Monday, November 9, 2009

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.


12 comments:

Molly said...

Coach Oldham? Really? I'm so glad he was there to help you push through the pain.
I think you should take a look at that picture of Cordelia and Grandad and compare their noses. Just something to consider.

Enjoy the wine and steak! YUM.

jblarge said...

Way to go Emily and great post. We can't wait to meet Cordelia and to see all of you DC Larges in December.

Millie Wamsted said...

Emily, I'm so proud of you!! Way to go!

Unknown said...

I love all of the photos of the littlest Large, and your story was great, Emily! I can relate to the soccer practice sprints :). Can't wait to see you guys next month!

Anonymous said...

Cordelia is gorgeous!
Emily - You look gorgeous!
Alex - You too!
Molly - You are so right!! Looks like Grand Dad's nose made it into the soup.

Love you all so much.

Little FIe said...

I loved that movie. You mean your not going to breastfeed until they are 18?? Hilarious. I am so glad to see you all are doing well. It makes me anxious to have our new baby. I love the name. Love to you all.

M

Matt said...

Great commentary and great pics! You look great Emily. Welcome to the ever-expanding world of women in your life, Alex.

We can't wait to meet little Cordelia and to think another girl cousin will join the ranks in just a few days.

Love,

Matt, Lauren, Cecilia & Josephine

SF Larges said...

Thank you so much for sharing Emily! It sounds like you were a super trooper during the labor. I absolutely adore the name you guys gave her, with the depth of the name Cordelia, and Fae is such a great way to honor your faith. And I love the way they sound together! It makes me happy to say it.

Alex and Emily said...

Thanks everyone for your kind words and thoughts. We are still doing well. I'll be posting some photos of Eloise and her new little sister soon. Eloise wasn't able to come to the hospital because of H1N1 precautions, but Eloise is glad to have us home again. (and we were glad to see her!) It was emotional once we had all 4 of us together.

Unknown said...

Congrats! Way to go with the labor and delivery! You're an inspiration! What a beautiful little girl. I just love the name! Hope the transition continues to go smoothly! Blessings to the four of you!

Kathryn Howell said...

Congrats, Em and Alex! I loved reading this post and seeing the pictures. Can't wait to meet this little girl! Love y'all!

Drink

Wiley said...

Gotta comment on Coach Oldham being the visualization!

I wonder if he's still living in one of those monolithic dome things...

Great pictures btw.