We wait no more...

...for our sweet Gwenivere Adeligh Salinas born on February 8, 2012 at 9:12 p.m.  She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 inches long.  Here is her birth story... 

Our Sweet Adeligh was very patient about her arrival until it was go time.  I carried her 38-39 (depends on which due date you go by) weeks which was longer then either of her brothers.  She had the hiccups while in utero that I could feel and moved ALL over the place.  She, from the beginning, was different then my boys.  We often explain that this is because she's the princess. 

Adeligh was born on a Wednesday.  I had been to the doctor on Monday and was dilated to a 3 (which I never even saw when I had Asher), had thinned even more, the doctor could feel her head and move it, and we were just waiting for labor to begin.  We scheduled an induction for Friday in case she didn't come on her own.  I worked all day Wednesday and a thought occurred to me that I might should get some sub notes ready in case my long-term sub was unavailable Thursday and I went into labor that night (Wed.).  So, I worked late getting everything in line "just in case" all the while feeling some pains, but this was typical for the end of a work day.  Nana called to check on me and questioned these so called "annoyances" and put a bug in my ear to time them.  I called Diana on my way home (my weekly check-in) and she and I discussed that maybe something was occurring.  I got home and discussed all of this further with Daddy and he said let's go to the hospital.  I of course declined because I had felt like this two weeks back for an hour and then it all stopped.  So, I insisted on waiting longer then an hour this time.  Your very concerned Aunt called back and asked that I please go to the hospital since my labor with brother was so fast.  Dad fixed dinner for your brothers while I sat and timed contractions.  He also shaved during this time too...he was quite certain we were going to the hospital. 

I finally called the hospital after about an hour because I remembered promising Dr. McMillion I would go to the hospital if my contractions ever got constant.  We decided on our own accord to go (this was about 6:30).  I wasn't real thrilled about going because I wasn't in that much pain.  Asher's was SO fast and SO intense this did not compare so I just wanted to hang out at the house, but knowing my track record....ok, back to the story.  I called Nana on our way to let her know we were going and to meet us so she could watch the brothers while we got checked out and determined if she was really coming or not.  Nana and Pop-Pop met us at the hospital and the rest of the family was on stand-by (except those who didn't listen and came anyway ;)--fool you once right Grammy?.).  They checked us in, I was dilated to a 4, and it was determined we were going to stay.  My labor picked up a little and then at about 8:00 my water broke.  Dr. McMillion was called and she asked if she should come (she knows my history), but the nurses said no she's just a 6 1/2 you have some time.  About 15 minutes later I had that feeling and we called the nurses in again to check me and I was a 9 or so (I can't remember now it happened fast).  They quickly recalled the doctor and said, "just kidding, you better get here."  What I didn't know is that my doctor has monitors at home and could watch my contractions and could tell exactly when my water broke and was ready by the phone.  Per Grammy, Dr. McMillion came running around the corner and they knew it was go time.  Three pushes and our sweet baby girl was here, at 9:12 p.m.  And come to find out our doctor was working on a food pyramid with her son while watching me.  I thought that was funny.

I nursed her right away and enjoyed our bonding time before they let all the visitors in and was feeling perfectly fine.  They took her and checked her over, but I asked they not let people see her because of course I wanted to see everyone meet my baby girl for the first time.  And then about an hour after all our visitors were allowed in I started feeling ill.  I started feeling so sick I had to get people to leave the room and that's all I remember until my nurses were standing above me rubbing my chest and calling my name.  Now, I have never passed out in my life...been knocked out once, but never passed out...and I did this twice!  We aren't for sure why, possible extra blood loss, clots, or the likeliest one...I hadn't eaten since lunch.  It was pretty freaky though I do know that and had me a bit emotional that night once it all finally stopped.

A labor shot.

She's here!!

The waiting crew.

The little peek they got while the doctor checked her out.

My battle wounds (some of those are misses) and two others on the other side.

She was slightly jaundice and since we had to stay an extra day due to her being born at night and her brothers also being jaundice they went ahead and put her under the lights for 24 hours.

 Getting ready to go home!!

The name, where did we get the name?  I was driving one day in the early stages of pregnancy and while driving I was trying to think of names.  Adele came on the radio and I thought, "hmm, that's a neat name."  While thinking along that line I came up with Adeligh (spelling took a while).  I came home and told John and his face lit up.  He usually shoots all my names down so this was big.  Mind you, we didn't know what we were having yet.  So, when we found out we were having a girl we were pretty set on using Adeligh. 

Now here was the problem, we have a Tryston and an Asher.  I didn't want another "A" name even though Asher's is technically a middle name.  Then, someone pointed out we have a T.A., J.A., and could have a __.A.  Family themes are neat to me because my siblings and I are all J's (and we've all married J's).  Ok, back to my sweetheart...the first name was a struggle, nonetheless I wasn't set on her going by a middle name.  Yes, I'm aware it's little bit of a challenge going by a middle name.  It didn't bother me as much with Asher as it did for her.  I didn't feel like I could use either of my names, Jennifer Lauren, because they just didn't fit right.  We initially liked Harper Adeligh, but got tired of Wizards of Waverly Place comments and I just couldn't decide if I wanted to go with a no meaning name.  There's a bit of a history there (love you Mom).  So, do I give her a no meaning name like me and name her a name that I loved just as my parents did or do I give her meaning and use my name that my parents so lovingly and proudly picked for me.  I did some research on the internet and found that Gueinevere is the earliest form of Jennifer and John was set.  It took me until I signed the dotted line to commit.  Everytime I prayed about it I'd be brought to tears with the name, but I didn't want her to hate her ultra unique name when she grew up.  But, it was settled (and thanks to all who helped me with this decision) that our baby girl would be named after her Mommy.  And that is where we got my sweet Gwenivere Adeligh's name.  We chose Gwen in case she ever decides to go by Gwen instead of her middle name.  I have to admit I sometimes call her baby Gwen.  :-)  I love her name.

 Headed home...

Our Sweet Adeligh, we are overjoyed to have you in our lives and we are forever changed.  You bring us smiles everyday.  We often wonder how we could have ever lived without you.  You are amazing.  We thank God for always giving us and knowing exactly what we need.  Mommy can't wait to fix your hair and paint your toes.  We have many fun times ahead of us.  Welcome to the family!!