We had to get up so early to be at the hospital that it almost felt like just a regular ol’ Monday. We got the kids ready for their day, loaded them into the car and headed to their school for drop off. Little James was super excited because he knew it was baby day. Zoe saw us with extra bags and knew that meant someone was leaving, she no longer cared that the baby was “coming out”. She just wanted to come with us. However, once she realized they would be staying with our neighbor friends and her “bff” Skylar her tears immediately turned into excitement. I didn’t want to leave either of them sad because the reality is that child birth is brutal and you truly never know what lies on the other side. Thank God for grace!

We were supposed to be at the hospital by 7am and of course we were late. To make things worse, as soon as we hopped onto the interstate we had to merge into the hazard lane to allow a police car to pass. In doing so the front tire started making the flat tire sound. Now I’m low key panicking like, “We cannot have a flat tire right now. Lord is this a sign?” …because you know we think everything is a sign. James got out the car to look at the tire and it wasn’t flat. A humongous piece of wood had lodged itself into my rim and was hitting the tire well everything the wheel rotated. Thankfully he was able to pull it out and we got back on the road.

We finally made it to the hospital around 8am and check in went pretty quick. The staff on duty told us that they had a nursery full of boys and that they would put their money on #BabySurprise being a boy as well. We made it to our room and I quickly got changed into my gown. Then I remembered that I forgot to take my final bump shot, so I had to put my clothes back on! LOL

My nurse came in to introduce herself and hook me up to all of the monitors. It turns out I was already contracting on my own. I thought I had been for the last few days but they were pretty mild so I wasn’t completely sure. Shortly after our arrival a few other mamas arrived in active labor, which meant I had to wait to get the induction started. So we watched tv, played Uno and I played Oregon Trail while we waited. Yes, Oregon Trail! LOL

Around 9:30 am my nurse came back and it was time to add Pitocin to the mix. My contractions were irregular and we wanted to move things along. This was my 2nd scheduled induction so I knew Pitocin meant stronger contractions but I still wanted to try and tough it out without meds. Next it was time to break my water (nope, no natural water breaking experience ?) things escalated so quickly after that. Suddenly I had to poop but if you’ve had a baby before you know that could also be a sign of the baby’s head crowning. That meant I couldn’t just jump up and go to the bathroom; I had to get my cervix checked first. Not to mention I was still leaking fluid like crazy. I really just needed a whole diaper, it would’ve made things so much easier.

With Little James I labored for almost 12 hours without meds. This go around I barely lasted two. Around 11am my contractions went from “oh that was a contraction” to “OMG I think this is the end” so quick. I think they were about 3 min apart and this point and I was begging for the anesthesiologist. I even contemplated pulling my braids out at one point. It was like the minute I would woosah and catch my breath they would start up again. James was trying to comfort me and remind me to breath and I swear in that moment I only wanted to swing on him. I was in the worst pain of my life and it was all his fault! Whew!

My nurse was sooooo chatty, she kept talking to me and asking me questions I had already answered; I couldn’t deal. I asked her to go find the anesthesiologist and not to come back without him. She really wore my edges paper thin. Keep in mind it was a full house that morning so it meant I was in the back of the anesthesia line. The anesthesiologist finally made it to my room around noon, I can’t remember his name but I did shout upon his arrival. I got the epidural but it only half took, so I wasn’t completely numb but it was enough to take the edge off. Thank the good Lord for modern medicine! I needed a whole nap and that point so I took one.

I woke up around 1pm because I felt that sudden urge to poop again. I paged the nurses station so they could check me and help me to the bathroom. My legs weren’t completely numb but I didn’t want to risk falling. My talkative L&D nurse was busy next door with another delivery so nurse Colleen came in to check my cervix…

Colleen: no wonder you feel like you have to poop, it’s a baby head poking out of your bottom.

Me: I really REALLY feel like I have to push. Can you get my doctor?

James: ?

Colleen: *starts calling for assistance, infant warmer and my doctor. Then leaves the room.*

Me: James, pull that sheet back. I don’t think I can hold this baby any longer. It hurts to hold it in.

James: ?…then he ran to the door screaming for nurse Colleen to come back in the room.

As soon as I saw her rushing in and grab gloves I just took a deep breath and let go. I didn’t even have to push, the baby just slid right out. Not entirely sure if it was her or James but I think they both had to rush to catch the baby. #NotMyProblem ?

*HEARS BABY CRY*

Me: What is it? … WHAT IS IT?!

James: *looks up with tears in his eyes* IT’S A BOY!

Me: Awwww, I told you it was a boy. Let me see him!

By this time the rest of the L&D team was in the room like they hadn’t just missed everything. An on call doc came in to help deliver my placenta and they were checking baby boy to make sure his vitals were normal. I was getting stitched (only needed 1) by time my actual doc finally showed up. This is also where I’ll mention that I didn’t cry after the birth of any of my children, am I weird? Oh well, judge your mom, they know I love them!

The last two weeks with him at home have been a beautiful, sleep deprived dream; minus his jaundice scare (will share more about that later). Without further adieu allow me to introduce our newest addition born on 10.22.18 and weighing 8lbs 7ozs, Luke James… ? ? ?