Well, starting about 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 21st I noticed my contractions were a little different, not quite the regular Braxton Hicks I had gotten used to in the weeks previous. I could still easily breath and pretty well walk through them. Derrick and I were up a couple times that night because the contractions woke me up. We watched some of Sand Lot - a perfect movie for little boys. We went for a walk at midnight. I tried to get some more sleep. I was a bit excited and anxious. (I realize now I should have tried harder to sleep.) Derrick stayed home from work on Friday. By 11:00am the contractions had become more irregular again but we made an appointment to see my doctor to see if there had been progress. We saw her about noon. She walked in the door and said, "You're not in labor; you're still smiling". I said, "Yeah, I know but the contractions are lower and stronger and a bit different." She said, "Believe me, you'll know, it will knock your socks off!" Anyway, I got checked (not much progress-still 1 cm), the doc monitored the baby and all was good so Derrick and I headed home. I was trying to take a nap but Baby had a different plan! I felt a huge kick, heard a pop . . . you know what that means. 3:35pm Friday, October 22nd. Immediately after my water broke the contractions were suddenly much stronger, making me stop, breathe and focus. I ate a banana and we headed to the hospital. I was feeling ready to take on this labor thing. My socks were on tight.
I had to lie in bed while they checked me in - not fun. I didn't want to spend labor in bed. I really wanted to be able to move around. We tried some positions we had been taught in our Coping with Labor class but I wasn't able to really find a comfortable position. We tried the exercise balls, kneeling, etc. I was having back labor pains as well. We tried a warm bath (complete with a grape popsicle so nicely given to me by Hubby.) After I got out of the tub something changed and I had jumped into another stage of labor. Umm, it was crazy painful at this point! Nothing I tried worked, I kept telling Derrick, "Help me" as a contraction started. And help he tried. He was so supportive and tender hearted. I was at a loss as to what to do. The nurse had me lie down again to check things. I was at 5cm at that point, only 3 hours after my water broke. Technically in dilation I was halfway there. Labor was progressing extremely quickly. The contractions were a minute and a half long and coming about every minute and a half. I would sometimes have a fifteen second break between contractions. I couldn't muster up any energy or will power to get out of bed. I was hanging on to the bed rail now, squeezing it to death, grimacing, clenching my fists, my eyes, screaming, I think. Yes, screaming at this point. And I'm not a particularly loud, vocal person so that might give you a hint as to what I was feeling. I feel silly saying it now but I thought I was going to die. The contractions were taking over and I couldn't deal with them. Derrick was talking to the nurse. I was not hearing. He said to me, "I'm going to get you an epidural unless you say no." That word "epidural" I heard but a resolved yet slightly hopeful "OK" was all I could conjure up. Later he told me how hard it was for him to see me in so much pain. It was overwhelming him. I had no idea. Derrick was so strong for his wife and baby during the entire labor. He helped immensely!
The anasthesiologist came in. I never even noticed him. I had to sit up and stay still for several minutes as he got the needles in. That was a new challenge. Once the medicine had kicked in the nurse said we could lie down and try to get some rest now. What?!? I never imagined that was an option. I thought that was a strange concept-to rest during labor-but I was open to the idea. Thank the Lord for epidurals. I would not have had any energy for the rest of labor let alone pushing without it. It was the best decision for us. We are still thankful we had the option of that medical help. My socks were found clear across the room. I think I heard them screaming, too.
I didn't rest a ton that night as I could still feel the tightening and pressure of the contractions. I was glad I could still feel that much because I knew the next stage of labor and feeling was important. I was anxious to get this show on the road and meet my boy. The epidural definitely slowed down the labor process because it took 10+ hours to dilate the other 5 cm. At 5am it was finally time to push. Our nurse was off at 6am and she wanted to meet this baby, too. I tried to meet that deadline but pushing was a lot more painful and took more effort than I imagined! Liam was a little stuck for a bit but lying on my side got him to turn his head. It was a beautiful moment and our son was born at 7:54am, October 23, 2010. (Our sweet nurse stayed the whole time, by the way.) There was some stitching up to do but I couldn't care less about that pain. The baby on my chest gave me warmth. Seeing his ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes gave me comfort. His sweet, little noises were the sound I had been longing to hear. His beautiful face instilled in me instant pride. Every second with him pulled on my heart strings. Our love compounded as the moments passed. We were a family of three now. Our son was here! The past 16 1/2 hours brought him here safely. Praise the Lord! I have joined the club. I think my socks were shaking in the corner. I say labor not only knocked my socks off, it rocked my world! The joy of experiencing life with our son will continue to rock my world. I am so ready for that!
What a blessed day. I wish we could have stayed together, our happy little family, uninterrupted forever. Soon that Saturday morning welcomed wonderful family and friends we got to show off our baby to. They gave him so much love. It was special to be surrounded by visitors who cared so much about our new addition and his not-as-cute parents. We even got to introduce Baby Liam to Thea Lauren, Uncle Olli and his cousins. Lukas had been talking about Baby Liam. He knew he was coming.
During our hospital stay, Daddy Derrick was happy to change all Liam's diapers. He took good care of us both! We would both frequently just stare at our miracle boy. Sometimes I would be a bit surprised when I remembered he was ours to keep. Oh yeah, he was the reason we were in the hospital. Becoming a parent literally overnight is a wonder. Daddy and Liam have a sweet, special relationship. Everyone can see how much he cares.
Looking back on labor I can say it was a lot harder than I expected but it brought me more joy and love than any other event. It brought Derrick and myself even closer together. Our son is our treasure. He is simply amazing, perfect and the most precious. We are in love.
Squishy's Stats: 8lbs 7.5oz - 21.75"
