journey to a birth

Pictures for everyone to enjoy...

birth story for those who want more

(with a big surprise near the end!)

Thursday, June 5: I was kept awake late into the night with strong contractions coming 5-10 minutes apart. Then they stopped.

weighing in at 7lbs 2oz

Friday, June 6: Awakened in the early morning by strong contractions. Then they stopped. Nonetheless we rearranged the day with the thought that labor might be starting at any time. By "rearranged," I mean the Prof spent 4 hours and $100 worth of gas driving the children to and fro a prescheduled event at a friend's house so that he could be with me rather than stay with them for the day as planned. I finished cleaning our bedroom and got out the newborn clothes, organized the birth supplies that we had and kept in touch with Midwife Melanie. Contractions came sporadically and in small clusters.

Friday night I was awake late just keyed up about labor and waiting (never a good thing to do, by the way). There were no contractions.

beaming admirers

Saturday, June 7: Again, I was awakened by strong contractions...stronger than previous ones. Again, they stopped. But, like the previous day, I did continue to feel them sporadically and in short, but powerful sessions, throughout the day. Midwife Melanie and I talked frequently and she tried to stay close to home. We went about the day as normal--cleaned the guest room and kitchen. Then they stopped.

Saturday evening my parents arrived and settled in for an extended visit. Mom and I sat up late chatting (not wise, but better than laying in bed waiting for contractions). I went to bed around 1:30 am and just after falling asleep, Little Queen awakened and demanded attention. I noticed some contractions and asked The Prof to help her out. Turns out they didn't stop this time. The rest of the night was a steady rhythm of contractions alternating with sleep.

Sunday, June 8 (my actual edd!): I alerted The Prof that I'd been having strong contractions for several hours. He got the children all on track, getting them dressed and fed breakfast. We decided he should call his back-up brigade to cover the morning service. Meanwhile, I just kept contracting and sleeping. Drowsiness was upon me like a wet blanket. Around 9:30, I decided I really needed to wake up and get on with the business of labor. I took a shower and walked around a bit. At 10am, I called Midwife Melanie and updated her on the situation. She encouraged me to follow my body's lead and rest. I complied by crawling back into bed. Sleep--feel a tightening in the uterus--breathe deep--fall back to sleep. Over and over. The Prof checked on me from time to time, but there wasn't much I needed from him at that point.

Suddenly, just before noon, the contractions took on a different quality. The best way to describe it is: unbearable. This is typical in every labor and is usually called "transition" and usually means the end is near. Nonetheless, I instructed The Prof to call Midwife Melanie and tell her to come and that I wanted an epidural. (I was serious.) Then I felt myself pushing through a couple of contractions and taking a new position. Not possible. First I was in denial and then I engaged in some internal arguments with myself. But as the uncontrollable urge to push overwhelmed me in the next contraction, I finally confessed to my husband, "I'm puuuushing." and, then "I caaann't stop!" Then I pull myself together enough to send him to the bathroom cupboard to grab some chux pads.

He returns, puts the pad on the floor, I stand.

Contraction-push.

Baby crowning.

Breathe-push.

Head is born.

Breathe-breathe-breathe.

Encouraging, adrenaline powered words from The Prof.

Breathe-push.

Beloved Prof catches our new baby and exclaims breathlessly, "It's a boy!" It is 12:15pm.

We wrap him up in a blanket and rub his back until he pinks up. Midwife Melanie arrives a few minutes later. Baby is perfect. Almamater is still worrying that it was all a dream and she still has to do it for real. The Prof was spectacular: level-headed, excited and encouraging.

with Papa

It is so hard not to shout out this little fella's name for all the world, but restraint is required. He will get his blog name soon.

lighting candles on the traditional

angel food newborn birthday cake...

seven candles now; one for each of us