Harper's Birth-Professional Pics

I have been SO excited about these pictures! My friend and photographer, Jen, (the one who did my maternity shoot), was with us all day during my labor and delivery of Harper. She took over 1000 photos thru the course of the day! After she narrowed those down to 500+ and gave me the CD, I chose these these 145 to share with you!!! Yes, 145 pictures--officially my most photo-saturated post to date. Grab a snack, take a potty break... You may be here for awhile.

And if you are having a baby in the KC area, I highly recommend having Jen there to capture those special moments! These pics are priceless.

11:00
After being in triage for an hour plus to determine (yet again) if I was actually in labor,
I was finally admitted and moved to a labor and delivery room.

Getting settled in between contractions.

The blood work that had to be completed prior to having my epidural...

Why does anyone choose to do this without drugs????
This is so not fun...

Chapstick break between contractions.

Seriously... I am SO ready for the epidural.

They said the anesthesiologist would be in by 11:30...

Facebooking/texting between contractions!
It's so bizarre how you can be in such pain one minute, but then completely fine the next.
I suppose as labor progresses, those moments of "fineness" are fewer and further between... which leads me back to the question--
Why does anyone do this without drugs???!!

WHERE IS THE EPIDURAL???!!!

FINALLY! He's here!

I love this guy. He did my epidural with Brax as well... He is AWESOME!

Sweet, sweet relief.

Dude, did I tell you how much I love you??

By noon, I was feeling the best I had felt in months!

Now THIS is fun!

More ice chips, please!

Sooooo happy.

Nap time.

Time to get ready to meet our girl!

One last popsicle.

One last belly rub from Aunt Leslie.

Around 1:30, the nurse checked me and said it was showtime!

WHAT??? IT'S TIME? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
But I want to enjoy this epidural just a little longer!

But I'm not ready!!

Giving Leslie directions for the video camera.

One last facebook post.

Did I mention that I LOVE the hospital popsicles??

Harper's last moments in my belly.

So I'm addicted to Chapstick...

The man of the hour-Dr. Heit.

Dr. Heit has been incredible through my OB ordeals... He is wonderful!

The first of three pushes...

Watching Harper in the mirror... she was moving so fast!

...And there she was!

Born at 2:06 pm.

Daddy cutting the cord.

Love at first sight.

Look at that little tear in her eye!

Aunt Leslie brought me Sonic! Love her!

Nothing like a cheeseburger and fries shortly after delivery.

Not digging her first bath.

Around 4:30--Here comes Big Brother!

He just kept saying, "She's so TINY!"

Opening his present from Baby Sister.

A train... what else?!

My sweet boy.

Our first family pic of FOUR!

With Aunt Leslie

With Great Aunt Laura

"Is she FOR REAL?"

High five for Dad.

Helping to push the cart down to our Mommy-Baby room.

My work here is done.

A thank you hug for my BFF.

Friend and photographer, Jen!

Nana Star arrives!

Me and my girl.