We were supposed to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. Mom and dad came to stay with us the night before so that they could take Lizzy to school and be with her while we were at the hospital. I stayed up until about 10:00 the night before, but barely slept. Between the constant potty breaks and nerves, I was up most of the night. Like a kid on Christmas Eve, with all the anticipation and excitement, plus a lot of nerves and anxiety. The hospital called to let us know they had a pretty busy night, so they asked us to come at 7:30. Yay, a little more sleep. But bummer, a little longer to wait.
We checked into the hospital at 7:30. I was as cool as a cucumber. They took us to our room. The exact same room I had Elizabeth in two short years ago. It took a little while to get settled, and they started my Pitocin at about 9:00. I wasn't really feeling the contractions, even after they broke my water at about 9:45. It was difficult for them to break my water, and they weren't sure it was done, so they had to check a few times. Ouch. Anyway...
When the nurse checked me at 10:00, I was already 4cm (I was 1-2 cm when two days before at my check-up). So even though I was pretty comfortable, things were moving along nicely. Much nicer than my first go-round when I was begging for an Epidural by 4cm. Over the next hour, the contractions started getting pretty strong. The nurse, who was very matter-of-fact and good for me, said contractions are tougher for me because I'm not a "fluffy" person. Thanks for making me feel like I'm strong, even if it's baloney.
Since I was a little uncomfortable and things were moving pretty quickly, I decided to get my epidural and they came in at about 11:30. For some reason, I had a hard time concentrating on something that wasn't a super-long, huge needle going into the middle of my back. That was a long few minutes. Of course, I told them of my Epidural woes with Elizabeth, so they said they'd be very careful to get it right this time. More on that later.
At about noon, she checked me again and said I was just about ready. Dr. Wurtz was called at 12:15 and given orders to "get here - soon!" That made me a little more nervous, but they let me wait to start pushing until he got there at about 12:45.
Now back to those Epidural woes. They didn't get it right this time, either. I felt WAY more than I did the last time. Way more than I should have with a proper Epidural. Dr. Wurtz offered a local, along with the anecdote, "they don't usually work at this point, though." Thanks, Doc, I guess we'll forge ahead. In a word, ouch. I even had to apologize to the nurses and doctor for some slight profanities later. Ugh.
Henry Charles forever blessed our lives at 1:20 p.m. When I first saw him, I thought he was much smaller than Elizabeth, but he was 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.5 inches long. Good, healthy boy, especially for being six days early. He had a head full of dark hair, the pinkest skin, and big dark eyes. Love at first sight for sure. He was perfect in every way.
Jon looks a little bit nervous to cut the cord, but look at that sweet boy.
Overwhelmed.
His lips were a little swollen, but so cute!
He was wide awake for at least two hours. What just happened?
I was so much more calm this time.
Ah, the best part.
No one could believe I was pushing already, less than four hours after my induction. You should have seen my mom's face. :)
Mr. Henry and his (middle name) namesake.
So blessed to have such great friends.
Grandma Elaine with our sleepy boy.
Lizzy finally meeting her baby brother.
Our very first photo as a family of four. Life is good. So very good.
Lizzy wasn't sure what to think, but she wanted to know why mommy had so many "owies" on her hands.
Do I look like I was crying? I was. Really hard. I was so emotional when I saw Lizzy. She looked so big to me and I knew our lives were forever changed and I was just so overwhelmed, I couldn't help but cry.
Lizzy's first time holding her baby brother.
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