The Birth of Eliza Jane: Part Five

If you need to catch up... Pregancy. Part One. Part Two. Part Three. Part Four. 

Erik telephoned his parents and then we called my family. We used Facetime and had the camera on the baby when my mom answered the phone. Much of my family was huddled around Mom as they were greeted by the face of the newest family member. I told them there was someone for them to come meet and when pressed for more information told them they'd have to come find out.

I called my sisters next. As Lindsey only lives a five minute drive from the hospital, they arrived shortly after I called them. I heard them well before they entered the room. They’d been to see us in the wee hours of the morning so they knew exactly where to come. Their tears and laughter filled the room before either of them did. I remember my heart began racing in anticipation and I was so excited to share my baby with them. I was so excited to share the joy and surprise and excitement! My tears and laughter joined theirs as they burst into the room.

My parents arrived shortly after my sisters. My dad had tears in his eyes as he held the babe for the first time — I could see the awe and adoration shining from his face. My poor mom is adorable. She sobbed as she hugged me and met her grand-daughter; her birthday present.

I had texted my mom when we were transferring to the hospital, but only that we were “going to the hospital” and I didn’t give her any updates after that. She didn’t know what was going on or if something was wrong with either me or the baby. And she’d known how dilated I was the previous morning so, like everyone, she’d anticipated things moving a lot quicker. 

We were discharged at 12:00, four hours after delivery, and we met more of my family in the hall on our way out before we headed home to rest.

We didn't have a girl name picked out. Jane was going to be the middle name - after Erik's sister Jayna. We'd known that for years, but we didn't have any first names. I kind of liked a few names though I didn't love any. Harper was probably my top name at the time and I am so glad we didn't go with that. Erik had suggested Eliza a few months back, but I immediately vetoed it. I was less than a fan. He timidly brought the name up again when we were getting ready to go to my parent's for dinner. He told me he really loved Eliza Jane. And that was that. I didn't even like it at the time, but I figured it was better to have a name that one of us loved than one that neither of us was particularly fond of.

And so she had a name :: Eliza Jane ::

Fun fact. Her Uncle Jayna's middle name is Elizabeth. So we have Jayna Elizabeth and Eliza Jane.

Arriving at Grandma and Bapa's for Christmas Dinner. Being bombarded by cousins.

We made it to my parent's house for Christmas dinner that evening and Eliza got to meet the entire Jansen clan. And we got to eat delicious food.

It was a busy week. Too busy for my liking, but that's what happens when you have a baby on a holiday when your gigantic family is in town. We had extended family photos at the beach the next day, which was a long three hours of standing.

I plan on taking it a little bit easier the next time around.