So after having contractions all night and just sleeping in between them (sort of). I didn't want to bug Jimmy because I wanted to wait and use him to help me through the tough stuff. Finally, at about 5:30 I thought I have had enough at home and I wanted to go to the hospital. At this time, I wasn't sure if anything was progressing (I'd always had an epidural by now). And although, I wanted to go natural, I thought if this pain isn't making something happen then forget going natural and get me an epidural. I told Jimmy he could take a shower and we needed to get Sophie up to take to Ken & Gina's. They lived just a few minutes from the hospital. I wanted to stop by McDonald's so Jimmy could get some breakfast and I thought I'd want something too but then changed my mind (food just didn't sound good). I called my Dr. on the way to let him know I was headed in. He knew I wanted to go natural and wanted me to call him when I couldn't stand it at home anymore. He was going to play basketball by the hospital and said to have the nurse call him after I got checked.
The car ride was so uncomfortable. Every bump we hit made the contractions start again. They were coming every 3-5 minutes. Jimmy dropped me off at the front of the hospital so I didn't have to walk as far. I didn't make it very far because I had a contractions and it was so uncomfortable I couldn't move. It was kind of funny when we got inside there was another couple going up to have their baby too. They had theirs scheduled though and she was looking like she was fine, I was barely moving and wanted to moan with each step.
When we got to the room the nurse left to get my chart or something and so Jimmy and I were alone for a few minutes. I had told her I had wanted to go natural but now I wasn't so sure anymore. She said she'd check me and we could see what I thought. I was afraid I'd be at a 3 and all that pain had been for such little progress. So Jimmy gave me the speech that I had told him to give me. "Come on Ang, you can do it. You are strong and I'll help you get through it. You really want to do this remember." OK, that speech sounded a lot better when I wasn't in pain. I said, "I don't care, I am in so much pain I just want one. But I'll wait and see how far along I am. If I am close then I can do it."
So when she checked me I was at an 8. I was so excited, I think I cried a bit. I had done it!! I made it almost to the end and I could do the rest. They called Dr. Christensen and he came to the hospital instead of to basketball. I had listened to some birthing hypnosis that I had gotten off of Itunes for a couple weeks prior. So I remembered the visualization part that they talked about and I imagined that I was at a tropical waterfall with a small pond. It was beautiful with flowers and white flowing fabric draped around a nice massage table. Jimmy was there with me, looking handsome all dressed in white. When a contraction came, I would do a low moan and escape to my tropical Paradise. I would also picture my little baby coming into the world. Jimmy was encouraging me, telling me how awesome I was doing whenever I could have a contraction. Kara and Dave had given my neighbor and I a little class on the Bradley Method. (partner coached childbirth) So Jimmy was being supportive and involved. I had told him no blackberry during my labor. (not like there was down time anyway)
Dr. Christensen broke my water when he got there. There was no time for an IV or those monitors that they put on the baby to make sure their heartbeat is right. They checked it at the beginning but then said we didn't need it. Dr. Christensen just hung out in the room with us while I contracted. I felt so hot. Jimmy had the nurse get a cool washcloth and he would hold that on my forehead and give me ice chips.
There was no screaming or getting mad at Jimmy like I have heard sometimes happens. I felt in control and I felt powerful. At the end, when it was time to push it wasn't painful like I thought it would be. It just felt natural- it sounds crazy probably but my body was ready to have him. He was a little purple when he came out so we held oxygen to his nose.
I kind of felt like I was a bit in shock after- like it had all happened so fast. I didn't take any medicine after and now I wish I would have taken some ibuprofen. It was hard for me to walk and it hurt to turn or lift my legs to get off my bed to use the bathroom or scotch on my bed to get Scotty out of his little bed. I think I was really swollen or something and about a day after once I started taking the ibuprofen I was able to get around better. I was trying not to take anything that would get into my milk but being able to walk and get my baby were more important.
Gina came to the hospital a couple hours later with Sophie. Sophie was really cute with him. Mom and Dad drove from Idaho to come see us. Mom got the stomach flu on the way though and so she stayed in the car and didn't come in the hospital (poor mom) and then that night they stayed at a hotel so no one else would get sick. (and no one did) It was so wonderful to have their help. They do everything when they come stay. My house is never cleaner and my kids get lots of great attention. We all hate to see them leave.
Conner and Kali came with Jimmy later to see their little brother. They were so excited. They loved to hold him and didn't want to leave us.
I can't believe it's already been a year! It has flown by!
I am so grateful to be a mother of 4 healthy, happy (most of the time) kids!
Jen's dress- (love the collar)
