The Robbins' Nest: Tess Brinley is HERE...

She's Here!!! Oh our sweet baby Tess Brinley. We love you so much already! You arrived on December 23, 2013 at 12:33 pm. You weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz and you were 21 inches long. Perfect!!

Your Story:
I had been having contractions for a week...very mild and very sporadic. I wasn't dilated hardly at all and she seemed pretty content to stay warm and cozy. On the night of December 21/22 (sadly we cannot remember?? Sleep deprivation at it's finest) we actually thought my contractions were coming more often so we called Jane Harrison (dear friend) and she came over. Well by the time she arrived and I had sat down...spread back out and hardly anything. So she went back home and we tried to get some sleep. Either the next day (the 23rd) or 2 days later the contractions were intensifying. For sure! But still 10-12 minutes apart and my water was still holding strong. It was weird b/c they just were hurting quite a bit. If I sat down they were pretty sporadic and far apart...but if I even leaned forward to stand up a contraction would hit immediately and once I was up walking they were every 3 minutes. Shay decided we needed to go due to their intensity. I was really unsure if we should go as again they were so far apart when I would sit...but on the drive up it got more intense and more close together. I was just hoping I would be at a 5-6 cm when I got checked but this is where your labor was very similar to your brothers. The nurse checked me and then things got crazy as they realized I was at an 8/9 cm and ready to push. Dr. McCall (woohoo!!!) got to deliver as she saw my name come across the board and also saw that I was 8/9 and ready to go. Everyone got ready and although I have done this 3 times...sweet girl I must admit I wasn't ready to do this again. I just knew the pain that was about to come (all natural again with you b/c I wouldn't have had time for the epidural...but not sure I would have done one anyways as they are $$ and you are all numb afterwards). I literally told Shay I just wasn't sure I could push you out. Well, total time was about 37 minutes between checking in and having you (your brother beat you by 5 minutes) and around 4 hard pushes...you were here! I was so thankful you were healthy and perfect in every way! Shay was a trooper once again and the best husband and dad in the world.

Your Dad: Your mom was a champ! The nurses and Dr. McCall raved about her personal toughness. If every mom was like Ashley Robbins OB/GYN school could be accomplished at a 2 year community college. Each time Ashley delivers one of our children she resolidifies herself as my hero. Tess did come out with some bruising as she came so quickly...so her cheeks were a bit purple for a few days.

We were all ready to head home and luckily since it was Christmas and baby and I were both healthy and normal delivery they only made us stay 1 night...PTL! It was a long long 1 night. I am not a hippie mom but if I could deliver at home I so would. The constant nurses (although so sweet and we love Cox) about drove this momma bonkers! All in all we always are amazed at how much a miracle it all is...10 fingers, 10 toes and straight bones and a strong heart.

Oh, Jesus we pray each of these miracles you have granted us will have a full heart just for you. That they would see and know of your love first in their life from us and then as they get older would see that love from mommy and daddy is only possible through You.