Thursday, October 1, 2009

Welcoming Juliet (without an epidural!?!)

Juliet Sophia Kluge joined us Sept. 28th at 4:29 pm. She was 7'14" and 20.5 in. She has a big dimple in her right cheek. At first she looked strawberry blond, but it lightens a little everyday...


On the morning of the 28th, my water was leaking and we headed over to the hospital after an exam. My water decided to REALLY break while I was standing in the lobby. We knew the pad my OBGYN had given me wasn't cutting it when the girl behind the desk called someone to see if my room was ready then turned to me and said, "We'd rather you kept that to yourself. Let's get you in a room." ...

They started me on petocin to get my contractions going around noon. Thanks to a somewhat morbid medical curiosity, I had wondered during this pregnancy (and the last) how far I could get before getting an epidural. By 2:30 I had gone from 4 to 6 cm and they increased the petocin. At that point the nurse informed me that the anesthesiologist had to do a C-section at 4:00 and that I'd have to decide before that point. As I got to 8 cm, things were getting really intense. The nurse called my OB to let her know my status. When she got back I decided I couldn't do it any more. I asked for the epidural. I looked at the clock as I did so... it said 4:08. I was too late...

Trying not to panic, I realized that I'd have to do it, willing or not. I had the most wonderful nurse. She helped me focus and breathe. Within a few very short minutes (10 0r 15) I went from 8 to 10 cm. My nurse fought with her voice activated call system (it wasn't cooperating) to call for setup and the doctor. I began to worry because I KNEW it was going to be close. To my relief (and everyone else's) my doctor rushed into the room just it time (she ran a light to get there). I was afraid to push at first becuase I knew it would hurt, then I realized that once she was out I wouldn['t have any more contractions! One long, not so quiet push later and voila!!! Out came our beautiful baby girl. She came down and out so fast that she bruised her WHOLE little face. She was pretty swollen and it took her a long time to open her eyes.

Here's her hungry face...

The kids love her so much. They want to hold her all the time.

Avanlee was amazed the first time she saw Juliet open her eyes...

Asher acted so grown up at the hospital!

I pretty much have the best family ever.

We brought her home on the 30th. She looks so tiny on our bed!


Her bruising gets better everyday and she has the cutest face especially when she opens her eyes, which still isn't often. We're so excited and feel so blessed to have Juliet in our family. We're grateful that she is healthy and whole and that we're healthy enough to take care of her and our other children. It's the sweetest thing in the world to see Kyle hold and love her. I love my family and can't wait to get to know Juliet better as she grows and learns!

18 comments:

[*.Manda.*] said...

Oh my goodness! That story brought back so many memories! I, too, wanted to see how far I could get without the epidural, except when I got to a 8, Rock Harper was there to come to my rescue. You are super woman! I can't imagine not having a choice in the matter. Wow. She is beautiful. Congrats, and don't hesitate to call me if you need need a break (Ave gets along GREAT with your girls). 801-476-4298 :)

Jeremiah, Chrissy, Sammy and Haylee said...

Way to go Katie!! I want to do it next time with no epidural. My back is still in pain from my last one and I don't want to risk any more permanent damage. You'll have to let me know if you think I can while the painful memory is still fresh! (And you can tell me what you think I need to do to prepare)
She is beautiful! We'll come see her soon! Congratulations! We love you!

MysteryWoman said...

Awwwww! That Sweetyheart! She looks just like a Kluge :) And Katie, try not to look that good when you just had a baby, it puts so much pressure on the rest of the world! tee hee
I love the water breaking story!
Congrats Little One. We are all waiting for opportunities to bring in dinner so let us know k?
Lara

jamie t. said...

Thanks for sharing your story. I also agree that you looked to good in those pictures for just having a baby. She is beautiful and I bet your whole family is so glad she is here :)

Eichmeiers said...

Congrats!! She is so cute:)

Ellingsons said...

Wow, good for you! You did it, you survived, and now you have another sweet little one. Love the name!

Andrea said...

See? The Bishop was right. You could definitely hack it as a pioneer woman! Congratulations. I'm so glad to hear that baby and mom are doing well. Please let me know what I can do to help.

Kendra Belliston said...

Congrats! She is so cute. You are one strong women. I've tried two times without a epidural but every time my babies decided that they are going to take forever to come.

family said...

Love the pictures!

Sherry said...

She is gorgeous! congratulations!

Tiffany said...

Congratulations, Katie! Juliet is beautiful. Your family is so cute!

Cherie said...

Congratulations Katie!! She's beautiful :) I'm so excited for you guys and your adorable little family!

Anonymous said...

Awwww!
Congrats, guys :). She's beautiful!

Go Katie-- no epidural? You rock!

natalie said...

What a cutie! I love your little family. I'm a touch jealous of how cute you all are :). When you are feeling up to it we would love to have you come see our house and let the kids play.

The Coombs' said...

She is so beautiful! I'm so jealous!!! Enjoy that little sweetie.

Sarah Empey said...

Congratulations, my dear. I must say you look FAB in your pictures- I've never seen a woman who gave birth without drugs look so great. Juliet is darling- she looks just like her sisters! Love you...

Unknown said...

Just read over your blogs. Congrats on the birth of your daughter and it was 'natural'. I am a Kluge and would like some history on your Kluge's. I'm interested in genealogy, not LDS, and have some to share.

fe.kluge@verizon.net

Sarah said...

She is beautiful and looks just like Avanlee! Congratulations!