The Burgoynes: Elysse is here!

We are so excited to announce the arrival of Baby #3, and since she is #3, we apologize, but this is the closest thing to an announcement we are sending out. ;) (and sorry so late)

Here she is!!!

Introducing....

Elysse Wailanaonalani Burgoyne!

Elysse: (Eh lease) a greek name meaning “from the blessed isles”

Wailanaonalani: (why law naw o naw law knee) a Hawaiian name meaning “peaceful waters from the heavens”

Elysse was born Sunday, February 3^rd, 2008 at 9:00am, weighing in at 7lb 11oz with a length of 20 ¼ inches.

For anyone interested in "the story":
(Don't worry--there are no details)

At around 4:30am, I started having contractions, but didn’t pay much attention since they didn’t seem very regular. But at around 5:15am, I woke up Nate and told him I think I was in labor. The contractions were about 10 minutes apart, but as soon as I got out of bed, they were one right after another. We called Kay, Nate’s mom, to come watch the kids and got to the car. I told Nate to “Get me to the hospital!” We feel we were really blessed because since it was a Sunday, Kay was up in Haleiwa nearby instead of Honolulu, traffic was minimal, and parking was no problem. Nate dropped me off at the ER and met me later in the delivery room. Although Elysse was born 2 hours after we arrived, it seemed to me to be under an hour. The labor and delivery were, thankfully, uneventful. I didn’t even tear! I got to hold Elysse with her umbilical cord still attached. That was a surreal experience. I was holding something that was still a part of me, but would soon be an independent human being. Her chameleon-like skin changed from grey to white to pink and Nate got to cut the cord.

Nate, My Totally Cool Husband

As with all the births, I am so grateful for Nate’s support. We chose to do hypnobirthing this time, as recommended by several friends and family members. Nate really helped me relax and because I rely so much on him during delivery, I feel like the birth was an accomplishment for the both of us. He has continued to help with the baby despite his pressing business needs. He is quick to leave his office and come over whenever he hears multiple cries and screams from the home. He’s been doing night duty with me and taking care of the girls in the morning to I can sleep in. I have an awesome husband.

When the girls came to see their new sister on Sunday night, it was love at first sight. They have been great big sisters who are willing to help out (although sometimes Kezia says she "forgot we had a baby")