Last Sunday, after a long day of church meetings, I went to bed, resolved and at peace with the plan to be induced on Thursday. I felt like I was being pretty darn patient with my lingering pregnancy and that I could handle the discomfort for three more days. I reasoned that the Lord was blessing me with an induction so that I'd be sure to make it to the hospital in time for the bless-ed epidural. So we retired to bed early. Then, a few hours later, a little before 1:00 am, I awoke to the all too familiar pains of labor. I woke up Ben immediately and by contraction number two we were packed for the hospital and my neighbor was on her way over to stay with the kids. In the previous weeks I'd had lots of contractions and I continually worried that I wouldn't know when to go to the hospital. Um, yeah, when it's the real deal, there's no mistake! We were on our way by contraction number four and when we got to the hospital I was already dilated to an 8. I almost broke into tears, upset that it was likely too late for an epidural. Later the midwife told me she thought I was going to claw her eyes out I was so mad! I know it's purely mental, I've delivered babies without drugs before, and I could do it again, but I really didn't want to. While adjusting to a new baby has gotten easier with each pregnancy, my fear surrounding labor has increased significantly each time. As soon as they got one dose of iv fluid in me we ordered the epidural STAT! The anesthesiologist was surprised when they informed him of my "baby number 6, dilated to 8" status and hurried along. He got the drugs all hooked up and I was incredibly relieved! A few minutes later the midwife came in and said she was going to go help with a c-section and would be back to check on me after that. I said "How about you just check me before you go." She obliged and announced "Change of plans. I'll deliver you, then go help with the c-section." She broke my water, and within a couple minutes and a couple pushes, Ammon was welcomed to the world on 11-7-11 at 3:31 am. The midwife made me stop pushing at one point because she didn't even have her gloves on yet! I had forewarned her I was a good pusher, I don't know why they don't listen! The initial feeling of no longer being pregnant is what I believe to be the greatest feeling of relief a person can experience in mortality. Ammon weighed in at 9 lbs 10 oz, 20 inches long. He's a perfect little bundle! We're in love already!
Mad at the thought of no epidural.
Oh so happy after the epidural.
Our bun, fresh from the oven.
10 toes, all accounted for.
Ammon looks relieved too!
Enjoying his bath.
Getting born is a lot of work!
Chillin' under the warming lights.
The kids came to visit and were very excited to meet their new brother.
Sariah made herself right at home.
The hospital brought us a "celebration lunch."
Leaving the hospital.
There's no place like home!
6 comments:
I love the contrast of the first two pictures! And he looks so content in every picture. The one of Seth holding him made me tear up, for some reason. I always think it's so precious when siblings meet the new baby for the first time. I can't wait to see you all in a week!!!!
I love the pic after the bath in the towel. He is adorable. The epidural before and after pictures are my fav. You are such an amazing mommy. I'm jealous already. I'll have to come hold him and get my feel in.
Congrats. I feel you sista'. I have been there done that. You are awesome. #6, what a champ. I can only hope to do what you've done. Hope your recovery is quick and uneventful.
He is just simply beautiful! I love the pictures. I love the happy and sad pictures! I'm glad you got your epidural - you just looked so sad I felt for you!
What an adorable chunk! I love those cheeks! Oh man, I can't believe you were at an 8 when you got to the hospital. It sounds like you have lightening fast deliveries! Congrats!
He is adorable, and you are amazing. I wonder if that's the shortest amount of time before a baby was born (arrival in hospital to delivery).
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