The Hourigan Family: Eden's Birth Story

Eden's birth was not until after 5PM, but her birth story starts that morning. Tim and I woke up and took the kiddos to school. Then we had a nice little date- breakfast at a local restaurant, couples massage, and a little shopping for last minute things.

Meanwhile, we were informed that Tim's childhood best friend, CJ, was in the hospital with his wife, Summer, in labor. It looked like our babies would share a birthday, how cool! I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty that I was busy enjoying a massage while Summer was in labor, yet our babies would be born so close together.

Our day went as planned, we took our time getting dressed, hung some pictures at the house, and left for the hospital around 2:30PM.
We arrived, filled out paperwork, ran into Summer & CJs family awaiting the arrival of their baby, and went to pre-op.

It felt strange to sit in the back, knowing Eden would be here in the next hour. While waiting, we started a text message poll with our family to see who could guess her birth weight. Everyone gave their opinion and the winner would be allowed to buy Eden's first car :) 5:00 rolled around and we were ready to go. They wheeled me back to the OR, Tim and I shared a quiet prayer, and I walked in to get the spinal block.

It seemed like an hour for the staff to begin and before I knew it I could tell surgery had started. The anesthesiologist realized Tim wasn't back there yet, and grabbed him to come in. We patiently awaited the little cry that would bless our lives. We did have the opportunity to video our angel coming into the world too!

Soon enough, Eden made her debut. Her cry was small but mighty, and eased any anxiety. Tim was able to video them cleaning her up and weighing her in.

Eden Mae Hourigan

April 22, 2016 at 5:28PM

6 pounds 7 ounces, 19 inches long

Eden's Daddy won the poll, he had guessed 6 pounds 7 ounces exactly! He held our little bundle of joy while they sewed me up and I texted the family that Eden was here. Yes, I was texting on the operating table... I think it kept my mind off the rough tugging and jerking happening on the other side of the curtain. Eden found her thumb right away and sucked on it the whole time Daddy held her!

Soon we were in the recovery room oohing and aahing over this sweet, sweet blessing. I had been nervous at having her early (37 weeks and 5 days) so I was relieved to learn she was entirely healthy and earned a 9.9 on the apgar.

We spent a short 40 hours in the hospital before bringing our little girl home! Good is so good!!

This is Eden and Bear (CJ & Summer's son). He was born 7 minutes before Eden and weighed over 9 pounds! Eden looked so petite next to him! They were in a room across the hall from us. Such a unique experience for them to be born so close!