So I have finally found time to write/journal about the day I went into labor...It will not only be a day for me to remember because it was the day my son was born but a day to remember because of how the events transpired.
...Tuesday September 2 at 1:00pm we had a lunch planned at my house to celebrate and introduce Madison to all of our friends. Me & Ashlyn, Nina & Madison, Nicole & Ryder, Kristine & Kayla, Stacy & Gavin...and our kid-less friends...Dawn & Veronica.
Ryder, Nicole, Stacy, Gavin, Dawn, Nina, Madison, Me, Ashlyn, Veronica
We planned on picking up lunch to keep it easy and it would allow us to visit more. Nicole picked up papa murphy's pizza's, I made a salad, and Krisine picked up a yummy pie! We put lunch on the table, served up the kids and hung out. At about 2:00 I looked up at Nicole & Kristine and said, "I think I am having a contraction" We all blew it off thinking that these "braxton hicks" could last for weeks. Then about 30 minutes later (Good thing Kristine looked at the clock or we would not have know the time) I had another one. And yet again we blew it off. After about 25 minutes another one...and this time we did not blow it off. I called Eric who was at the gym and said, "Babe I think the baby is coming tonight." I told him to go ahead and got to football practice (Cal High week, super important) and that I would call him if I needed him to come home. I ended up needing to call him.
While Eric was gone Nicole, Nina, Kristine and Stace stayed with me. Between contractions we cleaned up lunch, packed my clothes for Ashlyn and I, put the "pink" and "blue" bags together because we did not know what we were having. Nicole was so great because when a contraction would come I would drop to the floor...she would rub my back and apply pressure to my hips. I swear she did it better than anyone!!! Even Eric!!! The rest of the girls were helping me breath...Nina...and cheering me on. What a difference it was having them there. THANK YOU GIRLS!!!!
The gang all hanging out during my labor.
Ryder and Auntie Tiff between contractions...Here comes another one...
Eric came back home, my mom came over, Nina Kristine and Stacy left and Nicole and Ryder stayed. I know this sounds funny but we were having a great time even though I was in a TON of pain. Labor was much more painful than my first time with Ashlyn. I seemed to progress rather quickly and contractions were coming faster and faster. About 6:45 I was ready for my epidural : ) and wanted to leave. By the time Eric packed for himself, Wally loaded the car, Eric took a shower and Ashlyn and I took a bath it was 7:45 and we were off to Ryan and Nina's to drop off Ashlyn.
Ashlyn and Ryder on the bench in front of the house...sitting patiently while we load the car.
Dropping off Ashlyn was a tough thing for me. I am so lucky to have such amazing brother & sisters! Nina and Ryan with Ashley watched Ashlyn (the pistol) and had a 12 day old, Madison. I was scared and sad hoping she would be ok for this HUGE change in her life was about to happen. The next time I would see my " baby girl" I would have another baby? How would that change her life...
After putting the carseat in Ryan & Nina's car and saying a long goodbye we were off to Walnut Creek Kaiser. I was admitted right away! Yeah 2 for 2 not getting sent home! When we got there I was in SO MUCH pain. I was miserable. Then grouchy when I found out I was only dilated to a 4!!! What, all this pain and only a 4...you've got to be kidding me!
They transfered me rather quickly to LDR Room 3. My nurse was awesome. Her husband was a retired cop so we had lots to chat about while I was eagerly waiting for my epidural. Because my blood pressure dropped after my epidural with Ashlyn they needed to give me 2 bags of saline before thy would give me the epidural. It felt like it took forever~ it didn't ~ and I was freezing...the IV bags are room temperature...which feels so cold and they make your temperature drop. Good news my BP did not drop this time and I was pretty much pain free in no time.
After I was stable all the visitors came into the room to see me before the new baby was born. Then it was a waiting game...with Ashlyn I got to the hospital around 9 and had her at 9:40 the next morning... again sorry! So we did not know how long it would take.
After about an hour I progressed from a 4 to a 7. Good news! My nurse left and said call me if anything changes. I am going to let you relax. At this time it was probably 10ish and in the room were Eric and both moms. About 11:30ish I was telling the moms and Eric I felt the need to bare down. So we called the nurse...and YES I was at a 10!!!
At 11:40 the moms left the room to make a few phone calls and tell everyone that I would be starting to push soon. Eric went to the bathroom. My midwife came in, checked me and said "where is daddy". I said I think bathroom. She said back, "he needs to be here now... this baby is coming." Eric came back in about 11:43. The midwife told Eric to quickly get the moms. They were back in the room at 11:45. They broke my water and started pushing. 10 Minutes later...
Our beautiful baby boy COLTON was born. I could not believe that I had him on the 2nd. When we left the hospital that night I thought for sure the 3rd! But no with 5 minutes to spare he came on the 2nd. I did not know until that evening but the 2nd was my great-grandparents Edith and Frank's wedding anniversary. I know that was special for my grandma!
After that they cleaned Colton and I up and everyone at the hospital came in to meet him... at the hospital were...My mom, Eric's mom, Dad, Cathy, Wally, Grandma & Grandpa Johnston, Grandma Fullmer, Grandma Wittmer...Ken and Auntie Debbie arrived shortly after but were there for everything. I guess I just pushed too fast! Haha!
Later that night Uncle Gary came. Ryan, Nina, Ashley, Ashlyn and Madison came too. It was very special except Ashlyn had been woken up and you know how that can be...she was tired and a little grumpy. At least we can say she met her brother in his first hours of life! It meant a lot to me that Ryan & Nina brought her up! Thank you!
We decided to have Eric take Ashlyn home so she could be in her own bed and environment hoping to make a smoother transition...it definitely was a good idea. My mom stayed with me in the hospital. We both barley slept we were starring at Colton all night then were up early the next morning. I held my little man all night long. It was great!
Mom when and got us coffee and a snack (the breakfast was not good). I got cleaned up and then the visitors started coming. What a fun day. Showing off Colton and visiting with friends and family. (Look on the right side of our blog to see all the pictures of Colton's visitors.)
Colton and I were getting cleared to leave that night so it was a busy day for him. He had his surgery...ouch! hearing test, exam, blood drawn, etc. He did awesome through all of it! We found out some not so happy news during his exam... they told us he had a fractured clavicle. I was so sad...called Eric crying! After talking with several Dr's my pediatrician in particular he reassured me that this was something common and that he would heal perfectly! (Update...He is doing so well. He is moving both arms well and doe snot cry when dressing like they told us he might.)
After a long day in the hospital we were released around 8pm. We walked out with our entourage... us four, Mom, Auntie Debbie, Nicole, Ryder, Monica, Marissa and Brian was in the parking lot. It was fun!
Our new little family was on our way home for yet another introduction, the dogs. They were great just the same as last time...sniffed and poked and sniffed some more. They did not leave Colton's side all night. Eric's parents came over for a visit and brought us dinner. We had a nice relaxing first night home!
Yukon and Lakota were and have been so awesome with the new arrival. Even to the point where Eric had to sleep in Ashlyn's big girl bed the first night because they would not make room for him. The dogs are not usually allowed on the bed but it was so cute that they would not leave Colton's side. I kept telling Lakota that I was the mommy not her! : )
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