6.24.2011

We were scheduled to be induced at 5 AM Friday morning.  At 4 AM the hospital called, asking us to stay home and call back at nine. There had been a rush of women and the labor and delivery floor was full.

It was disappointing, but so great to get some more sleep!  9 AM came and we were told the same thing: call back, but this time at 2 PM.  I was getting antsy!  We had a lazy morning and did some last minute shopping.  Finally it was 2 PM and I assumed we would be told, once again, to call back later.  But no!  We were told to come on in!  It was finally time! 

It was 3:30 PM by the time we were settled in our room. My nurse, Barbara, was actually the nurse who delivered Charlie's and I was thrilled to see her.  She was great and I absolutely adored her.
The doctor came and I was already dilated to a 5.  Maybe all that shopping and walking around the day before helped? He broke my water and Joey's heart rate went way down.  After a few minutes of switching sides it went back up. 

My nurse suggested that I get my epidural because the technician was leaving and it was possible my labor was going to go fast and I might miss my chance.  At that point, I wasn't even uncomfortable so I wanted to wait a little bit. Then the thought of losing the option scared me and I asked to get it before she left.  I'm so glad I did...
Joey's heart rate had been going up and down so the nurses were paying close attention to us.  Unfortunately Barbara's shift was over so she had to leave.  I was so sad to see her go! 

At 7:30 my mom and Charlie came to bring Tony some dinner. They were sitting at the table talking when Joey's heart rate dropped again and the nurse told me I needed to start pushing right away.  My mom couldn't get Charlie out of the room before the pushing began--it happened so fast!  Five minutes later and Joey was born!  At 7 lbs and 18 inches he was perfect. The nurses delivered him and did such a wonderful job!  I was thanking them over and over.  My doctor arrived right after the birth.  There was no way he could have made it in time!

Tony, Charlie and mom watched Joey get cleaned up.  Charlie was very concerned over all the crying and just stared at Joey.  It was neat to watch as he made the connection that this was the "baby Joey" he had been hearing about.

Welcome to our family Joseph Garrett Gibson!