Baby in your bag?

Today was my first day back to work. While I was very anxious about it all week, the day turned out quite well. The students were excited to have me back, and I was excited to see them, too. I also enjoyed being back in a routine. Not to mention, having lunch with adults! :o)

I did miss Molly, and was grateful that Andrew sent me 2 pictures to my phone. He also kept me informed of her day by email. I was definitely ready to come home right after school. It was so nice to curl up with Molly for an afternoon nap.

Funny "first day back" story. I walked into the room with my normal gear plus my breast pump. It is hidden in a good sized tote. One of my students said "Hi, Mrs. Kirkpatrick! Is your baby in your purse?" I thought it was really funny and quite cute. I informed him that, in fact, Molly was at home sleeping. My students are so cute...it was good to be around them again. Nevermind how fast the last six weeks has gone; this whole year with this group of 3rd graders has flown! I will enjoy my last 4 weeks with them.

And while we're here....a few pictures of Molly:

Molly curled up with mommy for a nap on her first day home.

Molly with the Easter bunny!

I'm pretty sure this belongs in the dictionary next to the word "Peace"

Welcome Molly!!

I think most of you that read this blog have heard about Molly, but I do want to blog and share with the world about this most precious gift.

Molly Marguerite Kirkpatrick arrived on March 11, 2010 at 8:49 pm. She weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces.

The weight is a funny story....we had a couple ultrasounds in the weeks leading up to her birth, and SEVERAL at our doctor's office that were convinced we were going to have a 9+ pound baby. Because of her size, we went ahead and induced on March 11. I was ok with that though because it meant that the midwife, Kelly, that I really wanted to deliver with, would be there to help me.

Labor was not terrible. It started around 7am with the help of ptosin. The contractions started to get pretty intense, so at 10:30, we called for the epidural. After that I slept for a few hours on and off...which was great to help me get my energy ready for that evening. There wasn't much progress from 10:30-2:45 until Kelly came in and "threatened" a C-section. Then things really took off. I still wasn't feeling much pain from contractions, so I sent Andrew to the gift shop to get some cards. I kicked his butt in a few games of go fish (the only game that either of us could remember how to play!)

At 7pm, my body started letting me know that it was time to push. Nurse was in to help us start at 7:30. Molly arrived at 8:49! Hearing her cry in the seconds after her birth was the most beautiful sound. I wanted to hold her right away, but knew the nurses needed to do their thing. She couldn't get to my arms fast enough. . .

It was a long day, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Becoming Molly's mommy was worth it all!

Molly's first picture

Hello world-here I am!!

Molly with mommy & Kelly

First family photo