The newest member of our family has arrived! We are so glad that he is happy and healthy. I'm excited to share our story in case you're interested in it.
I'm pretty used to having some contractions every day (and you may remember that my due date was Wednesday, February 12th). On Sunday, February 2nd, I spent several hours on my feet and several contractions continued once I sat down and relaxed (I had also had just a bit of spotting that day). After taking a shower and getting in bed, though, the contractions subsided and I was able to sleep. Later that week, the evening of Wednesday, February 5th, I got to bed later than expected and had several contractions even after getting in bed. Aynsley was fussing and I got up to comfort her a couple of times. The contractions were pretty regular but, eventually, I fell asleep. At my appointment on Thursday, February 6th, I opted not to get checked. My midwife told me that she was on call over the weekend, so she'd see me at the hospital if anything happened.
The rest of Thursday and Friday were uneventful. On Saturday morning, we all slept in and had breakfast. I met a friend for lunch and then did some grocery shopping. Matt and I watched a little tv while Aynsley napped and then we got ready for a wedding in downtown Louisville. We dropped Aynsley off with friends and went to the Science Center for the ceremony and reception. After the ceremony, we were able to walk around the Science Center while the wedding party was taking pictures. I couldn't do a ton of walking due to being uncomfortable, but we saw things on a few floors before the reception started. I ate a great dinner, laughed with friends, and had some yummy hot chocolate. I knew that I wouldn't feel much like dancing, so we were planning to leave earlier than usual. The first song (after all of the official wedding songs) was "Love Shack" - the song that I requested! The bride was waiting for me on the dance floor, so I couldn't refuse. For those of you who know me very well, you know that I LOOOOOOVE "Love Shack." Love it.
Matt and I picked Aynsley up and went home. After Aynsley was in bed, I made a batch of brownies for a Sunday School class luncheon that we were planning on attending the next day and put in a load of Aynsley's cloth diapers. Matt and I watched some tv and then went to bed. Through all of the tasks I was doing once we got home, I was contracting, but it was nothing intense.
Matt and I got in bed and I fully expected the contractions would stop at that point (I really, really, REALLY wanted another week, week and a half before his arrival). After the contractions continued for awhile, Matt and I started packing up my hospital bags and cleaning up a bit. We called friends to come stay with Aynsley. At this point, the contractions were consistent but very short - they were little bursts that could barely be timed. I thought that we would go to the hospital and I'd get checked and they'd send me home, but I erred on the side of caution after my short labor with Aynsley and my desire to do a VBAC.
We left shortly after our friends arrived, about 1:30am. We got to the hospital around 2:00am. I got checked in and it's possible that my water broke while I was sitting in the office. When I got in bed and got checked, the nurse said that the bag of waters was intact but that I was complete. My midwife, however, was still not there, so I was avoiding pushing. After my midwife arrived, I was able to push and he arrived at 3:12am. I got to spend the next two hours just holding him, nursing him, and admiring him.
I guess there's always a little more to the story (mine involves fainting, tearing, Pitocin, and wanting to make sure that the bed was made before we left the house), but that's the quick version.
Our sweet boy's name is Gavriel James. If you think it's a typo, it's not. Gavriel is a variation on Gabriel (meaning "man of God") and it's pronounced gave-ree-uhl. His middle name was chosen to honor Matt's great-grandfather, who was a small town marshal killed in the line of duty in 1924.
So I got the birth that I wanted (pretty much) - Bradley method, no drugs, "traditional" delivery. I had a great coach, who's so proud of me. Aynsley is enamored with her little brother, worrying when he fusses and wanting to hold him. He's been nursing well (starting this was sooooo much easier the second time around!) and was almost back up to birth weight at the pediatrician yesterday. Right now, it feels a little crazy to have 2 under 2, but it's so wonderful to have another child in our family. We have so much support and love from friends and family. Thank you for all of the congratulations and kind words!
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