Andrew's Arrival!

* For history purpose I am going to write the entire birth story - sorry if there are a few parts that might disturb you.  Just know that this is a true story. 

Not sure exactly when I should say labor started or what started it.  I do know that on Monday Dec 10 I slipped on ice and landed on my bum so that may have triggered the onset of labor. OR it could be that the thought of him being huge caused me to drink some diluted cumin tea on Tuesday Dec 11.  I was in a lot of pain from the fall and had read that cumin tea will help contractions actually start working. Either way I was done and ready for this boy to come. 

Wednesday morning - 12/12/12 - though things were in full swing.  Around 6 am I rolled over in bed and felt this huge gush so I waddled to the bathroom to discover my water had broken. We quickly packed the last few essentials for the hospital, called some wonderful neighbors/friends who came over at 6:30 am, got the kids dressed, fed, Rachel off to school and took care of everything for us. 

When they check how dilated I was at the hospital I was a 3.5 and only 75% effaced. I was kind of shocked I wasn't further along. I guess I had in my mind that my waters would break until I was further along (like what happened with  Hannah's birth) but I should know to NEVER compare births and expect one to be like the other.  

I planned to go natural again (expecting it to be exactly like Hannah's - see I didn't learn my lesson) and ended up going natural.  Only this labor was not 4 hours, it was 12 + hours of : inconstant contractions, cramping, shaking, heartburn, sweating, hip/leg pain mixed with a little lower back pain, groin pain and lots of pressure.

Around 2 or 3 pm they checked me and we learned I was at an 8 and 95% effaced with Andrew sitting at a 0 position.  I stayed that way until 6 pm.  It was very painful and discouraging to say the least.  I knew I should get up and walk around but it was so hard. I did my breathing and everyone was amazed at how in control I was while on the inside I was crying. I wanted it to be done. I thought I would be done soon so I kept pushing through and not giving into an epidural. 

Finally I was fully effaced and the doctor helped stretch me to a 10 so I could start pushing. Still the contractions were inconsistent.  They would be 7 min apart, then 3, then 5, then 2 then....well you get the idea.  I pushed hard while Marc and the nurse helped open my pelvis by pushing my legs back. But that kids head was just stuck - in the birth canal.  I will admit that I was snappy and not so kind around this point and yelled at my doctor to stop stretching me.  He replied "that's your babies head."  So I kept pushing knowing that I had him finally through the canal but I didn't want to continue. I wanted someone else to continue for me.  

Finally Andrew arrived at 6:28 pm. 

It was the best feeling in the world. 

Then they weighed him and we learned why he was probably stuck in the birth canal.  He was 8 lbs 15 oz - almost 9 lbs!!!!!!!  Never in my life did I think I would have an almost 9 lb baby.  

Good news was: I didn't tear at all.  

Bad news: I was a border line heavy bleeder.  So to help with the bleeding they gave me a shot, in my rectum, right after I gave birth to this giant kid. (told you there might be TMI) 

With bleeding and shaking under control I could finally enjoy my little boy and not snap at Marc that I "didn't care what/who he looked like."  Really I did care but not in the moment. 

When Andrew and I came home the evening of Dec 13 we saw these awesome notes the kids made with our friends who so willing took them ALL DAY on the 12th. Even though they have 6 children of their own they willingly took 3 more - we are indebted to them for life. 

Andrew did well on the ride home. He slept the entire way and did well for his first night.  He is currently hooked up to a billy blanket.  We love him - our little glow worm - and look forward to many many years getting know this little spirit and his personality.