Baby Tegan's arrival

Last Friday, the 23rd, little Tegan made her big entrance into the world.  I had been feeling pains in the afternoon and evening that started to really hurt, but nothing consistent or really long-lasting.  I went to the Primary Program practice that night to watch in case I wasn't able to be there on Sunday.  We didn't get home from that until around 8:45.  We took a few pictures with me and the kids and then put them to bed.

Hmmm.... smiling?  Must have been in between contractions

At about 9:15, I started timing the contractions because they were getting really bad.  To my surprise, they were between 2 and 5 minutes apart and they were long and very painful!  We called the hospital and then went on in and got there at about 10:15.  They put me in an "observation room" while the only available labor and delivery room was being cleaned.  I was already dilated to a 6 and said I wanted an epidural ASAP!  Unfortunately, since things were moving so fast, they weren't able to give me one.  To say I wanted to hurt someone would be an understatement!  None of my other labors have been nearly as painful as this one, even though they were much longer.  They finally got me into a room around 11:00 (with a nurse that I wanted to strangle) and by then I'm afraid that the poor first time moms up and down the hallway could probably hear me screaming!  Fortunately it didn't last too long and Tegan Elizabeth was born at 11:26 p.m.  She weighed 7 lb. 12 oz. and was 21 inches long.  What a little beauty.

Daddy's hand and Tegan's feet

At least I wasn't in labor all night this time like I was with all three others, so I was able to get some sleep.  The next morning, Ruel brought the kids and Grandma Parent to visit at the hospital.

The proud big brother, Andrew

Emily & Tegan

Hannah & Tegan

Grandma, Emily & Tegan

Proud papa

Sweet little thing

All dressed up to go home

Mommy & Tegan - going home

Tegan is just over a week old now and she is doing so well.  She's a great eater and of course is sleeping a lot - even does pretty well at night so far.  She's very tolerant of her brother and sisters who like to hold her a lot and give her kisses.  She is such a little doll and we just love having her here.  We've been lucky to have lots of help so that Mommy can rest a lot when Tegan is resting.  More to come soon!