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Connor Claire, Model in Training

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connor-claire-day-2-sucking-thumb

That, my friend, did not exactly go according to plan.

Hello from rainy San Francisco. I’m here with El Hub and Ms. Connor Claire in our hospital recovery room after a few challenging days.

Everything is A-OK now, and Connor and I are trading makeup secrets and talking nail polish, but for a while there, it was a bit of an ordeal.

I went into labor at 4 p.m. on Monday, and it took 37 hours of labor, three hours of pushing and an emergency cesarean section that the head surgeon called the hardest cesarean she’s ever done.

I can’t lie, it was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me, but it’s over now. Now we’re all just resting and recovering.

We should be leaving the hospital tomorrow, and TGIF! I can’t wait to get home to Novato.

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I’ve been reading the posts by the interns (haven’t they been great?) and following all of your comments (thank you for all of your well-wishes and concern). Looks like Tabs has been doing a great job holding down the MBB fort. What a well-organized, professional tabby. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. She is so beautiful! I’m so glad you are both okay!!! So scary! Hope you guys are getting lots of R n’ R and get to settle in at home soon! Lots of Love!!!

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  3. Wow that is rough, mama! An emergency c-section after pushing is scary (mine was scheduled and it was terrifying still!) and not ideal but glad you’re both doing well. Take it easy for at least couple of weeks and heal well!

    Love to everyone! Connor Claire is a beauty!
    Arianne recently posted … Hair Thinning and Hair Loss Solutions

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  4. I had the same experience, but it’s totally worth it. Make sure you take the pain medication, do not try to “gut” your way through the pain!!! And in 10 days you’ll feel human again. I’m so proud of you, you grew a great one! Connor Claire is a beautiful name!

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  6. What a scary ordeal! But Connor is so beautiful and precious and I’m so so happy everything turned out well!

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  7. Congratulations! I hadn’t visited your blog in a while due to chasing my own little guy around. Cesarean after labor can be brutal – thank goodness you two are okay. 🙂 She is as beautiful as her name! Rest up and move as often that’s comfortable. Blessings!

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  8. Miss Connor Claire is so adorable and has such smoochable cheeks! So sorry it was a scary ordeal. Glad you and baby are doing well. I’m sure it will be wonderful to get home and settled in. Take care!

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  9. I had a similar experience minus the c section and it is scary. Hearing that makes me even more relieved you all are happy and healthy. She’s beautiful and what matters most is that she’s here now!

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  10. What a scary experience. So glad it all turned out well. Give yourself time to heal and enjoy Connor. She’s beautiful!

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  11. Oh my goodness, Karen, she is adorable. I love her name. I am so glad that you two are doing well, after your labor.

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  13. Oh wow, that must have been terrifying. I am so so glad you and the wee one are doing okay now! She is beyond cute. Your job now is to do your best to rest and heal and love on that baby. <3

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  14. Oh Karen, so sorry it was so hard and scary 🙁 I was getting worried when we didn’t hear from you at all on Tuesday. I’m glad to know everyone’s alright now! Connor Claire is such a cutie! Look how she rocks the striped hat!
    Don’t be afraid to talk about your experience though, it’s important that you don’t keep these feelings buried. And don’t worry about MBB, the interns are doing great, and we’re all here to keep it lively!
    Lulle recently posted … Maskology Vol I: an introduction to sheet masks.

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  15. Karen, much love and good wishes to you for some healing after such a labor AND surgery. You did great and thank heavens have a beautiful healthy BG and a dramatic story to tell her, that she will probably ask to hear over and over again (Family stories are the best…she will be amazed at how brave and strong her mama is, and determined to do all for her BG!) Take good care and accept all the help that comes your way. You deserve as much TLC as BG after this! Here’s to a happy homecoming for your new and improved family. PS She is soooo gorgeous! and your nails are pretty fab, too!

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  16. I’m glad you and your little girl are doing OK now. Congratulations, & I hope you are enjoying your time with that cute little baby.

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  18. Loving your lavender nails, Karen, and beautiful Connor Claire. On the up side, the C-section has rendered her a gorgeous, non-squooshed face. I, as I’m sure the rest of your internet family, are relieved that you are both doing well in spite of the emergent circumstances that arose during labor.

    I have no plans to have children but I do love having vicarious maternal experiences through my internet heroines! My favorite fitness role model, Melissa at benderfitness is now pregnant and still going strong with her work outs. You both rock. xoxo

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  20. We wish you a quick recovery, hope you get home soon and can enjoy each other company in no time, Wat makes somebody go to a cesarian. Like you know those questions are in my head right now.

    When you back home make sure to ally with tabs to keep an eye on Connor

    greets

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  21. Congrats on your beautiful baby girl! Make sure to rest when you can and take care of yourself when you get home. From a mom of 3 boys…

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  23. When we didn’t hear from you right away, I was thinking something like that. I am SO glad you guys are ok. What an adorable new model you have there! Tabs will love the new hire, although he may not be accustomed to her hours. Love to you all, and lots of rest (when you can).

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  25. I’m so sorry you had to go through that! She is so sweet and adorable, can’t wait to hear more from CC.

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  26. She’s adorable! I am sorry that it was so prolonged and difficult, but glad it’s over and you have her. I had 3 c sections but all were planned so I know how I felt, I can only imagine how you feel. Take pain meds, hope it’s ok to tell you to take stool softeners, drink lots of water and enjoy your beautiful baby girl.
    Before you know it, you’ll be getting manicures together!

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  27. So scary! But thankfully, everyone is healthy and happy. BG is just the cutest! I can’t wait to see your adventures together and her meeting Tabs! Wishing you much needed rest and a quick recovery. The MBB interns are doing great!

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  29. Oh she’s so beautiful! I can’t wait to see more pictures and I’m curious to know that Tabs thinks. He’s probably perplexed that you haven’t been home.

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  31. Glad to hear that you and Connor Claire are doing ok. Make sure to take it easy and no heavy lifting until your incisions are completely healed. Sending you lots of healing energy. Rest up as much as you can and enjoy that beautiful baby girl!

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  33. I’m glad Connor Claire finally arrived hale and hearty. I think we all got a little worried when you went quiet. Lots of people pulling for you guys. 🙂

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  35. Karen, I’m so sorry the experience was so scary. I have friends who had similarly challenging experiences. Childbirth is a major life event, but recovery can be harder when you are also recovering spiritually and emotionally. I hope that the coming days will bring you healing and even joy as you settle into your new life with Connor Claire and El Hub. (And Tabs!)

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  37. I thought Little Conner’s head and face were too perfectly beautiful to have come through a regular delivery. Almost the exact same thing happened to me – 32 years ago – but a C- section is still major surgery, even with such a wonderful little prize. Sooooo – do take the time for full recovery, and you all have my very best wishes!

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  39. Is it ok that I’m holding back tears? The pictures. With your cute manicure. And the story of your long, laborious labor, that was frightening, all culminating with the delivery of the sweetest. Thing. Ever! How sweet it is! Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us- the sweetest, tiniest, most wonderful thing ever! Can’t wait to hear her thoughts on blush, eye shadows, & winged eyeliner. Much love, dude. Or, shall we change it to MOMMY!!!!

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  40. I’m sorry you and Connor had to go through all that; very scary! I’m so glad you’re both all right. Connor is absolutely beautiful. You both did good!

    With my first son, I had contractions 10 mins, apart for an entire week, and nothing worked to make them progress. I finally ended up having my labor augmented. Then the amniotic sack wouldn’t break, so the nurse had to do it. After 8 hours of hard back labor, my son’s head came out with the cord wrapped so tightly around his neck the doctor had to cut it off. My son was blue and had to get oxygen immediately and was taken off to be examined. My husband got to hold him before I did. I fianlly got my son back after an hour or so…an eternity for a new mom waiting to hold her baby!

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  41. P.S. She’s perfect!! And I heart her name. Your story really is proof positive that all good (and beautiful) things come to those who wait 🙂

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  43. Wow…but just look at your reward! They say that nothing worthwhile ever comes easy…I guess you and Connor proved that!

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  44. So sorry to hear about your birthing ordeal, but the end result is certainly worth it, she is beautiful! I’m sure El Hub will take good care of the both of you in the coming weeks while you heal. Take care of yourself and Connor Claire!

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  45. Oh my gosh Karen, what an ordeal for you 🙁 I’m glad you and Connor Claire are doing well now. I hope you can rest lots and that there will be endless tabby hugs for you when you get home xx

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  46. She is so adorable, Karen! I’m glad that both of you are okay–what a scary experience! I wish you a quick recovery and lots of baby and tabby snuggles.

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  53. I was so glad to hear you and Connor Claire are fine after going through such a hard and scary labor. She is beautiful. May she bring you tons of joy. Try to rest and recover. We can celebrate our amazing children’s birthdays together.

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  56. Ohmagosh- she’s so tiny and beautiful! I’m glad everything turned out well. The interns are doing a great job, but no one can replace our Karen. 😉 Can’t wait for Connor Claire’s fav beauty tips.

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  57. I’m sorry you had such a rough time of it!! I also had to have a C-section after several hours of pushing, but my labor was not as long as yours. Giving birth is hard enough and recovering from major surgery on top of that just compounds it. Be patient because you may feel like crap for a while but eventually you will feel better. You have a beautiful baby girl to love and cherish so you won!!
    Please be good to yourself. Being at home will probably make you feel better. Try to rest and nest with your husband and daughter. If you’re not up to having company – even family – be honest and tell them.
    Oh, in case the nurses didn’t tell you, make sure you always have a pillow or two close by to hold next to your incision for whenever you laugh or cough or cry or – the worst – sneeze. Thankfully my mom passed that along to me. XOXOXO

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  60. Oh, Karen, hope you both feels well! BG is perfect little cutie? Also I have mention, you manicure – just purrrrfect!??

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  62. Congratulationssssssss! So glad to hear BG and you are A-OK. That sounded like such an ordeal! Wishing you a speedy recovery in eachothers arms.

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  63. Congratulations she’s beautiful, purrfect, glad you are through the tough stuff and you can enjoy being a Mom to your sweet baby girl, praying for a speedy recovery, c sections are no joke.

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  66. She is really beautiful. I hope you recovery quickly.Little Connor has a young beautiful mama.She will soon talk about makeup with her expert mum.Have a nice week-end with your splendid family.Soyez heureuse.

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  67. SO relieved to hear you are both okay, I was getting a little worried after you went MIA. I am sorry it didn’t go smoothly, but now that you both are recovering: Isn’t she the sweetest? Such an angel! And your nail polish still on point. It is the little things…

    The interns you picked are doing amazing, and of course Tabs is supervising everything purrfectly, so take your time to adjust to life as a new mom and fully recover.
    LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Oskia Renaissance 360 anti-ageing & brightening supreme cream

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  68. Karen, I am happy to hear that you’re recovering and doing well! What a scary experience for you and your family 🙁 You were a brave mama! Connor Claire is perfect. Sending you and your family warmth and good wishes!

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  69. How scary to go through all of that, and hear the doctor say it was his/her hardest! I’m so sorry, Karen. I wish we were all there for you during such a scary time. Connor is absolutely perfect! She looks like a doll baby! Absolutely beautiful! And your manicure…you put me to shame! I hope you are all home now resting and nesting with Tabs. Xoxo

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  70. It never goes to plan. I’m so glad you had a good team to help you through. Little Connor is beyond gorgeous and you have done brilliantly well. The next few days might be a little rocky. All those hormones changing can bring in epic baby blues. If that happens, understand its normal, it will pass and be kind to yourself. X

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  71. Congratulations Karen and welcome to Connor Claire (btw loving the name) take all the time to rest and take advantage of every single moment with ur baby girl xoxoxo

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  72. Glad you are well and here is hoping for a speedy recovery. And she is adorable and after having my own I can now actually appreciate babies in all their tiny glory!

    The new season of House of Cards is out and 4 episodes in it is amazing! Good luck trying to binge watch it though, it is really tough with a newborn and no sleep.

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  73. Ouch, Karen! What a grueling, exhausting ordeal! Reminds me of what I went through getting my son born. Isn’t it amazing that, even when everything goes wrong, it can turn out so right in the end? Thank goodness you’re both in the hospital together, they didn’t make one of you go home without the other. I know why you’ve been needing to recover, but hopefully Connor Clare came through it without having anything to recover from?

    And I can’t believe you have a great-looking manicure at this moment…

    At least Tabs will be so relieved to have you home again that he might be willing to share you with this new model-in-training 😉

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  75. So glad you are okay and baby girl!!! So sorry for your ordeal – but praise God all is well now!!! She is absolutely precious!!! I too was worried when we didn’t hear anything on Tuesday — bless your heart on the 37 hours of labor…. that must have been so exhausting. All’s well – and now you have your beautiful Conner Claire!!! God’s richest blessing to you all — and Tabs!!!

    Grace and Peace to you all Karen,
    Gina

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  76. She is soooo beautiful, Karen!!! And so tiny!!! Well, at least you got to try both worlds hehe. We’ve almost experienced the same thing. Had almost 12 hours of labor and stuck at 7cm, did not progress after four hours so I ended up with CS too. Turns out the umbilical cord was wrapped around my daughter’s neck. Good call!
    Laarni recently posted … Olay Natural White Light All In One Fairness Day Cream

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  78. Such a beautiful baby and a lovely name for a girl. Congratulations to you and your husband. Rest and be well.

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  79. OMG.
    So many posts appearing on your blog I missed this!
    But it was just yesterday and it’s morning sooo…
    CONGRATS!

    I also had an emergency c section. It’s pretty freaking scary.

    So glad you and baby are well.

    Sending you much love.
    Jessica recently posted … Friday Facial

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  83. Dear Karen,

    congratulations to you and your little family! Connor Claire looks amazing, those eyes! My baby boy ist 11 Weeks now. Take your time, rest a lot and accept as much help as you can – these are my learnings. Seriously, stay in bed as much as you can. If you plan to breastfeed, expecially. When I felt too exhausted, my solution was to eat A LOT and it worked. But enjoy these days, they are very special. Lots of love Silvia

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  84. She’s beautiful, Karen! Congrats to you and your family! Glad to hear you’re all doing well after an unexpected ordeal. Lots of love!

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  85. Congratulations again!!! That is one beautiful little girl, Karen! I went through the same ordeal when I delivered my only son; long labor, hours of pushing, only to be rushed away for an emergency cesarean. He’ll be 10 years old this October. (Holy cow! It’s been 10 years! Haha! Time certainly flies, doesn’t it!)

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  86. So glad to see your post and the lovely photos of your baby girl but especially to hear that you are both doing well now. What a relief for all of you. Take care Karen.

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  87. Omg Karen just saw this!
    so glad you and beautiful Connor are ok. What an awful scary thing for you!
    So sorry it was so rough, that just sounds like such an ordeal!
    Glad you are hopefully home and get good rest and don’t strain nor anything.
    Let everyone wait on you and take good care of yourself.

    I bet Tabs is a little stressed with everything and his “mama” not feeling great.
    Wishing you good health and a quick recovery and best wishes to your little angel and all of you.

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  88. So happy that all is now well and you can go home and begin your new life together as a family.Congratulations!! She is beautiful.
    I am sure you will start looking at skin care to get your skin as flawless as hers (lol)

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  89. Congrats Karen! Hope you’re healing up well. Baby is a lovely girl. What a lucky girl she is to have you 🙂 Enjoy these moments! Makeup news will come and go but baby days won’t last forever!

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  90. Karen I’m so relieved by seeing that beautiful little girl you have, as many I was worried of not hearing from you after your post of being in labor for 12 hours.

    I think she worths every effort you took.

    I think you have to be proud of the interns, you picked them really well.
    Efrain recently posted … Review: Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion

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  91. She’s so cute!! After screaming my head off,lol in labor pain. I too had to have a emergency C-section! So please take good care of yourself as you heal and discover the joys of motherhood!

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  92. She is lovely!!! Thank God everything ended well!!! Take good care of you because your lovely Connor Claire will need you !!! Congratulations Kisses

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  94. Congratulations, what a beautiful baby girl. I had 2 C-sections and both were scary too but worth it. Take it easy and let everyone pamper you and enjoy your little cutie.

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  96. Emergency C-sections are scary! So glad you and Connor are doing well. She’s beautiful and those baby cheeks…sigh.

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  97. Congratulations!! Connor Claire is beautiful! I hope you rest up and have a smooth and quick recovery– C-sections are no joke. Take care of yourself and that sweet little bundle.

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  98. Karen she is so beautiful!!! I meant to comment on the first post announcing her birth but here i am. shes such a teeny little girl for being so late and having such a hard time getting here! Im glad you both are ok. How scary!!! She is just so darn cute! And your nails look great btw! Hope you guys get to come home soon and I hope since she was such a tough little cookie to come out that she will be a good girl for you when she gets home 🙂 muwah!!! Kisses to you both!

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  100. Warmest wishes to you for a speedy recovery. Congratulations to you and El Hub on the birth of your beautiful daughter Connor.

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  102. Congratulations Karen!! She is absolutely perfect. I look forward to the adventures of Connor and Tabs. I wish you a speedy recovery, good times ahead, and many blessings to all of you! And the interns are great!

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  103. Love your blog! Praying for both of you & so glad everything turned out ok! ? She’s the cutest little thing ever!

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  104. She’s perfectly beautiful, Karen!! Happy to hear that you two are recovering well!! I had an emergency c with my first as well! If they don’t give you one, request a binder! It’s a life saver!! Enjoy getting to know your beautiful girl!!?

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  105. She’s so beautiful, Karen! Praying for a speedy recovery for you and beautiful bonding time ahead. Congrats to you and El Hubs! Motherhood is the best and most rewarding thing I ever did.

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  106. Thank heaven she’s here and you’re both healthy!!!!!!!!! I had two C sections. The first was totally unexpected (like you said, “not as planned” and scary moments) the second was expected, of course. No matter how the birth goes, all that matters is baby is out and ready to mingle!! C.C. is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  108. So glad the scary part’s behind you . . . she is sweet and will have the best parents!
    Take care and all the best. Glad you shared multiple photos!

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  109. I’m glad all is well now. Your daughter is so lovely. She looks so tiny. I hope Tabs is letting you get some rest at home now. The interns have been great. I’m sure Tabs will keep them in line for you.

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  110. So sorry you had such a scary experience! But so happy everything went well in the end and little Ms. Connor is so cute. I have two girls. Being their mom is the best thing that ever happened to me.
    Take care and take it easy and get as much rest as you can!

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  114. Congratulation, Karen and welcome to the world, beautiful little Ms. Connor Claire. I’m glad that you are all okay. I wish health and happiness for you, your baby and family (of course also Tabs). The spring is coming now…much love!

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  115. She’s beautiful, Karen. Rest and take care of YOU, so you can take care of her. Tabs will probably do Ok. We had a dog when we brought Kathleen home and after he took a big sniff and examined her he was fine!

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  116. OMG I hate that you had such a frightening experience! To reiterate another post, yes please take the pain medication, it will help. Your little girl is a precious little angel from heaven! What a beautiful face she has!

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  118. Congratulations Karen! That is an absolutely beautiful baby girl! I can tell she’s a DIVA in the making. You are going to have so much fun together! Many Blessings to you, El Hub and Connor Claire. LOVE her name btw 😉

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  119. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl, Karen! I am so excited for your family to start your new lives together. Cannot wait for pics of baby girl and Tabs! 37 hours of labor ending in the most complicated c-section the head surgeon’s ever done? Good gracious! I send you healing wishes and lots of love!

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  120. Just look at those chubby cheeks…so cute!! Glad that you and Connor are doing well. You’re going to love being a mommy!! Take care!!

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  122. Oh honey, I’m sorry to hear you had such a hard time. I had an emergency c-section myself. There were a couple of times that I really wondered if I was going to live and that they were going to get Michael out in time.
    So glad you both are okay and that El Hubs and Tabs survived the stress. 🙂
    Don’t be a hero when it comes to the pain medication. You’ve had major surgery. Take it.
    She is so beautiful!

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  123. I am so happy to hear that everything is ok now and I know that that was super scary! Not the kind of news you want to hear in an already difficult and scary situation. Baby Connor is beautiful 🙂 You will have a buddy for makeup in no time at all!

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  124. Congratulations!!! How beautiful Connor is! I had a 36 hour labor with my daughter, so you beat me by an hour 🙂 I’m very happy all is well for you <3

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  125. Wow! That’s a dramatic entry into the world. I’m glad you two are okay. Connor Claire looks adorable! Congratulations! ?

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  126. Oh, congratulations Karen!!! She is sooooo cute. And I’m not just saying that because you have to say babies are cute. We are not guaranteed cute babies, especially cute newborns, so I’d say you hit the jackpot on this one. She looks so tiny! What a harrowing experience you two went through. I’m so glad that everything is okay. Get rest, momma–you’ve earned it. And of course, bask in the wonder of holding your new baby. Welcome to the world, Miss Connor!

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  128. I’m sorry for all the scary stress and very glad things worked out well. I had a feeling it was c-section when I saw your first post with her perfectly shaped head. 🙂 It’s great when they’re planned but definitely not great when it’s an emergency. Wishing you a very speedy recovery! It will take a while before you’re able to jump over puddles as easily. 🙂

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  131. Very glad that you are on the other side of it now. She is absolutely delicious! Wishing you a quick and complete recovery.

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  134. So sorry to hear you had such a trying and scary delivery, Karen. I’m glad your baby arrived safe and sound and you are well. Take care of your body in these early weeks of recovery and follow doctor’s orders. Enjoy little Connor and any help loved ones can provide while you recover. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

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  135. I’m sorry to hear it was such a scary experience! But congratulations, Connor Claire is gorgeous. I can’t believe she’s finally here.

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  136. Congratulations Karen. El Hub, and Tabs. She is beautiful!
    What was Tabs reaction when he men Connor?

    Hugs and love,

    From The Great Up North

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  137. Congratulations Karen!

    I too had my son, Brecken, on March 1st via emergency c-section and have been excited to check on your blog to see how you were doing. This is such an exciting time and Conner Clair is gorgeous like her Momma!

    Reply

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