The Vetter's: Ellington Jean's Birth Story

We welcomed our baby girl, Ellington (Ellie) Jean Vetter, on Tuesday, July 1 at 11.13 am! She was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 7 lbs 8 ozs. She is perfect! And here's how the day went...

As you know, I had a scheduled C-section......so we woke up at 6 am to get ready for the hospital which we had to be at by 7.15 am. The ride to the hospital was 'strange' -- it was odd to know 'when' you are having your baby...versus going into labor naturally like I did with Levi. So, we were pretty quiet on the drive in. After parking, we were taken to the 8th floor at CMC Main to get prepped for surgery. Our nurse - Venetia (like the blinds) - was awesome. She got me prepped as Drew stayed by my side. Shortly after, my parents arrived and chatted with us which helped calm me down...like most, going into surgery is scary so having parents close by was comforting. I am so glad they were able to come into the room while we waited on the doctor.

Once I was taken into the OR - that's when things 'got real'. Drew was taken to a room to get 'scrubbed in' and I was taken into the OR to get IVs, meds, etc. It was very overwhelming. There are a ton of people in the room - all working on specific items to prep for surgery and I just felt so vulnerable and alone...despite the amazing staff. Luckily, Drew was brought in shortly after which again provided some comfort. I remember asking over and over about Ellie and my vitals. I needed to be constantly reassured that we were both doing okay...and we were.

Once Dr. Blaha walked in - it felt like just a few minutes before I heard the most beautiful sound in the world - my daughter crying! They showed Ellington to me over the sheet and she looked so beautiful. She was off to be cleaned by the nurse and Drew cut the umbilical cord. I remember Drew saying 'She has your large upper lip!' :) Drew and the nurse brought Ellie over to me and held her face against mine...and I just cried and cried and told Ellie how happy I was to see her. It was such a special moment - just feeling her face pressed against mine. It was so amazing.

After being sown up and cleaned up myself, I was rolled into the recovery room...which was a much better experience this time than last because it was just Drew and the nurse --- not a ton of other recovering Mom's and babies like when Levi was born at Rex. It was relaxing and I got to nurse Ellie and hold her for the first time.

After getting settled in our room, my parents came in to meet Miss Ellie - their 5th grandchild. Drew's parents and sisters also visited us while in the hospital. As did my SIL (Jill) and the kiddos! We are so blessed to live close to family this time around!

And of course......LEVI came to see Ellie! Drew picked him up from daycare and Levi was excited (yet cautious) to meet his sister. He wouldn't get into the bed with me for a picture as a family of 4...and I didn't want to pressure him...it'll come with time. He did keep saying 'Mommy has a bad boo boo' and kissed Ellie on her head over and over again. Such a sweet thing to see your first born loving on your second born. My heart melts!

Ellington Jean Vetter - you are perfect and your birth day will always be one of the BEST days of my life. I feel like my little family is finally complete. I've always wanted you...I knew deep in my heart I was meant to have a daughter...to have YOU. You are our world little one and WE LOVE YOU so very much!

Picture time!!!