For those that don't want to hear the whole story, but just want to see pictures, skip ahead. But for those that have asked, here you go! So I had my first "real" contraction at 2:00 on Tuesday (2 days before my due date) while I was picking up Sydney from pre-school, but of course, wasn't sure if it was real or not. Last weekend I was contracting quite a bit, but knew it wasn't real labor. Still, I figured it couldn't be too far away considering I was dilated to almost a 4 a week ago. Anyway, they were consistent at 20 minutes apart, but I went about my day. Brighton came home from school and I then took the girls to gymnastics, when they became every 15 minutes apart. They were pretty intense, but bearable. We came home and I decided to make a nice steak and potatoes dinner for everyone. Chris called to say he may be a little late, and I just casually mentioned that my contractions were pretty intense that day, so he may not want to be too long. By the time he got home (20 min. later) they went from 15 min. to 5 minutes apart and I was panting pretty heavily through then. He got in "crazy dad" mode and quickly packed a bag, we called my mom and sister to warn them, and then had a sweet neighbor come over to watch and feed the kids and put them to bed. Chris of course grabbed a few bites of steak on the way out, though. We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 (after Chris "safely" ran all the red lights and actually sped - I was so proud!). Shortly after they checked me and I was dilated 5-6 cm. A few minutes later my water broke (and it's never broken on its own before). Anyway, I had been prepping this whole pregnancy to do a completely natural, drug-free birth so I was glad it was going quickly. Chris and I had both read a lot, watched a video, talked to people, and I had worked out and done a lot of pre-natal yoga this time around, along with working out on my exercise ball each night to prepare. Well, I started trying my different positions while Chris was keeping me calm, fanning me, and rubbing my lower back with a tennis ball. I quickly realized that not many positions were doing the trick, but just relaxing, focusing, and breathing deeply helped the most. I made it through transition (not without some serious "mooing" sounds and pretty much blocking out the rest of the world) and felt a major desire to push. They checked me and I was complete, but the doctor was still speeding down the Tollway to make it there. That is not an easy thing to do - not push when you have an overwhelming desire to do so. I did my best, but snuck a few in here and there. :) Well, he got there about 15 min. later and boy, I think I was prepping for transition to be the hardest part, but pushing that head out and feeling myself tear had to be the kicker. Still, he made it out and after "mooing" even louder (which I found out later after watching the video Lauren did) and yelling "get it out!" once the head was out, he arrived safe and sound at 8:13 pm. I guess Kim arrived at one point during labor but I was so in my "zone" that I didn't know she was even there until the end.
Anyway, I guess my main reason for doing this whole natural thing after epidurals with my last 3 kids was to really see what my body was capable of doing. It was such a rush! I almost feel like I can do anything now. It was truly the most difficult, amazing thing I've ever done. I also didn't like how my blood pressure dropped and I felt weird after giving birth with epidurals. And I heard that the babies are much more alert and better eaters with no pitocin or epidural in their systems. It was fun to see him so alert for not just an hour after delivery, but for the rest of the night.
And I have to give a huge round of applause to my husband for FULLY supporting me in this decision by watching the kids all the nights I was at the gym, practicing with me, staying 100% calm during delivery, which in turn helped calm me down, and being the greatest coach ever. It was nice to have him do more in delivery than just count to 10 while I push. And it was a neat bonding experience for us. I sure do love him and am so thankful to have him.
Anyway, we got home last night around 7:00. We tried to leave earlier (I get tired of the hospital really quickly) but they wanted us to stay a full 24 hours. So now we're home, Brighton's at school, my mom has the younger 2 for the day and night, and Chris is home with me and baby. Fun stuff!
So for the shortened version, Gavin is here and weighs 7 lbs. 8 oz., is 21" long, and we already love him immensely!
2 days before delivery
