Charlotte Grace Ellsworth

We welcomed our beautiful baby girl Charlotte to our family on December 13, 2011 . What would possibly be a better Christmas gift then a healthy baby from our Heavenly Father. She is perfect in every way and we have completely fallen in love with her .

On Monday December 12 , I decided to go to the hospital and make sure Charlotte was doing well and that I was not developing an infection . I had been in labor dilating slowly for 3 weeks prior and so i just wanted to be safe. I had been admitted two weeks earlier for one week in the hospital for pre-term labor . They were able to stop my contractions with an IV of magnesium and then sent me home with tributaline to slow the contractions. The whole process kept Charlotte growing for 2 more weeks and it was tough but so worth it . I was already at six cm. when I checked in to triage and they quickly admitted me . I was contracting every 3 minutes and some how knew that there was no turning back at this point and I would likely be having a baby that night. Charlotte was only 35 weeks exactly at midnight on the 13th so needless to say we were expecting that she would need to spend a few days in the NICU .

It was the most amazing labor and delivery that I have ever had and I can actually say that I enjoyed the experience and it couldn't have been more relaxing and perfect. I was admitted at 7:00 p.m and labored till 2:00 a.m . I got an epidural at 2:15 and delivered miss Charlotte at 4:30 a.m.

I now understand why women get epidurals it is a whole new experience and one that I will forever be grateful for . I had absolutely no pain just minutes after the epidural and was able to thoroughly enjoy the birth of my sweet baby girl.

The high risk Dr.s and nurses quickly showed me Charlotte and then took her to the special care nursery to be monitored . She was there for just two hours and we were all surprised when they knocked on my room door at 6:45 a.m and asked if I wanted my baby . I said , " are you kidding me , of course I do" . Charlotte from that moment on stayed in the room with me and didn't need anything at all . She is as healthy as can be , tiny but so healthy . It is remarkable to me that a baby so tiny and small knows exactly how to survive and adjust outside the womb . I can't help but think as we spent so much time cuddling and bonding in the hospital just me and Charlotte how much it takes to have a healthy baby. Everything has to be lined up so perfect and exact in order for a baby to come out healthy and strong. People take advantage of a baby that can suck , swallow , breathe and eat. I gained a whole new perspective and gratitude for a strong healthy baby since Emerson's birth two years ago.

Charlotte even though only 35 weeks is healthy , strong and we are so very happy to have her here with us.

I thought that with a new baby it would be a perfect time for a lesson on our Heavenly Father's plan . I explained to the boys that Charlotte is the greatest gift that Heavenly Father has given our family this year and that he sent her to us to love and take care of. I explained that she was just living in Heaven with our Heavenly Father and how we will all have the chance to return and live with him again. While holding Charlotte and explaining where we came from and where we are going after this life,each time I would say Heavenly Father Charlotte would smile. She of course had her eyes closed but without fail when she heard me say Heavenly Father she would get a big grin . Stratton thought this was great and now I will catch him singing Heavenly Father over and over again to Charlotte. He and I are both sure that she knows just who her Heavenly Father is and at this point likely remembers him much more than we do.

Just minutes after she was born , there was probably 10 Dr.s and Nurses in the room ready to help if she needed anything. To all of our surprises she scored 9/9 on her Apgar .

I had no preemie clothes for Charlotte so David had to borrow one of Stratton's doll outfits and it fit perfectly.

This was the first time Stratton and Emerson met their new baby sister. Emerson just kept pointing saying baby pretty .

Daddy and his new baby girl ! David was such a trooper through this whole 3 week process of hospital stays and delivery of Charlotte. He had 4 finals and managed to get through all of his classes with A's and one B . The morning Charlotte was born he had his last final that day at 2:00 p.m . and hardly had any time to study or concentrate . While I was laboring quietly and happily with the epidural he was studying on his laptop throughout the night and early morning. It is amazing how a new baby reminds you of Heavenly Fathers plan . There is nothing more important then Eternal Families and the joy a new baby brings to a family. I am so thankful for David and the wonderful husband and father that he naturally is. He is so patient and sacrifices all of his time and energy for the kids and I .
I love you honey and think you are simply adorable!

You can see by that smile how excited Stratton is to finally meet Miss Charlotte