The Birth!

Our little man is here! It's been 5 days and a true whirlwind, so I'm having trouble figuring out where to start.

On Tuesday morning, after about 3 hours of sleep and a late night dinner of 5 Guys Burgers, we headed out for Baptist Hospital at 4:15 am. When we arrived, there were 2 people in front of us at the registration desk who were in active labor, so we had to wait a few minutes to get checked in. We received our hospital bracelets and were sent to the waiting room, where my mom, dad, sister Maggie and Uncle Bob were waiting for us.

At about 6 am, they led me back to a room where I changed into my gown and received my IV. Ouch. After what felt like a billion questions from the nurse Donna, they hooked me up to a fetal monitor where I could hear Max's little heartbeat for the very last time before he was born.

The anesthesiologist, Dr Hollowell, came in to speak to us about the spinal block and then my family was allowed in to see us.

At 7 am, they wheeled me into the operating room. Shane had to wait outside while they gave me the spinal block. Bryan was my nurse anesthetist (which I still have trouble saying) and Lonnie was Dr. Piper's first surgical assistant. Lonnie tried to distract me with some of his new iPhone apps while Bryan administered the spinal block, which wasn't as bad as the IV had been. It was a very bizarre sensation to feel one's butt and legs go numb in just a few seconds. As the spinal began to take effect, I found it very hard to breathe. But, Shane walked in the door and I felt instantly better. They began the surgery at 7:14 am.

After what seemed like 3 seconds, I felt tugging and pulling, heard Dr. Piper grunting with the effort of getting Max out, and then I heard the sounds of the OR staff telling me that Max was here. He was born at 7:23 am. He was whisked away to the heated table and I heard his little cry for the first time. He was perfectly healthy and strong, so Shane was able to hold him and I was able to see him. He was so beautiful, I can't even describe it. After a few minutes, Shane carried him to the nursery and they closed me up. I was so tired that I fell asleep on the table.

The surgery was not bad at all, just a little scary. And, it was the right decision. Max had tied a knot in the cord and it was wrapped around his shoulders. Plus, the fact that he was 9lb, 1/2 oz was a big factor. It was a very happy experience.

Tomorrow....

...our lives change forever!! We arrive at Baptist Hospital at 5am for a 7am C-section. The last day has been a blur.

Shane was up all last night with tummy issues, which kept him home all day today. But, it was nice to have someone home today so I wouldn't get nervous! We had dinner with my family tonight at 5 Guys Burgers, which will be my last big meal for a few days.

After that, I tied up all of the loose ends at the house, finished the laundry and finished packing my bag. We are all set!

That being said, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight with the anticipation of tomorrow's event. First surgery, first time in the hospital since I was born, first baby, first everything.

I hope I'll be a good mom. I hope the next few days are peaceful and wonderful.

The Nursery

Maxwell's little nursery is ready! The last item (the mural) arrived today and we are all set.

I went to my last prenatal appointment today and we are still on schedule for the 22nd. He hasn't dropped and he is still breech. 6 more days to go!

I am cleaning a little bit every day and the house is almost done. If only I had the "nesting energy" every day!

My last day of work is Friday and I can't say that I'm very upset about that :)

Coming into the home stretch!

Here's the latest news on Baby Max. We had a 36 week ultrasound last week and he is weighing in at a hefty 7 pounds 13 ounces...already! So, in Dr. Piper's expert opinion, he may be an 11 pound baby and I do NOT want to deliver him vaginally. She mentioned the phrase "fourth degree episiotomy" and I was all about the C-section. She also reassured me that Shane and Max could stay with me as they are closing me up and we can all go to the recovery room together. That, and the fact that I will be allowed to wear my contact lenses, made me feel a lot better.

The scheduled date for the C-section is September 22, which is also my mother-in-law's birthday. This is an INCREDIBLE coincidence because I was born on my paternal grandmother's birthday and Max will be born on his paternal grandmother's birthday! Dr. Piper doesn't think he will arrive on his own because his head is already almost too big for the trip south.

We are finished with the nursery except for hanging the curtains. The bassinet, pack-n-play and swing are in place. His clothes are washed and his hospital bag is packed. I just need to clean the house, put the car seats in, and finish packing my bag. We are almost ready and I can't wait!!!