**Trigger** The False Alarm

After staying up all night Saturday with consistent contractions, I was beginning to believe our little baby was really on her way. Although I knew the contractions were not super intense, they were coming about 2 minutes or less apart. Since I was told on Thursday that I was already almost 5 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced, I decided it would be a good idea to head to the hospital.

As soon as we got into the car and began driving, my contractions slowed way down.When we got there the nurse checked me and discovered that all those contractions had not caused any change. They recommended that I leave and try walking around until I was in active labor. I was pretty disappointed because I was so ready to meet our precious girl, but I was also glad that I would be able to celebrate Easter with Hunter.

We headed home and gave Hunter his Easter basket and did a little egg hunt around the house. Then we went to the river to walk around. Hunter got to have his first ice cream from an ice cream truck, and he even got to pet someone's pet bunny. As we walked around a "psychic" called out to me asking if I was having a girl. I told him yes, and he said he could see her and that she was beautiful. I asked him when she would be born and he said, "Very Soon." We laughed it off, but it was only a few hours later that we were headed to the hospital again.......

(To be continued)

**Trigger** Announcing the Safe Arrival of Brooke Lynn Stine

 

Easter Sunday April 20th, 2014

Brooke Lynn Stine

Born at 10:16pm
5lbs 15.6oz
17.5 Inches Long

   We are all doing great as we try to rest and get to know our new little family. Brooke's big brother Hunter is just as amazed with her as her Mommy and Daddy are. She sleeps often, but when she opens her beautiful deep blue eyes, my heart melts every time. Thank you all again for being a part of this journey. Your support and love means more to me than I could ever say! This was the best Easter and Wedding anniversary gift I could have ever asked for. 

I will post her birth story soon. It was a crazy fast delivery, so fast the nurse delivered her instead of the doctor. She must have know that her Momma needed her at that very moment.

*Trigger* Baby Girl Update: 37Weeks 5 days.... Contractions are picking up and making changes

So, it seems that bed rest and medication were really making a difference. I have been off bed rest for about a week. At 22 weeks my doctor discovered that I was 1cm dilated and 25% effaced. Last week she checked again for the first time and I was at the same exact point. I have been off bed rest for just over a week and now I am 3cm dilated and 75% effaced.

This doesn't tell us a whole lot about when she will come, but it does show that the contractions I have been having lately are doing something. My doctor did say that he doesn't expect me to make it to my next appointment before our baby girl arrives!  We still don't know how big she will be, but my tummy sure seems bigger, so I am hoping that means she has grown as well.

I have been nesting for sure. Yesterday I worked all day getting things more organized. Hunter even said at one point, "Mommy, you are still doing chores? It's so boring!" I made sure to stop and play with him for a while, but it feels so good to be able to do things for myself again. 

Hunter is excited to meet his sister. He has been practicing with some baby dolls, and he wrote her the sweetest little note. He tells her good morning most days and likes to sing and tell her stories too. He thinks it is pretty cool that she can hear him.  

It all still feels like a dream sometimes. I just can't wait to be holding our sweet girl in my arms!

*Trigger* Baby Girl Update: Off bedrest and waiting for baby girl to arrive....

We have made it to 36 weeks and 3 days! Today is April Fool's day, and I keep thinking that this doesn't feel real. Is life playing a trick on me, or did we really make it past the scary preterm labor risk? At 22 weeks I was researching micro-preemie survival rates and hoping she would stay in at least long enough that we could depend on steroid shots and a challenging NICU stay to save her life.

Today I sit and wonder if she is going to give us the best April Fool's surprise, or hang on a little longer and keep growing. At my last appointment the doctor told me that she is still pretty small. The growth scan estimated about 4 pounds and 11ounces. I was told that these estimates are not extremely accurate, but no matter which way it swings, she is past the really scary part of all this. He also said that it would be good if I were to go into labor at any point now.

I am off my medication that was being used to control my contractions, so after 3 long months, I am able to drive again. I am also allowed to move around more. I am enjoying this freedom. After dropping my son off at preschool, I picked up a few last minute items for our baby girl. Last night I cooked dinner for the first time in a long time. As silly as it seems, it was really nice to be able to do a little of my own laundry and wash some dishes too. I am still being very careful about lifting or bending, and if I get tired I rest, but it feels so amazing to do things for myself and my family again.

 This is such an amazing place to be in this pregnancy. I am able to relax and really take this all in. My mom and best friend threw me an awesome baby shower, and we are having fun collecting a bunch of pink and purple baby items. It is so nice to get to give into some of these nesting instincts too. I am loving getting all her clothes washed and ready and arranging her nursery items too.  

It all feels like a dream. Although these months have been long, it still feels so sudden at the same time. After losing Wyatt, I felt as if I would be lost in darkness forever. My family and friends helped me pull through, and Hunter was a major inspiration as well. I am still in shock that we are blessed with another rainbow baby. Baby Girl Stine.... You are loved more than you will ever know!