Yes - She was born a month ago and I'm finally getting around to posting about her...

Meet Emmaline Reagan Ellinger -

Born June 13, 2011
8 lbs 3 oz
21 1/2 inches

As far as the birth went compared to the other 2 kids, she was as easy as can be. Emmaline was a scheduled c-section. We got to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. (we should have been there at 5, but I just couldn't get myself moving that morning!). The kids had spent the night with Jake's sister, Kathleen, and so we didn't have anyone to drop off. The night before I was reading a book and just couldn't put it down. I had no kids to take care of and I really was into that book! Finally at midnight Jake and I decided to go to bed. I tried my best to get up and moving at 4:15, but I just couldn't do it. We quickly got ready and left our house at 5:15 or so. We arrived at Orem Community Hospital at 5:30. The nurses quickly got me to a room and I got dressed for the surgery. As usual, it took 4 pokes to find a vein for an iv. After dealing with that, I walked to the OR with Jake by my side and slid onto the operating table. No problems with the spinal. The best part was that a friend from my ward, Kayla Augastine, scrubbed in the surgery to help out. Dr. Judd arrived and everything went very quickly from that point. Janice, my little sister, and Patsy, Jake's mother, were waiting very patiently outside of the OR watching it all happen. After Emmaline was taken out, she was shown to me. She had a good husky cry. When I heard it I was relieved! She was not gasping for air like Nathan was. She was big, beautiful and PINK! She looked so much like Elisabeth when she was born. After the operation was complete, the dr's and nurses helped move me to a bed which was when I got so sick! I began throwing up and the nausea and vomiting didn't end till late that night.

Once I was back in my room and made comfortable, Emmaline was brought to me. I almost cried holding her in my arms. I guess I didn't realize how much that moment would really mean to me. I didn't have a 3 minute glance at my child and have her wisked away wondering what was going on. I was able to hold her, smell her, and appreciate that little life that was given to me. She did have a hard time learning how to nurse, but that was so mild compared to any other problems.

The problem with having a c-section is the sleepy, loopy feeling that I always have. This time was no different. After trying to feed the baby, she was passed off to a more that willing Aunt Janice and Grandma Ellinger to be loved and smothered! The best part of the day was when Nathan & Elisabeth were brought to the hospital to meet their new sister. Nathan just kept asking if she was his sister that came out of my belly and Ellie was love-struck!





Nathan sat and read Emmaline Mickey Mouse and Elisabeth kept telling Emmaline that she was her big sister and how much she loved her. There's just something so satisfying about seeing your children respond to another sibling like that.

As for Emmaline's name... Jake and I couldn't reach an agreement on her name till she was 3 days old. I loved the name Emma or Emily, but Jake wasn't to hip on either. Kathleen suggested Emmalyn and Janice said she liked Emmaline. Once I told Jake that Emmeline Wells was such a prominent figure in both Mormon History and American History he was all for that name. At first it seemed like such a proper name for a little baby, but it really does seem to fit her. I was released from the hospital on Friday morning. I felt ready to go home and to be a mother.

As an older woman in my ward put it, Emmaline is the reward for taking care of Nathan. Before having kids I couldn't understand how you can love your children so much and each of them on an individual basis. I love Nathan for who is he and what he has overcome and will yet overcome. I love Emmaline and feel so blessed that she is healthy and content. To be a mother of 3 has been an interesting change, but a welcomed one.