the scoop

Hurray for delivery stories! J/K. I know these can sometimes be long and drawn out so I'll do my best to give a brief run down of bringing Ethan into the world.

First of all, I'm pretty sure that full moon did the trick. That night (Tuesday) I had contractions for a few hours and when I went in for my appointment early the next day, my doctor said I had started dilating and predicted I'd be back soon. I went home and around 11:00 that morning I started contractions again that lasted all day and all through the night. At around 7:30 that morning, I woke up Bret, said I'd had enough and it was time to go. I checked into the hospital around 8:15 and got an epidural an hour or so later. I continued to labor through out the day and by around 5:30 that evening, was ready to push. The bad news though was that Ethan was posterior and despite all attempts made by both myself and the doctor to move him, he had no desire to turn - the stubborn little dude. We tried pushing for an hour and a half but the doctor said he wasn't progressing and that it was time to do a C- section. I was super disappointed after all the labor I'd been through, but at the same time, I was so exhausted I knew I couldn't push anymore. So yeah, C-section happened and it wasn't fun but our doctor did an excellent job and the little guy was FINALLY here so that's all that mattered. I just want to mention that on the way to the operating room I was greeted in the hall by my parents and all my siblings (apart from the one who lives away) who had come to support us; I had no idea they or anyone would come till after he was born so it was a surprise. At first I felt bad that they had been waiting for so long and would have to wait while I was in surgery but looking back, I realize that it meant the world to me to see their faces and it gave me such comfort. I still tear up every time I think about it.

Bret should certainly also be recognized for his outstanding love and support throughout the entire process. It's crazy to imagine that his original plan was to come back from Brazil on the 26th (the day Ethan was born). Although he would have probably been there in time for the birth that evening, I seriously don't know how I would have gotten through that whole ordeal without him by my side.

So anyway, here are some pics:

Chef Boyardee even made an appearance for the surgery.

This next one was taken just minutes after Ethan was born. Once he was out and I got a quick look at him, they put me under to sew me back up. I like that it looks like he's crying in my behalf but its' really just some liquid they put in his eyes.

Because of the c section, we had to stay in the hospital for a few days. Bret stayed with me practically the whole time (besides a few trips next door for some Costco pizza) so it felt kind of like a hotel stay, with some major differences of course. It all seems like a blur now but it was a great place to get rest, receive fabulous care and advice and even have a few *visitors.

*Since being home we've been visited by many more friends including Bret's parents who are here for the weekend. More of those pictures to come. If you're interested in stopping by and meeting Ethan, let us know, we'd love to have you!

We've been home since Monday and Ethan is now over a week old. These first few days have been somewhat rough as all parents can attest, and my recovery is slow going but it's all more than worth it for what we've gained. Ethan is the sweetest little boy and Bret and I have both fallen hard. I have to mention also that Bret, as predicted, has been a champ father. The fact that I am recovering from a c section has required him to step up and take on a lot of the responsibilities that I just can't help with. Not only has he risen to the occasion, his natural paternal abilities have shined and I couldn't be more grateful for him. I've always thought of myself as awkward with newborns but it's amazing how those instincts have come out in me as well. He's the best, that baby. Sometimes when I wake up and I hear his little noises (this can include high-pitched screams in the middle of the night), I get so excited remembering that he's finally here and that we get to keep him.