Whitney LeeAnne Steinlage

Well, our life has finally changed and so much for the better!!! After a very long journey, we welcomed our first child into this world. Our little angel, Whitney LeeAnne Steinlage came to us on December 23rd at 2:25 p.m. She weighed 7lbs 8and half oz and was 19 inches long. The labor was a very long and difficult one, but through it all, we were blessed with our Christmas Miracle. Jodi went into labor at 1 a.m. on Tuesday (December 22). We went the hospital at 8 in the morning, although they said they could keep me, I would probably be more comfortable at home. I went home and walked and walked and walked some more and continued to have contractions every 3-5 minutes. We went back to the hospital at 5 that afternoon and they admitted me to the hospital. My contractions continued to intensify and finally at 2 in the morning, they decided to break my water. This only increased my contractions, but I wasn't not dilating (I was only at a 4 after 31 hours of labor) and the baby wasn't dropping . Finally at 6 in the morning on Wednesday, they gave me my first set of medicine to help my relax and hopefully help speed things up. At 8 a.m. they decided I needed to be put on PIT. They did give me a thing similar to an epidural, so I could relax and get some much needed sleep (I hadn't slept for more than an hour since 1 the previous morning. Close to noon the medicine began to wear off and I had only dilated to a 5 and an half. They were beginning to consider a C-section, but still wanted to see how things went. After almost 2 hours of very intense labor (contractions were lasting a minute and coming every minute and half). The doctor checked and I was only at 6 or so, the baby still hadn't dropped and decided to do a C-section. The quickly prepared me and at 2:25, our little angel entered this world. The discovered she had a very small cord (which normally leads to miscarriages or early deliveries) and the cord was wrapped around her neck twice. If she had dropped, we most likely would have lost her as they would not have been able to get her out quick enough. Heavenly Father was looking out for us and a little angel was holding her feet keeping her from dropping!!! She was born perfectly healthy and continues to grow each day. We are celebrating her 1 week birthday today!!! We don't think we could have asked for anyone better and feel so blessed to have her today! Although it was a long 37 hours of labor and much pain, we are grateful that every bad thing that happened, happened the way it did because we wouldn't have our little girl right now!!! We will continue to update as Whitney continues to grow and change each day!!!

P.S. We are very grateful for everything everyone has done for us!! The visitors and presents were very much appreciated!!! I (Jodi) would also like to thank my family for coming out from Idaho and helping with everything!!! It was so nice to have you guys out here and enjoy this very special time with us!!! We love you guys so much and wished we could see you guys so much more!!!!