How Jackson Ray Arrived...

Hey Jack,

This is the story of how you came into our world!

Thursday morning February 23rd we drove to the hospital. We were up before the sun and arrived at the hospital at 6:30 am...the time we were scheduled for. 

Daddy and I drove our car full of stuff and Nana and Grandma followed in their car. 

We got checked in, I changed into my cute hospital gown and signed a bunch of paper work. 

A nurse came in and was asking me questions while another one was giving me an IV...the one giving me a IV did a terrible job...she dug around a bit on my wrist then decided to move to the top of my hand...I have veins you can hit with a dart so she was pretty bad if she couldn't find a vein . The IV she finally got in was still really painful and I had to hold my hand a certain way for it to not feel like it was ripping off my hand...I figured i would deal with it...labor would soon drown out that pain. 

Maria came in and broke my water at around 7:15am...I was dilated to a 3 and 80% effaced...then it was time for walking. Daddy and I walked up and down the hospital hallway probably close to 50 times that day. I started having tiny tiny contractions...I had braxton hicks that were stronger. They let me go for quite a while like this...hoping that labor would start on it's own. 

It didn't. Our lovely nurse Debbie came in and talked to me about starting Pitocin. I was severely disappointed...but I wanted you to come out so I agreed. At 10:30am they started me on 2ml per/hr of Pitocin and it started things pretty quickly. By noon my contractions were regular but not progressing so they upped the Pitocin to 4ml. Then I walked some more. I walked with your Daddy, Nana, Grandma and Papa (not all at one time). Up and Down the hallway. Pausing occasionally when contractions would come. At 1pm I was at 4cm....dissapointed again. I was hoping to be further along. After Maria checked me she said I was progressing well and that we should have a baby by dark. I laughed to myself. That was only a few hours away...it gets dark by 5ish...I couldn't possibly have the baby by then...or so I thought. Jake's labor took a very long time so I wasn't getting my hopes up. 

My Pitocin was upped again to 6ml and boy did that get things going. I labored from 1 to 3...holding your Daddy's hand for each contraction. As contractions got stronger I leaned on your Daddy...he was a huge part of getting you here. He was a huge support...litterally. I stood some, but mostly sat on the end of the bed...breathing through each contraption as it came. They were big and strong and about 1 min. to 30 seconds apart. By 3ish I was getting tired and a very antsy. We asked the nurse to get the tub ready...I just needed a change of scenery. She told me to get in the shower while we waited for the tub. I sat on an exercise ball and let the water run over me. Then something happened... I went crazy. I'm not proud to admit this but transition was a very interesting time for your Mommy. I stood in the corner of the shower with my head in the corner screaming through each contraction...yes...screaming. The contractions were so strong and right on top of each other, I couldn't catch my breath (this might sound crazy...it only lasted for 10 min.). I knew I couldn't last much longer like this so I told your Daddy to tell a nurse to come in. (I found out later that your Daddy was getting teary...he hated seeing me in so much pain and there being nothing he could do.) In came Bethany, a midwife from Maria's practice. I smiled at her, glad to see a familiar face. She asked me if I was determined to do this with out meds...I said yes and then went into explaining how I messed that up by having Pitocin...leave it to your mother to have a lengthy conversation during labor. She told me she was going to turn the piton off and let labor go...then I had a contraction...a big one...oh buddy a big one! I screamed a little and felt like I needed to push. You dropped, your Daddy saw my tummy shudder and Bethany told me she was going to check me right where I was. She told me I was ready...we were going to have you. It didn't really click...just how close we were to having you. I had another HUGE contraction while getting out of the shower, I couldn't hold myself up, your Daddy and Bethany held me up through it, I pushed and then they helped me waddle to the bed. They got me on the bed and discovered...you were crowning!! 

At this moment, time stopped. I realized I was going to have you, I had done it...you were so close to being in my arms. I caught my breath, gathered my strength and pushed. I yelled "Jackson!" and then you started to cry. 

You arrived at 3:31pm on Thursday February 23rd

10lbs. 2.4oz.

20 1/2 inches long

with a full head of blonde hair

you have your Daddy's chin and half smile

and your Mommy's nose

 
 

They laid you on my chest and I kissed your sweet hands as you touched my face. I said, "Hello Monkey...I love you...my little love monkey...Hi Jackson". Ok so after labor you expect me to make complete sentences? I was so glad to have you in my arms. You made these sweet little grunts and coos as you lay there. It's like you were telling me all about what just happened to you, it was very sweet. 

You laid on my chest for quite a while...Maria was on her way and we were waiting for her (she was so bummed that she missed you...she said she knew she shouldn't have left!!). We all smiled and cried and looked at you...you were beautiful. When Maria arrived, Daddy cut the cord...squirted us with blood and then you got washed up...you hated that so much. Poor nurse Debbie, you screamed at her the whole time. 

Then your Papa and Grandpa came into meet you

Your Grandma was holding you and you started sucking on your hands like a hungry little monster so...we decided to try to nurse. You latched right on and the rest is breastfeeding history. 

Your birth was such a beautiful experience, one that I will cherish in my heart for the rest of my life. 

Later that day you got to meet your brother for the first time. This is a moment I have been waiting for my whole pregnancy. I tired not to plan it out too much and to let Jake be himself and a toddler at that. But it was wonderful. Jake walked in and was excited to see us, then he wanted to share is car with you and he kissed you and said that he loved you. A precious moment that I won't soon forget. 

 

Then you met your uncles. I think they were bumbled that they weren't there when you were born but they were watching Jake and that meant all the world to me, to have two someones I trust taking care of a piece of my heart (your brother). They were so excited to meet you!

We hung out at the hospital for a brief 24 hours and then brought you home to start our life.