Since I never did share Alec's birth story I thought now was a good time.
I started having severe gallbladder attacks just before 36 weeks. I couldn't take it anymore so went to L&D. The doctor decided to do an amnio at 37 weeks and if his lungs were mature they would induce me that day so I could have my gallbladder removed the following day. I was really nervous because Chris was gone for the Army and they were going to allow him to drive the 14 hour drive home for two days so he could make the birth. Well, the worst thing that could have happened given that situation happened. His results came back 'borderline' meaning they had to physically drive the results to the U of M for further testing. The test would be another five hours before an answer. Chris was already two hours into his drive by this time. If he turned around and waited there was no way he could drive that far on zero sleep. If he stopped and waited the same issue. If he drove home and the result weren't that he was ready Chris would be home then and not for the birth. Chris decided he was coming home. I was bawling at the Hospital. How could this happen?
The nurse really felt bad for me and I was even more upset when the results took longer then originally planned. Finally, at 9:15 pm the nurse came into the waiting room and said "YAY! The results are back and baby is READY!!" I was so excited!! I called Chris and told him I was being admitted. They put some medication (cerdival) in me at 11 pm and 2 am to help ripen my cervix while I slept. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep due to the anticipation of Chris coming home and getting to meet my little man. Chris showed up around 4 am and crawled into bed with me. The doctor came in at 8 am and checked me getting ready for my induction. Amazingly enough the medication they gave me to ready my cervix put me into labor!!! I was 4 cm dialated and contracting every 2.5 mins!
I walked the halls with Chris until they broke my water at 9 am. My contractions never got too painful for me but I was nervous because I remembered how bad it was with Carsyn. At 11 am they started pitocin because my contractions slowed and I asked if I could have my epidural. My doctor said if I am laughing and smiling at her there is no way I was getting it yet. I pouted a little bit but the truth was I wasn't in too bad of pain yet. My contractions started to increase rapidly so the nurse came in and ordered my epidural. The anesthesiologist was there in no time. I had tons of visitors this time. My mom, Chris's mom, my brother, and a couple of friends. I literally never felt like I was in labor at any point. While I was talking to people around 2 pm I said "Oh, I can feel him coming down now". The doctor thought it would be several more hours until I delivered. She checked me and I was 8 cm. Ten minutes later I said I thought I could feel his head coming down. They checked me and sure enough 10 cm! That was quick. I told them I didn't want to push yet and just let him come down on his own. At 2:30 I felt like he was ready. They asked everyone to clear the room and told me to give a push. I did and the doctor yelled "STOP!" She said "he is right there". I said "right where?" She said "right there, you can touch his hair if you want". I opted out of touching his hair, I figured I could wait a few more minutes, lol.
Two contractions and four pushes later, he was born. I didn't even break a sweat. It was honestly the easiest delivery known to man. I even told Chris I felt weird because it didn't feel like I just gave birth. When I saw his face I thought he looked a lot like Carsyn but also like his own person. He had a perfectly round head (Carsyn my 10lb'r had quite the cone head!) He also had extremely bright eyes. Carsyn had brown when he was born so I remember how bright Alec's eyes were more then anything. He had a hard time breathing due to inhaling a ton of fluid so he was admitted into level two nursery. He was able to come home one day late. It was such an awesome experience. Having a baby isn't something you do every day. But, you sure do remember everything about it forever. I had to wait until 7:30 pm until I got to see him again. But - now he is a super happy and healthy big boy!
Alec Daniel born February 12, 2010, 2:44 pm at 37 weeks. 7lbs 10oz, 20.75 inches.
