Time to Breathe!

Well, I never imagined that it would take this long to sit down and write a blog about Jack's birth. I underestimated how busy I was going to be after he arrived. I am not complaining. I would much rather have it this way than to still be pregnant. This may seem like old news two weeks later but I would like to record it anyways. After the doctor checked my cervix and determined that we should go ahead and induce labor on the 24th I started to have some contractions. They slowly got closer and harder as the day went on. Right before bed I started to loose my mucus plug and I was just hoping that I could make it through most of the night before heading to the hospital. I was able to sleep (as well as any pregnant lady sleeps) until about 4:00 am when the contractions just got too hard. When I got up and timed them they were 3 min apart and 1 min long. When I called the doctor she said we should head in to the hospital. It was nice because we were all prepared but I didn't have to be induced. My mom had come to stay with the kids and everything was set for Jesse and I to be gone for a few days. It couldn't have worked out more perfect. When we got to the hospital and settled they checked me and I was at 5 cm. I was a little disappointed because I had been at a 4 the day before and the contractions were very painful. I decided to get the epidural at this point. While the anesthesiologist was administering the epidural I was looking over at Jesse as he slept and decided that next time (if there is one) I want to be the Dad, he can be the mom. (Just kidding, I love being the mom. I could go without all the pain though.) Then we just hung out for a while and watched TV. I wasn't progressing real fast but that was OK because my doctor was in a meeting. Once he was available he came in and broke my water and surprise I was already at a 10. We started to work on getting him out but that was tricky because he was posterior. Dr. Porter had some trouble getting him to turn. At this point I was really glad that I couldn't feel what was going on. At the last second the baby turned and after a few more minutes of pushing he was here. (11:21 am, our fastest by far) The umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice and so we were relieved that he was here and healthy. We immediately realized that little Jack was the male version of Anna. Even Jesse agreed and he usually claims that he can't tell who they look like. Jack has lots of dark hair and the exact little face that Anna had when she was an infant. He seems so little but at the same time big as he is a whole pound bigger than any of our other kids were. We stayed in the hospital until Friday. Jesse thought I was crazy for staying that long but I knew it would be easier to rest there than at home. The kids were so excited to see Jack and came as soon as they could. It was a little crazy with them in the little hospital room, however. Porter wouldn't leave the buttons on my bed alone. I kept having to explain to the secretary that my little boy pushed the nurse call light. My mom and Dad spent the weekend with us and were a big help. I didn't have to change Porter's diaper or prepare a meal for a whole week and that was great. I also came home to a clean house and that was the best gift ever. We are still adjusting but I am starting to feel under control. Nursing was a struggle at first. Jack was tongue tied. Once we had his tongue clipped nursing became much less painful. He also had an eye infection over the weekend but we got some antibiotic and it has mostly cleared up. We just feel so blessed and thankful to have this new little spirit in our home. Thanks to all those who called, visited, brought in dinners and gifts. We feel so loved.