Jack William Mitchell
September 1st, 2013
* 1:46 a.m. * 7.11 lbs * 19.5 in *
Our perfect, little boy finally came six days past our due date. I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet, but we'll see how that goes!
I went to bed on August 30th feeling really uncomfortable. I couldn't sleep at all, and I had continuous cramping going on. I'd been having painful Braxton Hicks contractions for almost a week, so I wasn't convinced that it was finally time. We had just scheduled an induction date for the following Tuesday since we were all worried that I was about to pop out a 10 pound baby (don't always believe those ultrasounds!!) Anyways, I got up around 6 am and started making pancakes to freeze since I was stocking our fridge up for the big day. Once I realized the contractions were pretty consistant, I decided to wake up Andrew (around 9 am). I didn't want to get too excited, and I was sure that these contractions would go away just like all the other times. I told Andrew that today felt different, and he went straight into planner mode. I'm pretty sure he had the entire car packed up annd ready to go within 10 minutes :) Since little man had been measuring big the whole pregnancy, and I was only at 1 cm at the last Doctor's appointment, I think I had convinced myself that he was just too cozy to come out on his own. I was fully prepared to go in to the hospital Tuesday morning, get induced, and end up having a C section. I should have known that God's plan, once again, was much better than my own. :)
I called our doctor's office around 11 and talked to the Dr. on call since my wonderful doctor was away at the lake for Labor Day weekend (of course). She said I still sounded okay and to come in a few hours from then. I had wanted to labor at home for as long as possible anyways, so I gladly took her advice. It wasn't until I was doubled over with my face stuck in the couch that I decided it was probably a good time to head on in.
Let me just say, Andrew was the absolute BEST partner throughout this entire process. He sat next to me and waited for every contraction. He then would jump into position, rubbing my back and encouraging me through every painful minute. He was so supportive from the second I told him, "I think this is it!" to the moment our boy was born.
Driving to the hospital was nothing like you imagine. It was a gorgeous, leisurely drive on a beautiful Saturday. Once we got to the hospital, Andrew (thankfully) took the reigns and filled out all of our paperwork, making sure I was taken care of. Since it was a holiday weekend, we basically had the hospital to ourselves and it was AWESOME.
We found out I was already 4-5cm, so they moved us into the L&D room. Uh. Which was like a suite. I felt so pampered and comfortable! The nurses had been helping me breathe through the contractions, but I was definitely ready for the epidural. Once that sucker was in, we watched college football all day and hung out with our family. God bless the women that do it naturally, I mean it. I give MAD props to you ladies that push through. However, I am a big fan of the epidural. I had a small amount so I still felt my legs and pressure, but the edge of the pain was gone. Hallelujah.
The doctor came in telling us we would probably have this baby before midnight, and I was SO ready. Hours later, it wasn't looking so promising. Like I said before, I was fully prepared to hear that I had to have a C-section. My mom had us both that way, and genetics play a big role in pregnancy. So when I hit 8 cm (which felt like days later) our nurse smiled and told me that I could easily have this baby on my own. I can't tell you the overwhelming feeling of relief and happiness that brought.
I'm rambling. SO. We turned off the football and popped in John Mayer. Between helping me through each push Andrew would switch out one Jay May cd for the next. Yep, we had the entire discography. It was honestly the most laid back experience. We chatted with our nurse (who was seriously amazing and wonderful) the whole time, pushed, and then started right back where we left off. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I'll spare you the details, but it was the hardest, most incredible thing I have ever done.
26 hours after I started labor, Jack was here. He came into the world with his eyes wide open, and not a single cry.
Our family is complete. I thought I had a plan for myself 3 1/2 years ago when I moved here. Guess what? God's plan was SO MUCH BETTER. I have never felt more loved or happy then I do with Andrew and Jack. The love my heart has for these two amazing, blue eyed boys is limitless. I wish I could put it into words, but I can't :)
We've been spending our days with this incredible little boy, who is the happiest, most laid back little man I have ever seen. Have I mentioned how cute he is?! I mean seriously.
We are beyond blessed and overwhelmed with the love and support our family & friends have washed over us. Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me. I have the best husband in the world, and we now get to share our love with the most incredible boy.
I told you I couldn't keep it short. I'm going to keep blogging about Jack & life in general starting from here on out :) (Between feedings and snuggles, of course) Thanks for loving us, and praying for our family. I can't tell you how lucky I feel every day.
I get to spend forever with these two. Yeah. Pinch me.
