He's Here!!

Chapter 1 - Baby Benjamin Thomas Arrives, FAST!

Keith and I went to bed on Saturday night Just after 12am. I had no feeling that we might soon have our little boy. He, however, had different plans. At 2:30, I woke up to make one of my usual trips to the bathroom. I was feeling a little pain but thought it would probably pass once I got back in bed. When it didn't, I got back up and paced around a bit, thinking that might make the pain subside.

About 20 minutes after first getting up I decided that it was time to wake Keith. It took him a second to realize what I had said but he quickly leaped into action. Making the appropriate calls and helping me gather my things. I was still a little unsure that it was really hospital time but thankfully, Keith was pretty sure it was. A little after 3am, Brandon Roberts had arrived to stay with the kids and we were on our way.

By the time we got to the hospital my contractions were coming fast and hard. In the labor and delivery triage the nurse saw how frequently I was having contractions and thought she had better check me. I was 8 cm dilated. We were all getting the feeling that the baby might not be as far away as we thought. I kept making sure that they knew that I wanted an epidural so they would have the anaesthesiologist ready as soon as we got to the Labor and delivery room. This, unfortunately, was not to be. After asking a few times a nurse finally told my we probably didn't have time for an epidural. WHAT!!

Very shortly after getting to the labor room I was checked and I was a 10. My water broke quickly after and it was time to push, but not really. The doctor was still not there. I had to wait at least another 15 minutes. I really didn't think that I could do it but somehow, I waited to push until we had a doctor and after only 3 or 4 pushes, at 4:26 am, Benjamin had arrived. All 8 lbs 4 oz and 20 1/2 inches of him. We got to spend about an hour with him before he headed off to the nursery to be checked over. He had some rapid breathing trouble but that cleared up quickly.

I can definitely say that given the choice, I would not choose to have a baby without an epidural again. I wanted to have the experience of going into labor at home and the excitement of the "I think we need to go to the hospital" moment. I really wanted to go into labor 100% on my own. I guess you have to be careful what you wish for. I got a little more "on my own" than I planned on. However, I am glad to have had the experience and to see that I could do it. I am amazed how quickly the memory of the pain leaves you once you have that sweet baby in your arms.

Chapter 2 - Meet the siblings

Sam and Audrey have been so ready to meet their baby brother. These last 7 months, since we first told them of the baby on the way, have probably felt like an eternity to them. Sam has been asking for weeks if today was the day that the baby would come. We would wake up in the mornings and Sam would ask, "Has Mommy had the baby yet?" We were so excited for him to wake up this past Saturday to hear that, yes, Mommy has had the baby!

They came to the hospital that morning and were so cute. They were thrilled to finally be able to hold and kiss their new baby brother. Sam is still not loving the name we have chosen but he's getting used to it. Audrey thinks that every sound and move Ben makes is so funny. My only problem now is going to be trying to keep them from smothering him with love.