The Story

I've been trying to catch up on some blogs tonight because with our temporary move we have been in and out of internet service. I'm currently typing this on my iPad which is a little tricky for longer posts so please forgive mistakes. Anyway, I decided it was probably time to jot down Jude's birth story since he is (unfortunately) not getting any younger...or smaller.  I have just adored having a newborn. It is funny because, well, to be quite honest, we definitely did not feel "ready" for another baby (as some of you already knew). We were so wrong. I was so ready.  Jason, too.

And with the third baby you realize that the time passes by so quickly. And it makes me sad. So, where I was once content with one child..."done" with two...three has opened my heart. And don't think I love Max and Evelyn any less. Nothing could be further from the truth. Maybe it has just taken this long for me to feel confident with myself as a mother. The past couple of years have conditioned me. I feel like I can handle anything now! The transition and recovery from his birth have been smooth. Jude is truly a miracle and blessing to our family.

I guess I feel a little strange sharing a birth story because there is just not a lot to share. I feel like to share a birth story I need some drama...but I like them better with no drama.  Just the simplicity and beauty of birth.

So, here is our simple story:

Thursday, May 12th started just like many of the days previous. I spent the evenings uncomfortable, waddling and achy, ready to be done with pregnancy (but apprehensive to give birth). I was still sleeping well and awoke each morning feeling like a was still going to be pregnant for...well...maybe forever...and I guess that was okay...

We ran a few errands. I think I talked to Julie on the phone about travel plans or something (she came to Indiana on the 14th to help out). I started feeling crampy toward the afternoon and wanted to get labor started-but didn't all at the same time. We turned on some music, the kids and I, and danced around the living room. We played outside. I tried to exert more playing effort than I had in a while. I ran up and down the stairs instead of taking them slowly. I ate black licorice. I hate to admit it, but I did mix a little castor oil with vinegar to pour on my salad at lunch. Just a little.

Jason came home. I think he was surprised to see me doing jumping jacks with the kids in the backyard. The little things we mothers do when birth is approaching to ensure the safety of our newborns. The children were exhausted and were put to bed at 6:45. At 7:00 p.m. I was feeling the effects of my salad dressing and black licorice. I was regretting it a bit. I sent Jason a warning that this could be more than a mere bathroom break. He sent a text to my friend, Brooke, to be ready to come stay with the kids...but not too ready. I was in labor. I always try to deny it. Three times I have. But I knew it. I spent a few minutes alternating between the toilet and the bathtub. I was just having one giant contraction. My belly was rock hard and stayed that way. Just stayed in a contraction. I have a very toned uterus I think.

Jason called and informed my midwife that we were heading to the hospital. It was about a 20 minute drive. It was around 8:00 at this point. I felt silly to be heading to the hospital after just an hour...convinced they would send me home...ready to laugh at myself if they did.
I've always been FAR from being sent home.

Brooke came over and I told her that we were going to the hospital but might be back soon
(denial). We called my mom and sisters in the car on the way which was really good because it made the dreaded ride to the hospital bearable and fast. There is no worse place to be when in labor than buckled into a car.

We got to the hospital around 8:30 and by that time I wasn't denying anything.  Jason tried to start the baby name game. I told him- "Enough with the small talk!". The mega-birthwave hadn't stopped. It just stayed and continued to get more and more intense. I started to do the birthing rock. My nurse noticed too and quickly got me to my birthing room. My wonderful midwife, Ann, met us there. I told her I wanted an epidural. She lovingly essentially said, "Really? We'll see..." and then later reminded me that everyone wants one at that point. Jason said, "You told me that if you said that I was supposed to remind you that you don't." I was just so scared and wanted it to be calm and peaceful. It was fast instead. We got settled in the room around 8:45.  I favored the hands and knees position this time while Jason offered counter pressure.  It is interesting to me that each labor is so different in the positions preferred.  After growing tired of hands and knees, Ann suggested side-lying as I was starting to push and that offers a gentler/slower approach to delivery.

Jude was born at 9:11. It was intense. It was hard. It was labor.  I didn't want to do it but I felt that energizing relief when it is all over and the crazy intensity and burning immediately subside.  Suddenly it was all worth it.

Jason announced, "It's a boy!". I wasn't surprised. I was so happy. And just relieved he was here and it was over. It was perfect.

But really fast. Jude came out a little too fast to squeeze the fluid from his lungs. He did take one small breath and gave a tiny whimper. Then the cord was quickly cut and the neonatal team rushed in to resuscitate him and whisk him away to the NICU. Jason went with Jude while I finished my business with my midwife.

Jude was in the NICU for just over 3 days. He quickly recovered enough to get rid of the feeding tube and the oxygen. He nursed really well when he could and then really well once the tube was gone.

The whole experience couldn't have been better.  I loved my midwives and the hospital and staff were all so incredible.  What a blessing to be able to look back at the experience with such fondness.

Jude is 4 weeks old today. He is filling out and getting a little roly. He couldn't be loved more by Max and Evelyn and he handles the energy well. Jude is so sweet. I am filled with gratitude for these three children and the joy, love, and energy they bring to my life. There is not a doubt in my mind that they are divine beings sent from a loving Heavenly Father. What a tremendous responsibility! There is nothing greater.