Elissa's Birth Story

Happy 8th Birthday Baby Girl!

It really is amazing how the time does fly by. When you are in the midst of babies and toddlers it seems like you will never get out of that mode.

Eight years ago today, just after midnight my water broke. For being a person who makes plans for her plans, I was totally unprepared. Elissa decided to come 6 weeks early. I feel like God said, "Heather, I love that you are making all these plans. Deciding to get off work 6 weeks early and have all this time to finish projects and have some "me" time before the baby. Oh how much I have to teach you." :-) My best friend had her 3rd baby, Payton, on Wednesday the 26th. I had my last day of work on Thursday. Friday I went in for a baby check up and was SO looking forward to all the time I was going to have. Saturday I was calling Kirstin and telling her I was in the hospital having a baby. Our babies were 3 days apart. We couldn't have planned that any better. :-)

I had already had my baby showers. Amy Jo was leaving for a mission trip to Africa, so I wanted to have my shower before she left. She also got to see Elissa before she left. What a blessing!

I called and woke my Mom up and told her I was heading to the hospital. She took that literally and hung up the phone without taking a shower or brushing her teeth and sped toward Good Samaritan Hospital. It turned out that my Dad and Brother were on a fishing trip. This is very ironic because my Dad was also fishing when my Mom went into labor with me. When my Mom finally got a hold of him, they were on the lake fishing and Chad heard "water broke" and he started reeling in the lines. In both cases he made it to the hospital before the births.

My Mom made it the hospital before we did, which she was none too happy about. I took a shower and packed a bag and then we were a ways down the road and remembered that we forgot a bag and had to go back. We were taking our time. :-)

I was never really "in labor" as far as having contractions. They started the drip and I had an epidural. I labored all day and ended up pushing for 2 hours. Nana, Grandma and Auntie Holly were in the room with Darin & I. [Grandma Myrna was out of town because no one expected me to go into labor. Papa, Grandpa Frink, Papa Carl, Chad & baby Cole were in the waiting room.] I don't think they thought they would get jobs during my labor. It was an odd situation and I know the nurse was the reason that it took 2 hours for Elissa to come out. Grandma almost passed out as she was seeming to breath with me and for me. Papa had to be called in to help in the final amount of time. Elissa Ann came at 11:57pm, May 29th on Memorial Weekend. She was 5lbs 7oz and 19.5 in long. She was big for her age. She was healthy for her age.

Elissa stayed in the hospital for 2.5 weeks. When your child comes early, you realize that each of the weeks of your pregnancy are vital in your child's development. Elissa needed to wait to develop the ability to suck and regulate her body temperature. She also had a bout of jaundice, but nothing serious. Darin learned how to use all the machines; as if you wouldn't expect that of him. :-) When Elissa came home he really wanted to buy/rent several of the machines so we felt more at ease.

Elissa came home on Thursday, June 17th. Just in time for Father's Day!

Cole and Elissa are 5 months apart. Cole couldn't keep his hands off Elissa. Such a sweet boy!

Elissa we love you so much!

You are still running your own show. :-) You definitely know what you want and won't settle for less. You love music, dancing, telling jokes, gymnastics and roller blading. You also love all things about art and writing, though reading not so much. You have such a heart for anyone in need. We know that you will use your very independent streak and caring heart to glorify God!