I'm in LOVE

Olivia is just as Perfect as she looks!!!

Olivia's Birth

I was scheduled to be at the hospital at 6am, Wednesday, May 25th for my induction. After waking up that morning at 2am I was anxious to get there. Everything went so easy. I got right in and was at a 4 (and 50% effaced).

They started pitocin at about 8am and shortly after I got my epidural. The doctor checked me again at 10am and I was now at 5cm. He said he would come back at noon during his lunch break and see where I was at.

In the mean time my epidural was only working on one side. After some help from the anesthesiologist, I was soon completely numb on both sides. During this time my monitors on my belly had shifted and so it was showing that I wasn't having contractions. The nurse finally came to reposition them at 11:30 where we found I was in full blown labor.

The doctor showed up at 12:15, checked me, and said I was at a 10 and position 3...the head was right there. He quickly got gowned up and after 3 pushes Olivia was born at 12:34pm

It was soooo fast, that I felt like I barley had any time to take it in. Everything went so well and calm. She was perfect and I felt instant love for her.

Nana came the night before to help take care of the girls. She dropped them off at a friends house right before the delivery and just missed Olivia's birth. We are so thankful for her willingness to come help and be here to take care of us.

Later that afternoon the girls came to meet their new sister.



The both brought her a present that they picked out all by themselves. I thought it was hilarious that Abby wanted to give Olivia a "taggie" exactly the same as hers.

We were discharged from the hospital 24hrs after the birth.
The rest of the afternoon was spent together in our house. It was a bit crazy with three kids and I know I have a lot to get used to, but it felt so good all being together.

The next morning (Friday) Nana took Gracie and Abby with her to Dallas to her house so that Ben and I could finish getting the house all packed up. It was so helpful being able to do this with the girls gone and being able to enjoy Olivia to ourselves for a couple of days.

The girls were really cute saying goodbye to our house and walked through all the rooms saying goodbye.


Tomorrow we load up the truck and head to Dallas to get the girls. I will fly with them (with the help of Nana) while Ben drives the car to California. What a journey these past few days have been, but it has been a wonderful journey...

She's Here...

Introducing...

Olivia James Martino

May 25, 2011

12:34 pm

Born 6 lbs. 14 oz.

17.5 inches

More to come...

Pregnant, but not for long

9 months pregnant...

Large...

and in charge

I can't believe that soon I will be a Mommy of 3 girls. I'm getting induced Wednesday the 25th (I'll be 39 weeks). This pregnancy has gone by mostly fast. The last month is always the longest it seems. We are so excited and anxious for this little girl to join our family. It's been fun talking about it with Gracie and Abby and how they plan on helping me take care of her. I'm so excited, but nervous and sad at the same time. Ben and I were just saying how easy and perfect life is right now. We feel like we have most things down with the girls, they are at an easy age, and get along so well. I know that when this new baby comes into the mix things will be tossed all around for a while, but life will be all the more perfect with her in it. I can't wait to have a newborn again and to bring this new little gift home to our girls.

Benjamin Martino, MD

It's official!!!! We have a doctor in our house and couldn't be more proud of him. What an adventure these past four years have been. Ben's graduation took place Saturday afternoon at Texas A&M in College Stattion with a banquet held Friday night. He was recognized for his acceptance into the AOA and graduated with honors. His parents, sisters (Kim and Jason, Karina, and Lauren), as well as Grandma were able to make it to support us in this big accomplishment. It was such an amazing feeling watching him get hooded (a sash they put on to show he is an MD) and be a part of this journey. Medical school was definitely hard but we were able to get through it and be blessed by the love and support from family and friends.

Abby was scared of Ben in his graduation attire and wouldn't go to him until he was changed out of it.

Congratulations DR. MARTINO! We are so proud of you! You did it !!!

Grandma

We loved having you for a few days! We can't wait to move in a couple of weeks and be able to see you a lot more.

Soccer Awards

Grace and Ben had a wonderful first season of soccer. I think they both learned a lot. The kids all got trophy's at their last game Saturday. We had a little award ceremony at the park with donuts. Gracie got the "Best Effort" award and was very proud of her trophy. It was so fun watching Grace and Ben in action.