Henry's Birthday - And the days leading up to it

**Warning - It's a long one.**

So as you know by now Henry decided to join our family 2 weeks before his actual due date. It was certainly a surprise to us when I woke up at 6am on September 12th and my water broke on the way to the bathroom. Nick had been sleeping on the couch because the day before he had gone to the doctor, only to hear that he had bronchitis. I remember telling him the night before... "don't worry dear, you will be fine by the time this baby comes." Ha... I think God laughed at me as I said it.

So at 7am I called my doctors office. After answering questions from the Midwife on duty she determined I should head on into the hospital. Good thing I had the bags packed! There were a few things we didn't have ready (phone chargers, camera, iPad, etc.), but fortunately I wasn't frantic and calmly asked Nick to pick up the last few things before we left.

We arrived to Northside around 8:30am and I was whisked away to a labor and delivery room after a little confirmation of paperwork. Once we were in the room and settled things started happening. Nurses came in, introduced themselves, and eventually the midwife, Christine, came around to check-in.

After the nurses confirmed that my water had broken, they started me on a round of pitocin to induce the laboring process. When they had checked my progress there had been no previous movement, which was surprising since I was at 38 weeks. I remember the words "1cm is a generous measurement" being said to me. That set the tone for the next 40 hours. Throughout the 8 hours on pitocin when I was checked again at 5pm nothing had changed. Christine then decided to take me off of the pit, let me have dinner, try a different method overnight, and pair that with sleeping medicine. I'm pretty sure that was the last time I ever slept.

The next morning there was a little progression and I was told I was "a legitimate 1cm now." Christine returned before she left for the day and wished me well. A new midwife, Kristy, visited and we had high hopes Baby L was going to be born that night. They started me on pitocin again at 10am and it actually started working (FINALLY!). The contractions started to get more intense around 2pm, which was when I ordered the epidural at around 3-4cm. I got comfortable for the rest of the day. Movement was being made, however still going slow.

I remember making friends with the nurses who were on my service. They were on a 12 hour shift and I just knew he would be born during that. Also have a I mentioned by this time it was Friday the 13th? I had to accept the fact that my baby would be born on a day that is usually associated with bad luck.

Well the nurses shift ended at 7pm... and I had to say my goodbyes. A new nurse came around, she was sweet, but I was still bummed that the other ladies weren't there. Regardless we still had to get this baby out of me! Around 9:45pm is when I was told by both the nurse and the midwife it was time to start pushing. And push I did... for 3 hours. I'm certain the midwife left to deliver other babies 4 times all while I was still pushing. He was being stubborn right from the get go.

I watch the hands on the clock move quickly as we approached a new day. Midnight came and went and that's when I realized he wouldn't be a Friday the 13th baby after all. Woo hoo! Let's go baby.

However by midnight the doctor on rounds, Dr. Wooten, had been called in. It was clear I may need some extra help. At 3 hours of pushing I was exhausted and my epidural was running low. (Nick later told me they actually dialed it back to make me push harder. Ummm what??) I will admit I was pretty delirious from the pain at this point and just wanted to stop, but there was no stopping. My wonderful husband was so encouraging and stood by my side the whole time. I couldn't have done it without him. He literally was my rock.

Ok so the doctor... yes so he was there and the midwife kept saying "if you can push for 20 more min..." the the doctor would be able to use the vacuum on Henry. I'm certain she told me 3 different times to push for 20 more min. I had to get to a specific point where the baby was low enough that the doctor could pull him out. It was 10 minutes to 1am and I remember the doctor looking at me all ready with the vacuum and said "You realize if this doesn't work we will be rushing you to have a c-section." I shook my head and just looked at Nick thinking "I just want this baby out."

With just one last push the doctor worked his magic and Henry was born at 12:51am. I had so many emotions at one time.

I was so exhausted and in so much pain that I was having a hard time focusing on the fact that Henry was here. But as I listened to the nurses "pinking" him up, I also overheard the doctor say to Nick "You're baby is only 1 minute old once." Nick panicked to get the camera out. I'm happy we snapped these first pictures of him. His head was egg shaped b/c of the vacuum that was used to finally pull him out.

So that's it. Just under 43 total hours after my water had broken, Henry finally made an appearance. I certainly hope he doesn't get his stubbornness from me. Regardless, it was love at first sight. ♥