I ain't got time to bleed!

Introducing Charlotte Ann Winn, born July 27, 2011
Weight: 6 lbs 9 oz, Height: 19 in

The first picture was done by the hospital photographer. Once I got home I figured I would give it a go. I put my baby in a basket of laundry - yes, the laundry is still in it but the white sheet gives the illusion that it's merely a fluffy, while pillow. Nope, really just dirty laundry.

Charlotte is done with the photo session. Let's face it, they're not all good times.

Okay, so I had been trying to time contractions for about a week. Trying very unsuccessfully. I had been planning on getting to the hospital as soon as I was sure it was the real thing to allow myself plenty of time to get an epidural before I was in too much pain. Tuesday night (the 26th) was the most consistent my contractions had ever been but, by the time I went to bed they seemed to have stopped. At about 2am I woke up to a strong contraction. I timed a few and then got up to use the bathroom, except on the way there my water broke. That was a first for me. I started putting my shoes on and getting my hospital bag as Jason groggily woke up and asked what I was doing. "Yeah, we've gotta go. Now." I commanded.

Juliet and Charlotte

With my mom in charge of the kids we left to the hospital and started Jason's favorite part of pregnancy: speeding with a good reason. He sped and ran red lights as safely as possible and we arrived at the hospital at about 3am. My favorite part was when I called the doctor to tell her I was in labor. I talked to her nurse and said I'm in labor and I'm on my way to the hospital. To which she responded, "Are you pregnant?" Seriously, for what other reason does your body go into 'labor' causing you to call your obgyn at 3 in the morning?

There really isn't a whole lot for kids to do in a cramped hospital room, so they played in the closet.

"I can't believe Gramma's kissing me!"

After answering thousands of questions I was finally started on fluids. This is my least favorite part. I was already having very strong contractions when I arrived and now I was going to have to sit and watch that iv bag empty until anyone would give me drugs. I was dilated to 4cm once I started the iv and quickly progressed to a 7. All I could say was, "I can't do it! I can't do it without drugs! I NEED DRUGS!" I'm pretty sure everyone in the hallways thought it was hilarious. The nurses were awesome and were able to calm me down until my epidural was ready.

Jason helped me stay steady but it must be mentioned that he did almost pass out this time around. I guess the needles look scarier every time.

What I look like after a good two hours of sleep and and birthing a baby. I chose the best one. I promise, there were MUCH worse photos.

After making me wait until two days before my due date, baby Chairy needed no persuasion to get out of the womb. After a great deal of pushing she was born at 5:42am, making this my shortest labor ever (just under 4 hours). She weighed in at 6lbs 9oz and was 19 inches long. As soon as she came out she screamed and didn't stop until I fed her and then she fell asleep for the rest of the day. The nurses guessed that she knew she was a the fourth child and would have to make some noise if she wanted to be heard. I agree.

Adrienne, doing her favorite thing in the whole world: holding a new baby

I've gotta get her a new shirt.

The hospital stay was great. They had movies and TV and internet and chocolate ice cream. Plus, I got a few visits from some of my very favorite people. The kids all seem to love their new sister and she seems to tolerate all the attention very well.

Notice our homework assignment on the board behind my mom.

We took our sweet time agreeing on a name (no, baby Chairy is NOT her official name despite some rumors on facebook). Jason liked Elise, I liked Charlotte. Then somehow the name Charlise got suggested and threw a wrench into the whole thing. I won in the end and baby Charlotte Adelle was named . . . until a few days later when Jason decided he wanted to change her middle name to Ann. Now we've got some paperwork to do before that's official.

Tiny bundle

She's still quite a screamer and isn't quite down with the whole 'awake during the day and sleep at night' thing but we love her tiny little self and are thankful she is finally here.

Jason, Annie and the Four Winns.(See, I DON'T need to change the name of my blog. It was foreshadowing, people!)

(Previous quote: Ghost Town, Winner: Me - you guys took too long)