Day One

Today has felt like a VERY long day! We got to the hospital last night and we did take about an hour 1/2 nap this afternoon, but aside from that, we haven't really slept. We will be very ready for bed tonight! Gibson's 10pm care time starts soon, so we'll go for that and then go to bed!

I started having contractions yesterday morning. They were more painful than what I've felt this pregnancy and very crampy too so I thought there was a chance that labor would be starting. Lindsey and Jonathan were over all day to help take care of us and lucky for them they didn't get regular and only a couple of minutes apart until the end of the day. So Joe got home and we waited a bit and then as they progressively go worse, I called my doctor. He said to head into Holland Hospital and that if I had progressed from where I was the day before (70% effaced, dilated to a 2 1/2) we wouldn't be able to stop the labor, but if I was still the same they'd try the mag again to try to stop it. Well, when I got there I was dilated to a 4-5 and 100% effaced so there was no stopping labor! That was at about 9pm. We had arrived around 8:30. The nurse checked me again around 10:30 and I was at a 6. At about 11:30 my doctor arrived and broke my water--at that point I was at a 7. I seemed to be making good progress and my contractions had definitely kept getting worse since we had arrived. I therefore decided I didn't want an epidural. I figured I survived last time without it and if it'd go quick again, I could again survive. I also didn't want the epidural to slow the labor as they often do. At about 12:30 I was at an 8 so I thought surely it'd be soon. Unfortunately I stayed at an 8 for awhile due to a forebag that wouldn't break. They gave me some Stadol at 2am which I hear makes people loopy, however, I unfortunately couldn't tell a difference and told myself I will never again opt out of getting an epideral:-). At 3:55am I was fully dilated and able to push and break the remaining waterbag. Upon breaking this bag a strong desire to push started and Gibson arrived at 4:05am. By the time we saw him to the nursery and got cleaned up it did not allow for really any sleep that night. We were tired but so excited that our little boy was doing so well.

An update on his feedings, and first visitors will be coming soon!!

Right before leaving for the hospital ...

First family pic ...

One of Gibs' first pics ...


First time Mommy feeding Gibs ...

First family pic in the Special Care Unit ...