The Connell Family Blog!: Hello Lauren Bridget!

One of our first moments together!

It has been a pretty fabulous week! We welcomed Lauren Bridget Connell on April 29th at 8:58 pm. She was a beautiful 7lbs 12 oz and 20.5" long. I went into labor on Sunday afternoon after going to Pat's hockey game and a quick jaunt to Costco. I had a feeling that morning that it may be her birthday because in the past couple days I was feeling a bit "off" and could tell my body was getting ready. So around 1 PM I called the hospital and my family to let them know that today was most likely the day. 30 minutes later we were off! We dropped Sam off at Annie's house and headed to the hospital. I was checked in quickly and was 4 cm and fully dilated. I was in lots of pain so they ordered my antibiotics and epidural (best decision ever!) right away and I went to my room. Within an hour I had my drugs, was watching Bravo and hanging out with my mom and Pat. It was amazing! My water broke at 8 pm and I started pushing about 20ish minutes later. Lauren came and it was beautiful. We were so exited and it was the best experience ever. Tim and Connie came to say hi (they had driven in about 15 minutes before she was born) so Lauren got to meet her Nana, Papa and Gigi that first night. We both had our baths and were in bed in our jammies by 10:30! What a day! It was such an amazing experience and we were so thrilled to welcome this perfect baby girl into our family!

The next morning Sam came to meet his baby sister. I have to say that this was my favorite moment of my life! Sam was amazing - giving her kisses and wanting to hold her. I was so proud of my family. So so so proud!

That day was had lots of great visitors - the Sextons, Tim and Connie (Nana and Papa), Granny, Annie, Paigie, Grandpa Dude, Barbara, Kelly Guptil, Paquettes, Gigi and Uncle Colin. We asked Paigie to be Lauren's Godmother and it was such a great moment. Paige cried and (thankfully) accepted.

She will be beyond amazing - lucky baby Lauren! Gigi brought champagne and we ordered yummy Pizza Luce. I could not believe how fabulous it was. We even visited Gramps who went into the ER that afternoon because he had swollen legs. He was on our floor in room 379 (we were in 345) - what are the fricken odds?! He stayed for testing, but was fine. Pat, Colin and I watched Friends with Benefits that evening before going to bed.

The last day in the hospital Lauren and I had the morning together. We listened to music and cuddled. Amazing. After lunch, Pat picked us up and we were on our way home! Nana and Papa were there to have dinner and hang out for a bit before they left and left our new family of 4 for our first night together.

Lauren slept awesome that night (and every night since!). She is absolutely perfect, Sam is perfect and Pat is perfect. Life is beyond good. I love every second!

Here is Sam's baby photo with Lauren. There is definitely a resemblance. Lucky us!

We even took the kiddos to ECFE that Wednesday which was awesome as well.

Tomorrow Pat will head to work and it will be the 3 of us alone for the first day. I cannot wait to begin our new life together......stay tuned!