L&D Story & Pictures....

[kathyd]

Hi Ladies,

Sorry for the delay in posting this! Things have been more than a little crazy. I was so worried before Ryan got here that I would not know what to do with a newborn again…..especially with a toddler in the house. All of my fears have gone by the wayside. I love this little man soooo much! Gracie is adjusting to having him around as well. She runs in the house after school and says, “Hello little baby”. She shared her blankie with him this morning. She always says, “shhhh….baby seepin”. The cutest thing EVER was when she wanted to hold him…..so I had her sit on the floor and I put Ryan in her arms. She looked down at him and lifted up her shirt! She wanted to breast feed him just like mommy does. MELT!

OK…so here’s my L&D story….

Thursday morning at about 3am I awoke with some pretty intense contractions. At my OB appointment the day before the doc had told me that I was 3cm and 70% effaced….so by this time I was pretty nervous. My entire pregnancy I had been terrified of delivering Ryan with no epidural in the back of the car. I laid in bed for about 30 minutes, and decided that the contractions were no big deal. I went back to sleep and woke up at 4:30am to very regular contractions. They were 3 minutes apart and between 45-60 seconds long. I wok up DH and told him that I thought we should get ready and go to the hospital. No hurry….that we should plan on leaving at 6am so we could drop Gracie off at daycare and not have to call out any middle of the night favors in case this wasn’t “it”.

By the time we got to Austin it was 8am. We had breakfast and my contractions had gotten very irregular. We walked around a bit and went to the hospital at about 9am. When we got there, they did and exam and said if I had any cervical change from yesterday, I would stay…and NUTTIN! Still exactly where I was the day before. So they told us to go walk around for 45 minutes and if my cervix changed, I would stay…if not, I would go home. Well, we totally figured we would be going home. We walked for 45 minutes, she came in and BAM…I was 4cm!! She said, “You’re staying and having a baby today!” By this time it was about noon.

About an hour later, I got my epidural, followed by some pitocin to speed up the contractions. I felt no pain….and by 4:30pm I was fully dilated and ready to push. After about 5 pushes, the nurse said that Ryan was sunny side up and I was in for a long time of pushing….it was going to be hard to get him out. I pushed for about an hour and 15 minutes….I could TOTALLY feel the pressure…way more than I ever did with Grace. And at 5:49pm, I gave birth to a screaming, healthy 7lb, 8oz little boy.

My heart melted immediately and I was in love! I spent two days in the hospital just holding on to my little prince. I couldn’t believe how much I loved him….how absolutely amazing he was. Ryan was just like Grace…didn’t cry the entire time we were in the hospital. I can count the times on one hand that he has cried since we’ve been home. He’s just a mello little man….very happy and content.

Being a mom the second time around is just as amazing as the first time. Just like no one could tell me about the love I would have for my daughter, no one could have prepared me for the love I have for my son. I am so very blessed.

I have truly enjoyed each and every minute of this journey we have all taken together. And while I’m not posting as much, I am sure keeping an eye out for everyone. I look forward to continuing this journey into motherhood with each and very one of you on the First Year board.

You all have brought so much to my life and my pregnancy and I will cherish you forever!

Love, Love Love,

Kath

[Liv's Mommy]

Kathy,
It sounds like your L&D went great and everything went smoothly! I have been waiting for your update. I figured you were a little busy though. I am glad that Grace is adjusting to her new role as BIG sister. I hope Olivia does as well with Ashlee. Ryan is such a little cutie pie and you look fantastic!!!!!

[Erin26]

I hope my delivery goes that well ! Ryan is sooo cute. You are one a lucky Mama!

Love,
Erin

[ScrappyCat]

Ohhhhh....makes me want mine even more...

Kathy, you look just stunning...absolutely beautiful! Enjoy every waking moment with your little miracle. He is just as blessed as you are to have a mom who loves him as much as you do.

Hugs...

[casey]

Kathy!! I've missed you on the board but know how busy you must be. I loved reading your story and the pictures are great...and you look great...and so happy!!
I wish you the best and I can't wait to be joining you on the Parenting boards

[grainne]

My heart is melting at the pictures of your little prince. I cannot believe that I will having one of those in around 4 weeks or so. I feel almost detached in disbelief. He is beautiful and I am so happy for you guys.

Congratulations again.

Love Grainne

[suzq515]

Congrats to you and the family!!! Ryan is so beautiful and you guys all look so happy.

Sue

[homeschoolmom]

Congratulations Kathy! He is adorable! I'm glad everything went so well and I bet you're happy you had that epi. Sunny side up brings LOTS of back labor! Yuck...I went through that with my oldest!
Isn't it absolutely amazing the love we can feel all over again for another child! I have been filled with so much love each time and it's the most wonderful feeling!
Take care of yourself and your two precious ones! May you enjoy the special bonding that will happen between Gracie and Ryan! Get ready to have your heart melt over and over through the years!


Michelle

[KT*]

Absolutely beautiful! Hey you look way to good for just giving birth! Not fair, I was wondering who's that lady holding the baby in all the shots? Couldn't be you, but then I saw the gown and it is you!! You look too refreshed, unbloated, no blood shot eyes, LOL. You make havin babies look easy! Ahhh that is too cute about Gracie wanting to bf, melt melt melt. Enjoy these early days, take too many pictures and too much video, it wont be enough later!! Thanks for sharing, I'm prob up next on tues, I dream of looking like you after, LOL. Keep the updates coming!
KT
C/S on tues!!

[kathyd]

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for all the well wishes! We are settling into a bit of a routine now. Ryan sleeps ALL THE TIME! I thought my daughter was a sleeper....she slept throught the night at 3 weeks. Ryan would sleep through the night if I didn't wake him to feed him. He can sleep all day too. MUST be nice!

I'm so excited to hear everyone's L&D stories!! I'll be checking in often to see how everyone is making it thgough the last weeks of pregnancy.,

HUGS!

Kath