I had plans for the weekend. Like pumpkin patching, hanging curtains, laundry catch-up and birthday parties. None of that happened. Unless you count the unexpected birthday that was celebrated at Valley Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.
I was 37 1/2 weeks along. It was a peaceful Saturday morning. We cooked a big family breakfast and lined up our plans for the day. Meanwhile, I had been having contractions 3-4 minutes apart. This wasn't rare. I have had them a ton throughout the pregnancy, but they started to get more and more uncomfortable. I couldn't discount them because with Lucas I felt no pain until my water broke - and he came in just 2 short hours. I'm not a fan of highway deliveries, so we packed our things and headed to the hospital.
I met my midwife in Triage where she checked and I was 4cm dilated and 80% effaced. This could mean anything, so she sent me on a walk to see what my body would do within the hour. I dilated some more and contractions were now right on top of each other, so she checked me into a room. After which, everything slowed down. Here I was dilated to a 7, still constant contractions - but less painful and checked into the hospital. Was I wasting time? I had things to do today!
This is where I start to cry. Not because of anything labor related. I had this image in my head of Lucas standing at the door, rain boots on, emergency over-night-back-pack strapped on his back, ready to come with us to get the baby. -Which is exactly how we left him. I started to feel like we were doing something wrong to Lucas by having another. I worried that he felt left out. He missed out on the pumpkin patch that he had so looked forward to which didn't help matters. My midwife is probably excited to deal with me now in tears, hubby confused with my emotions and I'm ready to go home and cancel this whole have-a-baby thing so I can hug my son and make him happy.
After much struggle, *emotions were in check*
back to the matter at hand...
Because I was still 2 1/2 weeks early, they hesitated to "help" the labor process. So, I went to bed. Jimmy and I slept beautifully. I woke up angry that I had slept in until 7:30 and that there was no progress. I walked that hospital like never before. Jimmy and I did stairs where we even almost got locked in the stairwell! There may have been a jumping jack or 2 somewhere in there as well. ;)
...Still contracting, but pain was minimal and no water breaking... Midwife takes matters into her own hands and strips my membranes. ...More walking... more nothing...
I thought back to the words from the blessing Jimmy gave me before we left. "WHEN THE TIME COMES, you will have a smooth delivery."
ANNOYED.
I was fine if the baby wasn't ready to come. I just didn't want to go home being dilated to a 7/8, completely thinned and wait for my water to break so I could rush back to the hospital. We debated, we waited and by 1pm Sunday we came to the decision to break my water.
Just like Lucas, after the water broke the active labor only took about 2 hours. The pain was unmistakable and so intense. There's nothing that can describe it. No drugs this time-but I had Jimmy! He really helped me through the pain, as did my 2 Moms right by my side. I was not very responsive at the time, but I am so grateful for them! Jimmy was able to be very hands-on and he liked that. When it was time to push, the midwife let him jump right in, catching and handing me the baby. He delivered the placenta and even proceeded to dissect it. (Sounds disgusting - but that's my Biology major husband - and somehow to me it was cute.) We talked about how some people eat it in foreign countries or save it to plant a tree in... I know - I'm taking this afterbirth thing a little far. Jimmy thought it was pretty cool.
What came from that complex little bag was life. I was so glad to be able to take my time with him after he was born to snuggle him and meet him for the first time. He didn't cry much. His eyes were wide with wonder as he stared into mine. He was completely calm and limp laying on my chest. This was the moment I realized that blessings come through sacrifice. That this immense pain that I just went through was to bring forth a blessing. A blessing that was LONG awaited and prayed for. I remember several times during hard labor, looking to my Mom and Mother-in-law in between contractions and asking, "why does it have to be this way?" or "why would anyone want to go through this?" My Mother-in-law came by my bedside and said something like, "we wouldn't know true blessings if we didn't know the pain." Our Father in Heaven made things this way. Life is one of the greatest blessings of all. Women carry babies for 9 months, some with agonizing pain and sacrifice. Labor is not supposed to be easy. Nor is any trial we go through. In this case the reward was so great, so the pain had to match it, I guess.
After over 24 hours at the hospital, 2 hours of intense pain and much anticipation, Boden is here.
We are so grateful for this addition to our family. He is perfect in every way. Here are some of his stats:
Born: 10/23/11 at 3:11pm
Size: 7lbs, 7oz 18 1/2" long 34cm head circumference
Appearance: Fair skin/hair - he looks strawberry blonde right now :)
Interests: He's nursing like a champ and LOVES to sleep!
When Lucas met him he asked, "Is your name Santa Claus?" and Boden shot him a scowl. Lucas thought that was pretty funny. Boden has a brother who is head over heels for him and wants to be part of everything. Lucas even took the "first bath" with Boden. (Boden pooped in the water which made the moment *extra* special)
Faye and Mom
Lucas: not sure what's going on
Welcome to the family, little Boden. We sure do love you!
