Each month we grew in anticipation of the arrival of our son and purchased a new home which we moved into while I was five months pregnant. I enjoyed doing CrossFit three days a week up to that point. Soon I got heavier and heavier making each day teaching preschool a little harder and the slow progress of home renovations more frustrating. When the birthing time came though, I was so pleased with our decision to use a midwife. Here is the birth story:
The morning of October 15th, I lost my mucus plug in the early hours, then met a friend at the park before joining her for breakfast. Good thing I got a good meal in me! My appointment was at 2:30 or so and I was told to take it easy. So I did my grocery shopping, pausing only twice for mild contractions, then went home to rest as told. Relaxing on the bed to my Hypnobabies tracks, I monitored contractions with an app on my iPod. Adam called from work at 5:30pm to check in. I told him I was fine and he was going to fax something before heading home to me. As we hung up, I heard a sound like a water balloon popping and gushing. My water broke! I called Adam back immediately and he rushed home to me.
By the time he got home, my contractions were close enough to head to the birthing center. Adam packed the car quickly but it seemed like forever and we arrived by 7pm. The birthing waves were stronger but still not very bad. I didn't want updates on my progress or lack there of if that was the case because I just wanted to focus on relaxing. I took cues though. When the midwife told me I could get in the tub, I knew I had progressed. Adam was so good & patient & encouraging throughout the whole experience. Eventually the bath felt too warm, though I think I was in there for quite a while. The midwife checked me when I got out and helped me push out some extra tissue before telling me to get in whatever position I was most comfortable. I was most comfortable standing.
At the foot of the bed I stood; leaning forward on my elbows and resting my head in my hands. With each contraction, I squatted and pushed involuntarily. After each push I prayed to Heavenly Father that He would allow me to have His spirit child with me now. "I'm ready to take him, Father. Please let this be the last push." And at 11:12pm, God's precious little one became my first baby son. Jasper came out like Superman; fist extended above his head. Because of this, I tore pretty badly. The doctor, to help me avoid admittance to the hospital, came to me at the birthing center and sewed me up there. A couple of hours later, Adam and I headed home with our bundle of joy! He weighed 7lbs 15oz and measured 19 inches long. We had the perfect experience.
The first week with a newborn was fine...Jasper slept with me and Adam changed every diaper. We had lots of visitors and I stayed in bed recovering. Weeks two and three were really challenging though. Adam went back to work, there were no more visitors, I felt overwhelmed & inadequate, night time nursing had me in tears, and I was still very sore. By week four, everything seemed to settle into place and I felt much better all around.
Jasper was blessed on December 9th.
Now, Jasper is 11 weeks old and progressing wonderfully. (Aside from a little congestion he got from me.) He is gaining weight about as fast as I am losing pregnancy weight! I will not be returning to work full time and Adam is still working two jobs plus his MBA. Basketball season should be over for him mid-February and his masters should be complete in August. In the meantime, we're still getting our home put together and loving on our baby.
Jasper said "goodbye" to 2012 with an unusual five poops in one day and spent the first night of 2013 in his own room in his crib as he has outgrown his bassinet. He also rolled over by himself! The new year is off to a great start and sure to be filled with many "firsts"!!
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