road 68 with his hatchery tools, he did deliver me. I'm not even exaggerating!! Kyle asked if he could catch the baby and the nurse suggested letting him help. Dr. Ortolano said he could just deliver! At first, I was thinking, you've got to be kidding.....take all his knives!! But it was really cool. They got Kyle all dressed (while hoping Haylee didn't fall out because she was right there already). He sat in the Dr.'s chair and my doctor stood over his shoulder and told him what to do. I think the Doctor only did like two things the whole time. He just told Kyle how to do it. Unbelievable!! Kyle even had to rotate Haylee's head because she was trying to come out crooked. Anyway, Kyle was so excited that he got to do that and Dr. Ortolano said he did such a good job that he should come with him to room 4 because he had to deliver there next. Anyway, it was pretty neat and I didn't even die, so......yay!! So, Haylee BriAnne Huwe was born on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 9:46pm. She was 7 lbs. 14 oz. and 18 1/2 inches long. SHE'S BEAUTIFUL!! (And pretty much the spitting image of Hunter.....if you mixed up their hospital pictures on the day of their birth, I wouldn't be able to tell who was who). She has a full head of light brown hair, which already goes over her ears. She's a shorty, so the fact that she was pretty heavy for being 2 1/2 weeks early, means she has chubby little cheeks and creases in her thighs. I love it!! Anyway, turns out she has a bit of a temper......or maybe calling her opinionated would be better. My Mother thinks I deserve this.....and I probably do......but she could at least cooperate occasionally. She loves to stay up all night.....which generally so do I......but it's not working out so well right now. She always wants to be held or have someone touching her or she complains. I don't mind the cuddling, so that's okay with me. Anyway, we're so delighted she's finally here. All went well and she's healthy. (Still not sure if the kidney stone is gone......I don't think so, so this could get ugly, but we'll just wait and see). Anyway, we love our little girl and are so happy she joined our family.

Side note: The boys are so cute with Haylee. Hunter couldn't be more in love. He wants to hold her ALL of the time. No one else is really allowed. Earlier, he finally consented to let Katie hold her (he'd had her for 1/2 hour). Before she even sat down, it was "his turn again." Tanner just likes to kiss and poke her. At least he names all of the parts he's poking, so it's kind of educational. Oh, and every time he sees her, he yells out, "Hold it!" Apparently the concept of male/female is lost on Tanner. Anyway, they're adorable. Tanner may smash her, but Hunter will save her.......and Mommy will be crazy.:) We love our little girl!