Cordelia Fae Large

We welcome little Cordelia Fae Large to our family with open arms! She is a delightful, healthy bundle. She was born at 7:06 am on November 7, 2009 weighing 7lbs 8oz and measuring 18.75 inches tall. She's eating like a champ, sleeping soundly, and has hardly shed a tear. We are in love!

The journey began after our labor inducing charm Gigi arrived to town on Thursday afternoon. We had a relaxing day Friday. Gigi watched Eloise Friday night so that we could go out to Lebanese Taverna and enjoy a long and wonderful meal together. We walked "down town" Bethesda and finished the night with the movie Away We Go. As we headed to bed at 11:30, the contractions started coming quick so we knew it was time.

We arrived in L&D at 1:30am and started the process. We walked the halls, watched Entertainment Tonight, and laughed about the movie we had just watched: "We are against the 3 "S"s: no separation, no sugar, and no strollers!" Best part of the movie! (Anyone seen it?) From 1:30-6 am the contractions were building but quite tolerable. At 5:30am I noted to Alex that I was starving but doubted I'd have this baby by breakfast. I was wrong!

Thankfully after "transitioning" at 6am, or hitting 7cm and entering the most painful part of labor, we took off. In just one hour, I went from painful contractions to having my baby. It was too fast for an epidural, and while I wasn't 100% set on a natural birth, I was happy to do it. Although the process was a wild rush that scared the daylights out of Alex and me, it was exhilarating.

The process of delivery took me over. My mind started channeling a variety of people and difficult situations in my life to get me through the contractions. For example, I visualized running sprints in high school soccer practice. Coach Oldham would even appear yelling "faster!" as we sprinted across Highlander stadium to the end where I could rest. I knew if I could just make it to the other side breathing then I could rest. The images were so real. All my teammates where running and panting beside me. The feel of 7am workouts, turf shoes, and the odor of throw-up from the football practice the night before were with me. I also visualized my grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and all the wonderful women who had gone before me and accomplished this. After I made it through each sprint of a contraction, I would literally pass out until the next one began.

I started pushing just after 7. Three fierce pushes and she was out.

Cordelia is a very quiet baby. She has hardly cried. She eats and sleeps like a champ. We can't decide what she'll look like. Some times I think she's a mini-Eloise, and other times she's very distinct. We are home now and feeling great. To celebrate we're having steak and wine tonight. Then I'm getting some sleep.