Allie's Birth Story

I'm hoping that the notes we took during this whole experience will help me fill in the fuzzy details, but I figured it's about time to write about Allie's birth story!

I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday (the 19th) and was at a 3 and about 50% effaced and was so excited to hear that I had progressed to that point, but really wasn't sure how anything was going to go since my labor experience with Peyton was so unique. After talking about everything with my doctor, learning that she was going to be out of town part of the next week, knowing Chase's schedule was open the next few days, but would be busy the next week, and with how I was feeling about being pregnant and labor in general we decided to schedule an induction for Friday morning.

My mom flew in Thursday afternoon which was awesome to get some time with her before Allie arrived, and to let Peyton warm up to her a little bit ;). We packed our bags, got everything ready, and hung out, hoping that my body was progressing more on its own. We did some walking around and I played with Peyton more actively than I had the few days before. It was pretty surreal to know when Allie was arriving. It's also really weird to not know when they're coming, so I think it's just something you're never quite prepared for if I'm being honest haha. I was equally excited and nervous, and also a little sad to be ending my time with Peyton as an only child.

We got to the hospital at 5:40am, there had apparently been a pretty busy night the night before, so after they did my check in and got things ready we got back to the labor room at 7:15am. My nurse checked me a little bit later and I found out I was still at a 3. I was honestly kind of bummed to hear that. I had been having more contractions than ever before on my own and wanted to progress more, but it was ok. Getting pitocin didn't make me nearly as nervous as it did with Peyton since I knew how my body reacted already. We started the pitocin around 8:20.

We forgot to get a picture of my 40 week belly... so here's the best we got haha.

About 45 minutes later Dr. Haun came in and checked me. I was still at a 3, but 75% effaced. She broke my water and said she'd be back to see us in a few hours. I also asked for an epidural at this point just knowing that my contractions would get worse and closer together and not be very comfortable.

By 11, my epidural was in and I was at a 4. They doubled the pitocin they were giving me because my contractions started spacing themselves out. At this point it was just waiting for baby girl to decide she was ready and make her appearance! At 12:15, we increased my pitocin again trying to keep my contractions as regular as they needed to be. By 1:30 I was at a 6 1/2! I was pretty excited to be progressing pretty quickly.

Around 2:15 my nurse and Chase helped me sit up (instead of just rotating side to side) and I started felling really bad contractions even with the epidural. It wasn't great especially since I hadn't expected it. But I think the epidural was preventing back labor and still kinda working. I knew the doctor was coming soon so I decided to try to tough it out until she got there, knowing it was supposed to be helping me progress more.

15-20 minutes later I sent Chase to go get my nurse because I was so uncomfortable to see if we could turn down the pitocin. The nurse came in to check me and was surprised to find out I was totally complete. She was almost here! They called Dr. Haun and told her to hurry. She got here at 2:45, and we got ready for me to start pushing. I pushed through 3 1/2 contractions with great encouragement from my nurse, Dr. Haun, and Chase, and then she was here! Allie Jo Trejo arrived at 2:56pm. She was 7 lb. 4 oz. and 20 inches long (same weight and a 1/2 inch longer than Peyton).

They put her on my chest right away and I was pretty overwhelmed with emotions. I couldn't believe that she was finally here and we were parents of two. I was so glad to go through the whole experience with Chase next to me. He was extremely supportive through the whole pregnancy and I couldn't have done it without him.

Next, we got to introduce Peyton and Allie and I was so excited! I had no idea how this moment would go, but was really excited for our whole family to be together for the first time.

Peyton brought in a bear for Allie, which I think was good for her to have a specific job to do. I had used the bear to tell Chase I was pregnant, and Peyton has loved playing with it for the past couple months. She was pretty hesitant to get close to Allie at first and was nervous about mom's "owies" (all the bracelets I had on my wrist). She kept nervous giggling, but warmed up faster than I expected and even helped hold her that first day. She's just warmed up even more since then and really loves to help with her as much as she can. Peyton is an awesome big sister and we're extra grateful for that.

I'm so amazed at how my heart has just grown to fit all the love I have for an extra person, and also for the extra love I feel for both Chase and Peyton. It was such a special experience again to get to bring a baby into this world, and even though it keeps not being exactly how I would have planned, I end up being grateful for every part of it.