The Birth Story

Well, as most of you know, Gavin is here! It was such a surreal experience but I will try to explain all the details. Here we go....

May 18, 2009 at 1:30 in the morning, I started having minor contractions and they were definitely in rhythm. We timed it for an hour then we called the birthing center. The midwife was there and ready but she wanted my contractions to last a little bit longer. So we timed them for another hour and then called her back. The midwife said to come on over. We got there around 4:00 a.m. and we were ready to go. She checked my vitals, Gavin's heart rate, and how far along I was. I was 4 cm dialated and 70% effaced. I just laid there for about an hour breathing through the contractions. I was supposed to walk around and that lasted about 5 minutes. She checked me again and I was 6 cm and 100% effaced....so I was allowed in the tub (now 5:15ish). This was absolutely the best! Eric was by my side holding my hands and coaching me through. I was in there for about two hours or so; still enduring those not-so-nice contractions. I was so tired at one point that I fell alseep between contractions. Then the water wasn't working anymore and my midwife had me move to the bed. Ten minutes and two LOUD screams later, Gavin was on my belly crying at 7:38 a.m.! AND ERIC SAW THE WHOLE THING AND DIDN'T FAINT!!!! I was so proud of him! :) It was absolutely the greatest experience I have ever endured.  The only drugs I had were two Ibuprofen and that was after I delivered Gavin! 

I do have more to tell but I'll have to write another update later. Gavin's hungry! He's doing great with feedings and sleeping....the first night went surprisingly well, as did the second night. He's so perfect and precious that I can't help but look at him and hold him ALL the time.

Here are some pics!

39 Weeks

Yep...I'm still pregnant! Yesterday we had our 39th week appointment and everything is still in order. Gavin's heartbeat is wonderful; my blood pressure is perfect; my weight gain is ok. This visit was the first time a midwife checked me internally. And from her calculations, I am 1cm dialated and 50% effaced and she caused me to lose my mucus plug....so at least we're on the scoreboard! :)

Now Eric on the other hand, please pray for him because I honestly don't know how well he's going to do in the delivery room. While the midwife was checking me internally, Eric couldn't see anything AT ALL and he was hiding the fact that it made him queasy . But once the midwife left, he started freaking out! I just kept telling him, "Eric, I NEED you to be strong for me!" Of course, I tried to say it without laughing....I'm such a mean wife, I know. :) So with that being said, I will be looking for an Eric understudy! JK!

We're all set with our bags packed, the carseat in place, the nursery all set up, the phone list to be dialed, the apartment semi-cleaned and the toes painted. It's funny because every time I call my mom or dad, they answer with such an anticipated tone in their voice, "Yeeeess?!"

I will be working up until "The Day". Our due date is still May 20th and my work is ready to receive the call. So far, I've been impressed with the timing of everything. We've been able to attend certain events that we tentatively planned....like The Walk For Life; Mother's Day celebrations; concerts; and a wedding! Our next appointment is Thursday (1 day overdue) so we'll see what happens! Stay tuned....

38 Weeks

Today marks 38 weeks for us and if you haven't seen the nursery pictures yet, I think we're all set. Today's appointment was still very routine and nothing new to report. I have minor swelling in my feet but not to the point of cankles (praise the Lord!) My blood pressure is perfectly fine. To date, I've gained 37 pounds. Gavin's heartbeat is still strong and his movements are huge! I might be getting a little sick. I have a minor sore throat but I'm allowed to take Zicam and a lot of Vitamin C to knock it right out. My midwife said that I'm not allowed to go into labor this Friday day because she'll be out of town. Friday night is ok though. And then we have the Walk For Life this Saturday! Lord willing, I'll be able to walk the Walk too but we shall see....

I'm excited to get a pregnancy massage today! It's my first professional massage since I've been pregnant and I think I've finally hit the point where I'm in NEED of it. Don't get me wrong, Eric tries his best to give good back massages and foot massages but he's no professional!

I stopped going to the gym because I don't want to go without Eric. We have such mixed up schedules that it's not possbile for both of us to go together anymore. :( However, we do find time to take walks almost every day. Eric is my great encourager and leader that I can't wait to see him in action at the birthing center! He's also making it a point to cook spicy food for me. Now, I seriously doubt that's going to induce my labor only because I've been eating spicy food ever since I could remember. Pad Thai 5 stars! Jalapeno and Habanero peppers....bring it! But once again, we shall see....

Our next appointment is next Thursday! Until then, walk the Walk for Life to help save babies! :)