Welcoming Chloë Avéline Grenier

Contractions started early in the morning on Friday around 6:30 a.m., and Alex was going to leave to work, but I had a bad feeling that he shouldn't go.

That day, there was also a snowstorm, so maybe it was the baby's way of telling her daddy not to go to work all the way in Toronto.

The same week, on December 14th, I had some 'show' and was worried, since I was only 35 weeks, I called the hospital and they advised me to come in.

3 cm's dialated??? And I had to stay overnight to keep watch on me, in our Private room, which is a bonus, since we asked for a semi-private.

Everything was fine, and Dr. Wade said that I must go on Sick leave effective immediately and was told to be on bed rest.

A little more than a week left til Christmas, so I had to make a list of things for Alex to buy.

One thing I thank God for is a great and supportive husband, at my beckon call, reluctant, but he loves me so much!

On Friday, December 19th 2008, we had a Secret Santa party at our house. Everyone drove in the winter storm just to open presents.

Those who made it were: Ken, Laura, Tre and Arnold.

At 6:30 p.m., I was in the living room with Arnold, who was trying to distract me while my contractions got closer. I had to admit, they were different then the supposed contractions I was having on December 14th at the hospital. This time, I can feel them... but very tolerable!

Everyone that had presents got to open them up. Jay and Amy got to our house pretty late, but we had to get them out... my contractions were getting closer and closer, and I called the hospital again, and they wanted me to come in!

Peter and Chan were coming late to our house, but someone called them to let them know that Marissa might be having the baby tonite!

After sitting in the hospital for an hour in the hallway, with terrible but still not die hard contractions, I finally was able to lie on a bed, and thank goodness, Dr. Smith was there that night, since I originally wished he was going to be the one delivering my baby, my wish was granted! No offense to Dr. Wade.

6 cm's dialated??? Couldn't believe this! 'You are going to have your baby tonite!', and off I went to another room, to prepare for the delivery.

Ahhhhh... epidural...

Women! I highly suggest you get one! Lying on my bed with contractions, and the nurse asked if I wanted an epidural... helll ya I wanted one! (Although the contactions were still manageable).

My parents were in the room taking turns with my brothers, and they were so excited, and we had a TV in our room, so they watched TV, and I lied there as the epidural kicked in.

Let me tell you, I did feel the needle go down the spine, and slowly go down, and then my left leg twiched. The doctor said that's how they know they put the needle in the right spot... good to know?!

Time to push?

OK, so I am on the epidural, how do I know when to push? Well, you can still feel a bit, and the nurse said you will feel like pooing, and everytime I did feel it, it was still hard to push, because you don't even know if you really are, or are you just making the sound and face and think you are pushing a big piece of turd?

Finally... she's here!

At 5:22 a.m. at 6 lbs 2 oz, Chloë Avéline Grenier was born! Healthy and beautiful at 36 weeks!

Tears of joy rolled down my face and cried 'I'm so happy right now' as I starred at my beautiful little girl, with pride that I actually carried her in my belly, and took care of myself for the first time of my life just to see a healthy baby girl!

I think I caught daddy having a few tears as well! Proud loving parents to this little angel.

First 24 hours

She was so good and quiet for the first 24 hours, in our semi-private room... all the private rooms were taken, and our neighbor was so loud and annoying the first night.

Another night?

Still in the same room, poor daddy had to sleep on a chair, and crabbier than ever, we had to ask if the private room was available. The awesome nurse we had said she had a patient that was leaving, and saved us the room! Our hero!

The last night, daddy got to sleep on a mini bed, but better than the chair for sure! And we were going home!!!

Monday, December 22nd, we left Credit Valley hospital with our little girl. Enough time to rest before Christmas, and she is our Christmas gift... early and best present for Christmas, and was able to celebrate her first Christmas in 2008 and New Year 2009!

Let the sleepless nights begin...