Meeting Ruby Magnolia

Watching the kids meet their new baby sister was one of the sweetest moments. They were so excited to see her and hold her. They were all so sweet and gentle. I was glad my mom could be a part of it too. It was a huge burden lifted knowing that the kids were being well taken care of at home while Ben and I were at the hospital. After spending some time with Ruby, everyone headed to the cafeteria for dinner and then returned for a few more minutes with the baby. Simon was bouncing off the walls by this point, pushing every button in sight. The kids, especially Elsa, were really sad to leave the hospital. They wanted to take Ruby home with them right away.

Welcome Ruby!

  

Ruby Magnolia Black

Born March 31, 2016 at 11:22 a.m.

at WakeMed Hospital in Cary, North Carolina

9 lbs 5 oz  |  20 inches

We had a hard time choosing a name. We had narrowed it down to a short list of names by the time we went to the hospital. We went back and forth on middle names and were leaning towards Magnolia. When we got to our recovery room and saw framed pictures of magnolias, we knew it was the one! We love that Ruby has a name that reflects her birthplace and our time here in the East and the South. Plus, magnolia trees are stunning and one of my favorites!

 

I was induced at 39 weeks, primarily due to my history of rapid labors. I was having a lot of contractions and was beyond uncomfortable so I was ready to meet this baby. We arrived at the hospital at 6 a.m. on March 31. We got checked in and the nurse got my IV started. Knowing how fast my labors can be, and how slow anesthesiologists can be, she made the anesthesiologist give me the epidural before they even started any pitocin. My last two labors were "natural" not by choice so I was glad she insisted on it and put up with the obnoxious anesthesiologist. (He made the nurse clean up his mess since he was doing her a "favor" by showing up so quickly.)  My doctor eventually arrived and they started me on pitocin and then an hour later she broke my water. Thing progressed quickly after that. The nurse said she would be back to check on me in 15 minutes but I was starting to feel a LOT of pressure and let her know that I needed to start pushing NOW. The nice thing about having your fifth kid is that the nurses and doctor trust that you know what you're doing. The nurse grabbed the doctor and quickly got the bed ready for delivery. Ruby practically climbed her way out and I think I only pushed once. She came out with her little right hand up against her cheek. Everyone commented on her large size and she was immediately placed in my arms. Those first few minutes are the sweetest, most tender moments just listening to her heavy breathing and finally holding her! We are so happy this sweet baby joined our family.

lunch date

The day before I was scheduled to be induced, my mom watched the boys while Ben and I got away for one last date before baby. We had lunch downtown at Bida Manda and it was delicious. We stopped at the WRAL Azalea Gardens for a quick stroll through all of the gorgeous azaleas.

The boys loved to pat my belly and try to listen to the baby.