As is the pattern of all of my babies, baby boy decided to make us wait a few days after his due date (4/21) to make his appearance. I was up late stocking up at Target the night of April 23rd. I came home and told Ryan I had had lots of contractions, and thought I may have the baby the next day (but I had also said that for a couple of weeks!). He took me seriously after I went to sleep. He was up still and noticed that I was laboring in my sleep. He stayed up until 2 in the morning finishing work and making sure the house was in order, in case I was was right this time. I prayed that I'd be able to sleep and not have to call a neighbor over in the middle of the night. My prayers were answered. I woke up at around 7 and decided to stay in bed for a while. I watched some shows on the ipad. I wasn't in any pain, but I knew that as soon as I stood up it would probably be go time.
Heidi texted me to see if I wanted to go for a walk, and I told her that I was probably going to have a baby, so no walk. :) After an hour or so, I got up and got myself ready, packed lunches, and fed everyone breakfast. I called my midwife and let her know I was having strong contractions, but not consistent. She said to come on in since she was planning on being at the hospital anyway. I said, "Okay-after I get my kids to school, I will." She hung up and then called me back, remembering my fast labor history and told me to come NOW. I was planning on getting kids on the bus, then dropping off Eliza at Heidi's, but thank goodness, Heidi insisted on coming over and picking Eliza up. She says I was hunched over my counter top telling the kids to get their shoes and back packs during a contraction. Sadie and Connor headed out to the bus stop, Heidi had Eliza, and Ryan and I got in the car to go to the hospital. As SOON as we were backing out of the driveway, I had my first HUGE contraction and Ryan got SUPER annoyed that we had waited so long. Our car ride was a bit like the movies-stuck in school zones, and behind slow cars, husband swearing, but no more contractions ( so they were still 10 minutes apart.) As we were walking in I had another BIG one. I tried to lean over to breathe through my contraction, but Ryan grabbed me and dragged me into the hospital.
I had to lean on the counter at check in to get through the same BIG contraction, and a nurse saw me and walked me to a room where my midwife was waiting and left Ryan to do check in. I got on the bed, got checked, and Michelle let me know I could start pushing whenever I wanted! I was already dilated to 10cm!!! Unlike most moms, I don't like the pushing part. I get through labor without thinking about it, and I have to actually put effort in to push. Not to mention, IT HURTS!!! After a few more contractions, I decided to start trying. Since the contractions were still quite spread out, he was born about 30 minutes after we started pushing at 9:40am. It was the 2nd time I had gone with out an epidural, and Ryan said I was not as embarrasing this time.
Most importantly, little no name, came out healthy and crying loudly! We had a late term ultra sound that saw some irregular features in his brain and possible Dandy Walker Syndrome/Variance. We were so thankful that he came out seeming as healthy as can be. He was 21inches and 7lb 4 oz. Ryan and I were both in LOVE instantly.
The kids could hardly wait. I wasn't even all the way cleaned up before Grandpa and Grandma brought all 3 in to see baby boy! It was such a precious time to see them meet their baby brother for the first time. I am so thankful for such a blessed day and family. We got to know baby boy a bit our one day in the hospital and decided before we checked out that his name would be Austin Kenneth Johnson.
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| Sadie took this on April 21st (his due date) |
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| Heidi visited us in the hospital and took some special pictures. |
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| Me and the Gang!! |
