The day finally came. Well, actually it was earlier than we thought... :) Now, for future kids, my babies come 2 weeks early.
Here is the story of his birth.
On June 23rd (Saturday) we had a busy schedule. I knew it was going to be hot and long... but I had just been to the doctor and they didn't check me because I really hadn't had any action that week. Note to doctors: when you don't check me - I go into labor the next day. End of story.
We had Claire's swimming lessons that morning (which she did amazing!) then we had errands to run and naps to take. After naps, I felt sick and just sort of weird. I felt like something was different. No contractions though. We then headed off to a birthday party for Claire's friend. We didn't stay long because I was swelling like a balloon. After we got home and went to bed my contractions started. I figured they would go away or were braxton-hicks. They kept getting more and more intense. That was at 10:57 p.m. (I only know this because I looked at the clock to start timing them after a few intense ones).
We called the Smith's to put them on alert just in case. Sorry for it being the middle of the night Katherine! After an hour, and phone calls to his sister for advice.... we called the doctor. They told us that we should come in. My contractions were 5 to 7 minutes apart but only lasting 30 seconds and were not really hurting when I was standing and moving.
After Katherine got there, and I left my dirty house (I should have picked up like I was going to!) we were off. It took forever to check in but I got into triage and they monitored me for an hour. Ouch! It was now 1:30 a.m. on the 24th and the nurse checked me and I was about a 3.... she pushed and worked a little and then I was stretched to a 3. Worst part ever. They decided to keep me because Preston's heart rate was going down with each contraction and they wanted to monitor it. Now, this was all new for me... the waiting game... because my water broke with Claire. I knew it was time to have a baby. With Preston.... it was unknown territory.
So they moved me to labor and delivery and after hours and blood work and paper work.... in came my favorite person. The anesthesiologist. Please her and modern medicine. Right before she came in my contractions were about 45 second apart and LONG. I am not made to do a natural birth... or mentally I wasn't ready. Seth had to leave the room.... Kentucky law. So when he got back I was happy.
We were able to sleep some and then around 6:30 am they checked me and I was a 4. Woo! They started the petocin, hoping it would move it along some. Following that was more sleep, SETH GETTING TO EAT, more sleep, brushing teeth, more checking of my progress. I did finally get a popsicle. It was the best thing ever. We skyped family and talked to friends and more family during the day. We were even able to skype his parents in Africa. Modern technology is amazing.
So at 1:30 p.m (mind you I was a 4 at 6:30 am) I was only a 5! A 5! So it was going to be a long day. About 2:00 I felt some pressure in my stomach and the nurse thought she would look to see what was going on. Well, I was now a 10! Good job to my body! We were on skype with Seth's parents and told them it was showtime and then said goodbye until he was born. At 2:10 I started pushing. I had them turn off my epidural so I could somewhat feel what I was doing because I wasn't pushing right. Bottom down.... bottom down. And because it had been so long since I had eaten, I kept needing to throw up. Bless my nurse for having tricks up her sleeve... if you wipe alcohol wipes on your upper lip... it takes the urge to throw up go away. Seth was wiping my lip like crazy!
So then at 2:51, Preston Seth was born. He was beautiful, messy, crying and healthy. It was an amazing moment and I just felt so much love towards him. He was this little baby who had just come from Heaven and was so pure. We are so blessed to have a healthy boy with 10 fingers and 10 toes. He was a lighter complexion then Claire was.
During the stay in the hospital, there were moments when I saw so much of Claire in his face. He latched onto me right away and was a good eater from the start. We were able to skype his parents after a bit and they got to see him. Then called more family once we got to the recovery area. We had friends come by and visit and take care of Claire. Thank you to everyone who helped and made our lives way less stressful and easy for those few days. We were lucky enough to have Seth have a light schedule this week he was born so he was able to be around a lot too, without missing much school.
We also had a photo shoot. We splurged and bought the cd of pics because I got so many that I never got with Claire and we recreated somewhat the one we had of Claire right after she was born.
We got home and had a great week. Interesting and confusing. Lots of tears (mine and Claire's). Lots of fun moments and memories. My mom got here at the end of the week which has been a huge blessing.
We love our Preston. He is mild mannered. Sleeps great, Has crazy toots and lots of gas smiles. :)
After getting the epidural
Right after Preston came into the world. I love this shot
Getting cleaned off
Watching my sweet boy. Thank you Seth for capturing these. I didn't even know
Daddy admiring his work :)
Claire came to meet Preston
My loves!
Claire got a helmet from her brother.... he is so tricky!
"I just love to hold him..."
Happy family!
Driscoll's came to visit
Our family of 4!
These were from the photo shoot at the hospital. I did a photo shoot at home and will post those later
Finally got home. Claire loves being by him and is so sweet. She is always giving him kisses and talking to him.
Grammy came! Loves her grandson
Claire was SUPER stoked to see Grammy
Love taking pictures of this girl
Natalie loving Preston
First bath
We have more pictures to upload of our first few weeks. But now you have the story and what we have been doing these past weeks!
