Birth and Recovery in Pictures

Family and Friends,

April is doing good in her recovery, and was already walking today. She will likely be released from the hospital tomorrow. It feels like she was just giving birth this morning, and I have had barely any time to spend in front of the computer, but I wanted to download some pictures and let you know a little bit about the birth of Isabella.

April started contractions shortly after writing her last blog entry on Friday evening, sometime around 6:30 p.m.. We thought that they were Braxton Hicks because there was no pain and they were barely noticeable. By 8:30 April went to bed and when I went to bed at 1140 April was already having painful contractions. We called the hospital and at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday morning we were driving through fog to the hospital. Shortly after arrival the midwife that examined April determined that she was already 5 to 6 cm dilated. April actually toughed out being that dilated without complaining or freaking out! She was very calmed the whole time on the way to the hospital and showed herself very brave. It was a long 6 hours before the midwives allowed April to give in to the urge to push and an hour later Isabella came out into this world. Isabella was a little to rough coming out and caused a type III tear on April (the worst tear a pregnant woman can suffer). It was at this time that I heard April scream for the first time since she had gone into labor; before or after, April just stayed focused and carried on with what I, to this moment, consider uncanny superhuman strength. Because of the tear, the doctor decided to have April taken into the operating room for reconstructive surgery and stitching. After a 1 and a half hour procedure, April came out in high spirits and happy to be reunited with our daughter.

So, Isabella is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Every time I see her she is somehow changed, the color of her hair seems to change from strawberry blond, to light brown, to red. I spent the day today (18 Feb) visiting with April and Isabella. The visiting times were arranged in such a way that I was able to spend every other two hours with them from 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. April wanted me to convey her thanks to all of you and to let you all know that she appreciates all of your gifts, get well wishes and comments.