Special Delivery

So, about 2 hours after my last post, I went into labor :) Here's an account of what happened. I'll try not to be too graphic. Joe arrived home late that evening...about 7:30. I had already eaten dinner and Micah was in bed, so I sat down at the table to chat with my husband while he ate dinner. I'd been having crampy contractions for weeks, but suddenly they were more painful than that. I started timing. By 9:00, I was in pain, but the contractions weren't quite 5 minutes apart....more like 7. I called the doc, and he said I could wait it out at home or come in to the hospital depending on the pain. We decided to go on to the hospital. I finished packing my bag, Joe packed his things, and we jumped in the car, leaving Micah with my mom. We arrived at the hospital at 10:00 pm with contractions about 4 minutes apart and more and more painful. We made it to the labor and delivery ward and when the nurse checked, I was 5 cm already. I got an epidural about 12:15 am. I admire those who go natural, but I am so glad that I could get that epidural. I am not very tolerant of pain! The doctor finally came in at 2:00 am to check and said I was 10 cm and ready to push, which I had felt ready for about 1/2 an hour already! The pushing commenced, but little Grayson was turned with his face to the side rather than face down. So, they made me quit pushing for an hour to see if the contractions would turn him! Even with an epidural, I could feel all the pressure and it was all I could do to not push! By this time, it was 4:00 am. Pushing commenced again. Grayson began to emerge, and, once again, I was told to stop pushing...this time to wait for the doctor. Now, I'm thankful for doctors, but if you've had children, you know he or she is only there for like 5 minutes of the entire delivery if everything is going smoothly. Ten minutes of not pushing later, the doctor arrives. One more big push, and Grayson arrived at 4:42 am. He was a big boy compared to Micah...8 lbs, 6 oz versus 6 lbs, 5 oz.

Having 2 children has been difficult for me due to the inherent guilt that comes with motherhood. I feel like I'm not spending enough time with either child or not holding Grayson enough. But, almost 3 weeks later, I realize I'm doing the best I can. I'm feeding and loving my children, and while the housework may not be getting done (of course, I can't say I was that great at it before 2 kids), we're surviving. My mom leaves tomorrow. Joe has been back at work for a while. So, we'll see if I have a nervous breakdown after tomorrow! By the way, I don't recommend having a baby in the winter. We can't go anywhere due to sickness & cold, and I am totally stir crazy at this point! Pray for us and our little family of four as we figure it all out!

40 weeks...and Counting

Today is my due date. Unless I go into labor quickly, it looks like it will come & go with no sign of a new baby boy. Patience is a virtue. I do not have it right now. I'm really trying because as much as I want to meet this little guy & hold him in my arms, I know it will also mean big change in our household. I'm just such a comfy home for my babies that they don't want to come out any sooner than necessary I guess :) Hopefully my next post will announce the arrival of a new baby boy. Though I keep having this recurring dream that we have a girl & I'm really upset because all we have are boy clothes and a boy room!

Halloween

This wasn't Micah's first Halloween, but it was the first time we let him go trick-or-treating since he can eat candy now. He was a monkey (not a teddy bear...look at the banana folks!). I got some pictures with the hood on, but he hated wearing it so most of the night it was off.

First, we went to a fall festival at a local church where he played in the bounce houses and got to play carnival games for candy. Then, we attempted to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood but very few people were home. So, we decided to go to a friend's neighborhood where Micah really racked up on the candy! Of course, mom & dad have been eating just as much as he has! All in all, I think he had a great time.

Sorry it's blurry, but this was taken through the mesh netting on the bounce house while he was jumping...doesn't make for a good picture but you get the point!