Most of you already know, but Cole arrived Wednesday, March 10, 2010!
As soon as I have some time, I promise I will post lots of pictures. For now, here's the story of how little Cole got here.
Despite the fact that I wasn't really having steady contractions of any kind, I was dilating the week leading up to the 10th. Based on my progress, my doctor decided that we would induce labor. Brett and I got to the hospital at the very early time of 5am. We got settled in, I got my IV of petocin, and the journey began. I was already at nearly 5cm when we arrived, so the nurse told me I could have the epidural any time I wanted (and believe me, I had no plans of trying to do it naturally). My contractions went from a 3 on a scale of 10 to a 7 in no time. Needless to say I think I felt about 2 strong contractions and the epidural was ordered.
At first, I made really quick progress and word was I could deliver around noon. Then things slowed down. I was comfortable and took little naps, so I wasn't really bothered. I had gotten all the way to 9 cm but Cole wasn't moving down. In fact, he moved back up! So finally, at about 5pm, my doctor decided that we needed to do a c-section.
I had always told myself that I would let things happen as they needed to and would go along with what my doctor felt was best. I was surprised at how calm I was when the decision for the c-section was made, even though I hadn't planned on it at all. The most uncomfortable part for me was feeling numb from the neck down. I knew I was breathing, but I felt like I couldn't take deep breaths - which was a tad bit scary. The staff at the hospital was a dream. They kept reassuring me every step of the way.
Before I knew it I was being wheeled into the OR with Brett right by my side (and dressed like he was ready for a science experiment :) ). In what seemed like a heartbeat the c-section was underway and, all of a sudden, I heard a baby crying. Official time of delivery: 5:55pm. I could hear the doctors and nurses telling me that I had a beautiful baby boy. I have to admit I was a little out of it from the medicine and it wasn't fully registering what had just happened. I turned and got a peak at Cole before they whisked him away to clean and test him. Brett followed him to the nursery and the doctors began putting me back together. That seemed to be the longest part. I was shaky from the medicine and was just wanted to get in a comfy position and begin the recovery.
The doctor told me that Cole had turned on his side and that his head and shoulders were broad, just like his daddy. So in the end, I would have needed a c-section anyway. I still giggle every time I remember hearing the nurses say things like "look at all that hair!" and "he has a head just like his daddy!" At the end of the surgery I was wheeled to a recovery room. It took about 2 hours for me to regain feeling in my body with my feet, legs, and fingers last to come back to life.
Brett kept me company and we tried to be patient as we waited for our chance to hold Cole. He showed me the pictures he had taken and kept me posted on everything that was happening to Cole - his tests, first bath, etc. He also said we had the most visitors of anyone at the hospital! After what seemed like forever, I was taken to the private room where we would stay for the rest of our time in the hospital. All of our family was there waiting for me. It was about 10pm when they finally brought Cole in and I got to hold him and feed him. That's when it finally felt real! He spent time with everyone, which was fun to watch. So at the end of the day I had a beautiful 7lb 11 oz baby boy, 18.5''.
We stayed at the hospital until the 13th. The staff was absolutely amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. It was nice to bring Cole home and begin settling in.
So far, things have been going as well as I could have hoped. Cole is such a good baby and really isn't too fussy at all. He's on about a 4 hour feeding schedule, which makes me a very lucky mommy. He gets both breastfed and formula and is a healthy, happy baby. I had originally wanted to feed him exclusively, but so far he needs both. I've decided to take things day by day and not worry about it. All I care about is that he's well fed and healthy.
I have to thank our families and friends for all the help and support. I know its made my recovery and adjustment so much easier. Every now and then my hormones get the best of me and I have an emotional moment, but again, I have lots of support.
Most of all, I have to say that Brett is an amazing daddy. Not that I ever doubted him, but I am so impressed at how naturally its all come for him. He's so good with the baby and even better at dealing with me! He is the most amazing partner and husband. Our first wedding anniversary is coming up on March 21st. I have to say, I got the best little present ever in Cole!
