A few days ago, on St. Patricks day, the birth of our new baby, Jackson, occurred. All I can say is WOW! Here's how it all went down.
The night of the 16th, when we went to bed and had been lying there for about three minutes, my wonderful wife unfortunately started feeling a lot of pain. Now, this wasn't too unusual so at first I didn't do anything. I just stayed with her. Then she started acting like I'd never seen her act before during this pregnancy like she was in severe pain. This got me up. I went to her and it wasn't long before the pain subsided. Then it wasn't much longer when the pain came again. I whipped out my watch so that I could time these pains, which were contractions. She had contractions for about forty minutes at about two minutes apart. I started getting our belongings together for the hospital and even went as far as picking up the phone to call the person who would watch our kids while we were having the baby. Then, the contractions seem to subside. I put the phone down and eventually, we went back to bed. Now, she asked me to sleep in another room so that if she were in pain again, which she was but not like that forty minutes period. She wanted me to sleep in the next room so she could sleep, too. I make funny noises at night that have kept her awake. So, she and I went back to bed and I knew she wasn't going to get much sleep but we agreed that our room separation was the best arrangement for both of us.
The following morning I was awakened by her walking into the room. She was fine but hadn't had much sleep during the night. She was extremely tired and asked me if I thought I could work from home, which, as long as I don't have meetings at the office that day, is fairly simple to arrange. So, I answered in the affirmative and went downstairs to send the email to my coworkers letting them know I was going to work from home. Ellen had a set appointment for a doctor visit today. Her due date was the twentieth and we were hoping that this visit would allow us to actually set the inducement date. She's always been induced so there was no reason to think this would be different. Well, I thought the appointment was at 145PM because I looked at the wrong day of the calendar, which another doctor's appointment was set a week later just in case the baby didn't come on the twentieth. So, I'm happily working from home. Ellen was happily back in bed as I customarily take care of the children in the morning while she sleeps in a bit. At about 935AM the phone rang. It was Stacy, our friend who was going to take care of the kids while Ellen went to the doctor. She was calling to make sure things were still on so she could watch the kids. Naturally, I was confused because I didn't think the appointment was until 145PM. She told me that it was at 10AM and now I was thoroughly confused. So, I went and told Ellen that Stacy was on the phone and verifying that things were still on. Ellen confirmed that they were, which confused me! So, I asked Ellen on Stacy's behest, what time Stacy could expect the kids. Ellen groggily stated, around 945AM and told me to tell her so. That's when I broke the news that the current time was 940AM. Ellen freaked, jumped out of bed, and headed for the shower, while all the while telling me that the appointment was at 10! So, I asked Stacy if she could come and pick the kids up, which she said she could and was on her way. I changed my clothes and it wasn't long before Stacy was there. Stacy picked up the kids and Ellen was showered and dressed ready to go by 951! We were out the door. I've never seen Ellen get dressed that fast before but we were on our way! We got the appointment around 1005AM; so we were fashionably late.
By the time we got into the doctor's office Ellen was somewhat joking and sharing her hopes to have the baby that same day. We both chuckled. Ellen couldn't chuckle too much because she was in pain. Moments later the doctor came in and asked our status. We gave him a run-down of what happened the night before. The doctor answered back that it sounded like Ellen was in labor. I was amazed!! WHOA! She'd been in labor?!?! Then the doc checked her and verified that she had dilated to 4cm. The doctor sent us to the hospital but Ellen asked if we could go home and get our things first. The doctor felt that that would be alright and we were on our way.
On the way home I was going a bit fast. In fact, I was going 47 in a 35. How do I know that? No, I wasn't watching the speedometer. I was pulled over by two motorcycle cops. Now, being a cop myself, I know that these guys rarely give a break. If a police officer is on a motorcycle then he's in the traffic division and his job is to write tickets! I pulled over. This happened to be a pair of officers. I waved them over because I wanted to let them know what was going on. Once they came over and I explained my wife's situation and what we were doing and where we were going. I mean, how cliche is this?! I was pulled over while my wife was in labor and we were (technically) on our way to the hospital! Anyway, the officer was nice enough to let us be on our way giving a stern warning to slow down, which I did!
We got home and got our things. I showered. Ellen put some makeup on and we were on our way!
On the way to the hospital, Ellen called her sister, Trisha, who agreed to photo or as she put it, paparazzi for the birth and let her know what was going on and to head toward the hospital. Trisha agreed to meet us there. When we got to the hospital, we were quickly admitted and put in a birthing room. These were nice rooms with wood floors and very little equipment in the room. I guess they try and let you feel more at home, which was nice. After a few hours, lots of a labor pains, and one epidural later, we had a baby. Jackson Alma Conner was born on March 17th, 2009 at 3:57PM. He was 8lbs and 20in long.
Now, being the one who was right there watching the entire thing like I'd never watched a birth before, I was absolutely amazed! When Jackson first came out he was purple. Now, the entire pregnancy was surreal but this one moment was the pinnacle of surreality. I couldn't believe I was the biological father to a new son. At first, I wasn't too impressed with what he looked like. He was purple and gooey. He didn't cry that much but he cried and I was grateful he was making noise. I knew he was OK. As soon as he was out and wiped up he was given to Mommy. I think I stared in amazement! It wasn't long before his purple hew turned to a more plush red and his wrinkles turned into smooth skin. As he turned into less of a prunish mass I found myself becoming more and more fond of him. It wasn't long before he was the most beautiful child I'd ever seen!!
Now that we've been home for a few days, daddy-hood has become a completely different life for me. I LOVE these kids!! I was a little worried about what my feelings for the kids would be after having a child of my own. Fortunately, it's actually become a better experience for me with them. However, my love for my own son is incredible!!
Ellen was amazing! I was right there while she was giving birth! This was her first non-induced birth, which I like, actually. I wanted something different than what she has had. She wanted inducement so she could be ready for it. I think what actually ended up happening was a wonderful involuntary compromise! This birth has brought us together like I never thought it could! I love her so much! We have a wonderful family! Jenna has been a little different. I think she knows she's not the youngest anymore so I've been trying to spend some quality time with her.
Well, I need to wrap this up but I'm gonna try and keep this updated more often.
1 comment:
Congrats Jim!
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