August 13, 2013
7:53 p.m.
7lbs. 5oz.
20 inches
As mentioned in my previous post, we were scheduled to be induced Tuesday, August 13. Although induction wasn't the picture perfect idea of how things would go, we felt like it was the best decision for us. We were to arrive at the hospital by 7. Yes, we even had the girls in tow. Here is our last picture as a family of four. They were so eager and excited to meet their baby brother!
Upon arriving at the hospital we got checked in. It took them forever to get all of my IV's and blood work, but after 5 tries it was finally done (worst part of labor by the way). They didn't get me started on pitocin until about 8:40 if I remember correctly. That could be completely wrong...not sure. Any way about it, it took a while to get things started. The waiting then began. I had been having some mild contractions for a while. They started me off slow and gradually bumped up the dose. Monday at my appointment I was told I was 2.5-3 cm dilated. When I checked in Tuesday the doctor on call told me I was 2 cm....not what a laboring mama wants to hear. :) The next time he checked me about lunch he said I was about 3 cm. We waited for the anesthesiologist to come and give my epidural so that they could break my water. At this point, I had been having pretty consistent contractions that were building, but nothing that was unbearable. I have to say, this was probably my most painless delivery just since they gave me the epidural so early. I had lots of sweet family and friends to visit with throughout the day. I, of course, was worried sick about the girls who had been so patiently waiting. Everyone kept assuring me that they were fine. Luckily they had a lot of things/people to entertain them. So we just waited and waited.
My blood pressure dropped a few times and there were some dips in the baby's heart rate so they would have to slow down the pitocin. It wasn't anything terribly scary like when I had Payton, but it did slow things down a little. If I remember correctly I was checked again twice that afternoon, last at around 5:00 and was still 4cm. At this point I was so frustrated. I really wasn't in pain at all, I was just ready to get it over with. My main concern continued to be how the girls were holding up and knowing that time was ticking as far as their patience could withstand. I was really second guessing being induced at this point and worried he wasn't ready. I prayed for patience and peace and got myself under control. :)
I didn't mention that I had the sweetest nurses. Unfortunately I labored the entire way through my first nurses shift, so I had to switch at 6:00. Vicki, Jeremy, and Beth took the girls to McDonald's for dinner and play time so I was relieved knowing they were fine for a while. Around 6:45 I told my nurse that I was worried my epidural was wearing off because I was all of a sudden feeling my contractions. It wasn't unbearable, but I was feeling the contractions where I wasn't before. She told me it was probably just the initial dose had worn off and reassured me that it was still intact. After feeling contractions and pressure, they finally got the dr. in there to check me about 7:20. He told us that I was completely dilated! Praise the LORD!!! They called and got the girls back to the hospital to make sure they were there in time. I waited patiently for everyone to get set up and in no time, baby boy made his entrance and was born at 7:53.
Daddy getting ready to cut the cord.
Sweet baby boy! He had the sweetest cry that I will never forget!
One happy mama!
Right after he was born the nurse was a little concerned with his breathing but his oxygen was 100% and his lungs sounded clear. She guessed it was just because he came so quickly. Thankfully everything has been good since!
Proud mommy and daddy!
Dr. Litsey delivered him and Payton. There was also a doctoral student who assisted.
Finally holding my baby boy after a very long day!
My fabulous nurse who was there during the delivery.
Everyone was so ready to meet our little guy! It was a long 13 hour wait for many of them!
I was so ready to see my sweet girls! From what I hear they were precious angels all day and I was ready to get some hugs and kisses from them.
Proud big sisters were so ready to get their hands on him and give kisses.
When Harper walked walked in the room she immediately pointed at him saying, "Baby Bruder!!! I want to hold you!" Melts this mama's heart!
Our new family of 5!!!
The entourage flooded the room ready to meet him shortly after the girls had their chance.
Great Bamama was determined to be there when her great grandson was born, even if that meant sitting in a waiting room for 13 hours.
Sweet boy actually wasn't named until about an hour before we left the hospital, so at this point we were still referring to him as "baby brother." As you can tell, he is one blessed little guy to have so many people anxiously awaiting his arrival! We are so thankful for a healthy baby and smooth (though not so fast) delivery!
