At my last appointment (last week, Monday), I asked my doctor to do an elective induction at 39 weeks and he was supportive of doing so. We chose this route for several reasons...both physical and emotional. My body was tired, and I was starting to swell quite a bit in my legs and feet; and quite frankly, with dance consuming our lives right now and the recital next weekend I was ready and wanting some time to heal before the big dance weekend. I want to be there for Alexis, as it's just as important to me as it is to her. Sorry for keeping the induction a secret too ;) I still wanted the surprise of telling everyone our big news!!! Therefore, only a few people knew...pretty much the people who played key roles in the events of the day.
Anyway, after a good night sleep, I arrived at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. Jadee dropped me off and then returned home to get the kids to daycare and school. During this time, my nurse started my IV of penicillin since I tested positive for Group B Strep. By 7:45, my new nurse (Karen) started the Petocin drip and then Jadee was back by 8. Doctor Peterson arrived at about 8:20 to check my cervix and to break my water. I was about 3-4 cm and so he was optimistic my labor wouldn't be long. After that, it was pretty slow going for awhile...and just when I was "complaining" about no pain or action, the contractions started and became intense and frequent rather quickly. I decided to go ahead with an epidural at 11:00 and made that decision just in time because the contractions got pretty painful. Whew!
Karen, my nurse who was WONDERFUL by the way, checked my cervix again at 11:25 and I was 5 cm and then again at 1:00 and I was 6 cm. My parents had arrived around 11:00 and it was so nice to have them both here, as it was great to have a distraction. Once I got the epidural, I was able to relax and visit with them. Jadee enjoyed the company too and was able to get some lunch with my dad.
The next time Karen checked me at 2:00, she informed me that I was complete. I couldn't believe it and neither could Jadee or my parents, as I hadn't felt a single contraction (except for some slight pressure once in awhile) since the epidural. While my parents were still in the hall, Karen also had me do just two "practice" pushes before she told me to stop and that she needed to call Doctor Peterson. When he arrived a little bit later, both my parents joined us for the delivery. My mom has always been a part of my deliveries, but this was a first for my dad. He wasn't sure he wanted to be in the room, but I told him he could just stand near the top of my bed. It was cute...he grabbed my hand and didn't let go. He was pretty amazed by the delivery, as we all were. Just 4 pushes later and Harper Alivia was born! Wow!
Next was the Kangaroo care...my favorite! We got to cuddle skin to skin for 2 hours before the nurse took her from me to obtain her stats. Harper wasn't interested in nursing right away, but she made up for that later. We were all curious to find out her weight since Jace was 9 pounds, 13 ounces...a major whopper...and I seemed to be following the trend of each of my babies being a pound bigger! Prior to delivery I was expecting her to be at least 8 - 8 1/2 pounds, and I think everyone else did too, but once they laid her on my chest I knew she was much smaller. I still can't believe she was a whole 2 pounds lighter than Jace, but I am so thankful she was!!! Compared to Alexis, Harper weighed in just 1.5 ounces heavier and 1 inch longer, so almost the same.
I am feeling spoiled by the nurses this time too! They set me up with a nice, large room...which is a rare commodity around here. I'm glad since we have 4 kids now!!! Alexis and Logan came for a visit tonight before my parents took them home and put them to bed. Jace will come for his first visit tomorrow. I am excited (and curious) to see his reaction.
The rest of the day and night was pretty low key. Just my parents were here and then the kids came. My sister also stopped for a little bit. I'm sure there will be a few more visitors today (Thursday). Anyway, I better go. Little Harper was in the nursery and I could NOT sleep at all...hence the reason I am typing this blog at 2:40 in the morning. She is here now to eat and snuggle so time for this mama to sign off!
Here are a few pictures...more to come!
We are truly blessed!!!
1 comment:
Congratulations Kubesh family! Harper is so adorable. I can't wait to hear how her first meeting with Jace goes. I bet he will be so cute with her. Again, congrats!
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