Your birth story

It's hard to tell your birth story without adding in a bit of Miles' at first, because his made me so worried about yours. His was so fast, and he was so big, I was convinced you'd come just as fast, or faster. So that changed how we approached things. I wasn't too worried about your size, since I delivered your brother with no complications. But I still hoped you weren't as big, and according to 36 week ultrasounds, you weren't going to be too big. I think you were around 6 lbs on the ultrasound, so we were guessing about 8lbs.
I was seeing the same midwife who delivered Miles, Laura Zaugg. She's amazing. She had advised I not travel too far the last couple weeks before your due date, which was August 19, because of how fast my previous delivery had been. She also gave me her cell phone number so that I could call her when I was on my way to the hospital, so that she'd make it in time. At 36 weeks, I was dilated to a 2. At 38 weeks, I was dilated to a 3 and 80% effaced, but was hoping you'd stay in a bit longer because McKynlee had just gotten strep throat that day. The next week, at 39 weeks, I was still at a 3. Laura stripped my membranes (which hadn't worked with Brady-it was too early, but had worked with Miles). I had some contractions that night, but nothing big and I could tell it wasn't going to work, so I went to bed not too helpful. That was a Thursday, and I went all weekend with nothing. I asked about induction, and Laura was willing to do one Saturday if I hadn't gone into labor, but she knew I didn't want to and she didn't push it. Then I passed my Sunday due date and was pretty frustrated, since I'd never gone over before. I had an appointment Tuesday. I was dilated to a 4 and 80-90% effaced. She was surprised you hadn't come yet! We debated the membrane sweep because school was starting the next day and I wanted to either be able to take the kids, or have dad free to take them, not be in labor. Laura's kids were starting that day too. I asked about the odds of you coming that night with a membrane sweep and she thought it would work so we tried it. We also scheduled an induction for Saturday if you hadn't come by then, but we were pretty sure you would come on your own. It didn't work! Come Wednesday morning, I walked the kids up the hill to school for their first day. On Thursday, I was panicking that I would need the induction, and I really didn't want to be induced! I wanted you to come on your own when you were ready. I was also hating everyone at this point, because of all the texts and comments about why I hadn't had you yet, and how anxious everyone else was. I was obviously also anxious and excited for you to come! And tired of being pregnant! I called Laura to cancel the induction, but I still needed to go in Sunday for a non-stress test since I'd be 41 weeks.
Luckily, my water broke at 3:00 in the morning on Friday! I woke up dad and jumped out of bed to the bathroom. I didn't even care it was the middle of the night, I was so dang happy! I was just excited you were coming, and on your own timing, I couldn't stop smiling. Dad called Grandma B to come over, and then Laura to let her know we were on our way. That's when I realized my contractions weren't really painful at all yet. We hurried over anyway. I wasn't hungry at all, so I just ate a quick granola bar is all. We were checked in and settled before 4:00. I hadn't wanted monitoring because it was so painful to lie down with Miles' labor, but I wasn't in any pain and was happy to be monitored and hear your heartbeat. It was great to just lie there and listen to that rythym and know you were good in there. My contractions were 5 minutes apart and not at all painful and I was still dilated to a 4. Laura came a bit later and noticed I wasn't going nearly as fast this time, so she headed home to sleep. After they'd monitored me long enough, we started walking. Lakeview Hospital only has the one hallway in Labor and Delivery, so it was super boring pacing that same thing over and over again. And my contractions didn't intensify at all, although I was still gushing water. I came back after awhile for more monitoring and nothing was really changing. They switched me to a wireless monitor that was great and I sat and bounced on the birthing ball for awhile, but that didn't get anything going either. I gave up around 8:00 am because I was so tired and laid down to rest. Dad and I were amazed that it was progressing so slowly because we expected it to be more like Miles' birth. Between 9 and 9:30 the contractions were a bit more painful so I called the nurses like they'd asked me to. She said that Laura had suggested I take half a cytotec to get things going. I asked if it'd be anything like pitocin, because if so, I didn't want it. I didn't want anything that was going to put me into too much unnecessary pain because I didn't want the epidural. She said it wouldn't make contractions harder, but would hopefully make things pick up. I decided to take it. The contractions were already a bit more painful and I was bouncing on the birthing ball while your dad rubbed my back and did counter pressure during contractions. By 9:45, I asked to get into the tub to ease the pain and did. I loved it! I had wanted to do this with all my previous births, but never did. It felt so good to be in the hot water. Laura came around this time. Your dad had been sitting by me and holding my hand, then Laura came and sat by me for awhile. I was so proud of myself during this part because the contractions got painful, but I was getting through them really well. I was able to keep my body totally relaxed in the water. I was in no pain in between and could talk and such, but once they started, it was intense. I would either stare straight forward, or close my eyes, and just breathe through them as I focused on relaxing my whole body. I kept my arms and legs and every muscle just relaxed and I just focused on getting through the contraction. I remember telling your dad after one that I really hated it, but I was still doing ok. Laura turned off the lights and that helped too. I just had my eyes closed and kinda went into my own world for a bit. In between contractions, I kinda felt a floating sensation, it's hard to explain. But I was so proud of myself and how I was handling the pain. Laura left at one point to check on a postpartum patient, and dad came back by my side. The pain got bad enough I started to moan through each contraction. It was like what I'd read about in books about natural labor, where instinct takes over. It was just a low moan that helped me get through each contraction. After several of those, I told your dad to get a nurse in there or get Laura back because I was afraid I'd have a baby soon. Laura came in and the contractions were now close together and I was feeling a lot of pressure. She and my nurse, Mary Ann, were ready to get me out, but it took a few contractions since I'd stop moving to moan through it. As they were drying me off to get to the bed, a big contraction came and I kinda squatted into it and Laura applied counter pressure to my hips that felt so good! I walked to the bed and Laura said I could get into any position I wanted. I just chose my side because that's how I'd birthed Miles and it was fine. I remember asking Dad what time it was. I realize now it wasn't important, but I needed to know how long I'd been laboring I guess. It was 10:46. Laura told me to push whenever I felt the urge and I began to push the next contraction. This part was hard. The first push moved you down quite a bit, but now you were crowning and that hurt! I wasn't at all controlled anymore at this point. I was panicking now because it hurt so much and I couldn't do anything. I'd push, but didn't last long each push. Laura and Mary Ann kept telling me to hold my breath, but I felt like I was and didn't know how to fix it. I really wasn't, though, and would lose momentum in the middle of each push and freak out. Your dad was in front of me, holding my hands. Mary Ann was holding up my leg and pushing on my back for counter pressure. When they'd coach me to push, I just screamed at Laura to pull you out! She couldn't, but I didn't know that. I wasn't being rational. I remember thinking each push that your head would just pop out soon and I'd be relieved. It took several contractions which felt like forever. I didn't think you'd ever be born. Your head finally came, then I continued to push for your body. Then I saw this purple boy, with so many rolls! Laura exclaimed that I had another big baby, and Mary Ann was admiring your rolls. The other nurses came to wipe you off quick and suction you as they lifted my gown and placed you on me for immediate skin to skin. I was so glad to be done and overjoyed to have you here! You were born at 10:57, so all that panic and stress and pain of pushing only lasted 11 minutes! After several minutes, Dad cut your cord. They had to lift you off of me for a bit to do that. Then right back on my chest. I held you as Laura delivered the placenta, which came easily, but was a little painful again. You seemed to be searching for milk, so I asked if I could nurse you. Your nurses asked if they could just check you real quick and then I could. Part of me wishes I had said no. My favorite moments with Miles were the hours before I let anyone take him, but I also knew their checks would be fast. So I let you go to them and Dad got several pictures. They announced your measurements, 9 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long. Laura needed to give me a few stitches, but I asked her to wait until I had you in my arms again and she did. The checks probably took 5 minutes is all. I was excited to hold you again and got in a more comfortable position to nurse you. You latched on immediately and with a perfect latch! Your nursed from both sides for over an hour total and were perfectly happy and content. I loved holding you as your nursed and it was just so perfect. I was immediately in love with you and didn't want to share you with dad, but he didn't mind and let me have my time. He was texting family and friends to share the great news. When you finished nursing, we got some pics on our phones to text out. We had taken pics already, but just on the camera. Then I let Dad have a turn to hold you as I ate my lunch. A bit later, the nurses helped me get to the bathroom to get cleaned up. School was getting out soon, so Grandma and Grandpa were bringing your siblings to meet you. We have that all on video. I was holding you and they came to my bed and were so excited to see you! Then they took turns holding you. We told them we'd decided on Colby for sure. They knew that before you were born, but I wasn't convinced yet. I knew I needed to meet you before I for sure named you. Even then, I was only 99% sure, but it has stuck since then and I love your name now. They came to the hospital several times and fought over who got to hold you, so we had to set timers. You were so wanted and so loved in our family, we are just thrilled to have you here! 8 hours of labor and the 11 minutes of pushing were worth every second of pain to bring you here! We love you, Colby!