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Conrad's birth story is very different from Gwendolyn's and at the same time, quite similar. Both were intense, exciting, emotional, and beautiful. I felt less prepared for Conrad's in that we hadn't taken a class and I hadn't read multiple books on having a natural birth, but it all came flooding back to me like I had. It's truly amazing what our bodies are capable of and my prayers were answered for a speedy labor and delivery. It's not lost on us that having a healthy baby placed in our arms is no small miracle and such a gift from God.
He was due on April 26th. I had had several signs that perhaps he would make his arrival a bit early so every day basically from April 4th on, I was amazed when I woke up still pregnant. No cramping or contractions though through any of it, so the wait continued and we were just thankful for the extra time to finish editing client galleries, completing our taxes and preparing his room. As you may remember from this post, I had some surrendering of anxiety and fear that I had to do.
Once I was caught up on everything that felt crucial, it felt like weight had been lifted off my shoulders and Gwendolyn and I just enjoyed our last days together doing all sorts of fun things. "Last days together." That sounds like something ended, but really a whole new chapter began and I've only grown more in love with that little girl since then. Our time together never ended...it's only been enhanced.
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I would walk 1,000 miles
1,000 miles it's true
I would walk 1,000 miles
Just to be with you
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With 28 being my favorite number, I was secretly hoping he'd make his arrival on that day; however, I woke up on Sunday feeling completely fine and normal for being 40 weeks and 2 days pregnant. And somewhat bummed nothing had happened in the middle of the night. We went to church as normal and served in the infant room nursery. I still felt absolutely no signs that today would be the day. We ate lunch and I had a weird feeling in my stomach - but didn't feel like cramping - at 3:30 pm while I was trying to take a nap. Of course, my labor with Gwendolyn started with cramping so I was assuming that's what would come first with Conrad's labor as well.
I had two more within 30 minutes and finally said something to Tom a little after 4:00. I called my doula and awesome friend, Diedra, at 4:43 explaining what I had felt but that "it could be nothing". She told me to listen to my body, get something to eat, and keep her posted. And just in case, Tom called John and Trisha who were going to watch Gwendolyn. They didn't answer (no reception where they were...which was 45 minutes away), but that wasn't cause for concern at the time because I genuinely thought we still had hours to go.
It was finally a beautiful day so we headed outside and I labored in the courtyard for awhile while Gwendolyn played and Tom started making trips to the car with our bags and extra blankets. He was in total "go" mode and I still was just chillin' thinking it could be false labor or even if it were real labor, we still had a few hours to labor at home. I called my mom and sister around 5:15 pm and while chatting with Becca I had one pretty strong contraction that I couldn't even talk through. I told her I still needed to pack a few things, but that I wanted to go on a walk and she told me that if I couldn't even talk through my contractions, I needed to go inside and pack up my toiletries first. I told her it was fiiiiine. She told me I was having a baby that day and reminded me that I was going to be giving Gwendolyn the best present ever in a younger sibling. I am glad I listened to her and Tom because it's incredible what all transpired during those 20 minutes upstairs! I went from feeling like I could be in labor to full on - intense contractions every couple of minutes - labor. Tom was downstairs trying to feed Gwendolyn (who, by the way, was being a pistol) dinner and finish loading the car. He was tracking my contractions on an app on his phone, so I was yelling down to him every time I'd have another one. They were getting closer and closer and I barely had any time to do anything in between them. One would stop, I'd grab a few things and throw them in my bag and another one would start. This was officially the real deal and I finally felt a sense of urgency. I got nauseous so Tom raced upstairs to grab the bucket, but thankfully I never got sick. What a relief to have the nausea pass.
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'Cause you've got my heart and you've got my soul
You've got this promise too
I would walk 1,000 miles
Just to be with you
You've got this promise too
I would walk 1,000 miles
Just to be with you
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He had finally gotten a hold of Trisha and John and thankfully they were back in Woodbury after having been at his parent's house 45 minutes away. (They moved the day before!) We headed downstairs and Trisha raced (literally) over. As she was walking in the door, I was leaning up against the cabinet in our kitchen in the middle of a contraction that seemed to last for-ever. I thought for sure my water was going to break right then and there and here I was wearing my brand new sneakers. Finally it ended and the sneakers were safe! I was hot and sweating and dreading the car ride to the hospital, but knew we had to go asap. Tom called the midwife labor line to let them know I was in labor at 5:58 and Diedra at 6:02 to let her know we were headed out the door.
Thankfully the ride to the hospital was somewhat uneventful. I made it with only a few fairly minor contractions and no nausea. An ER nurse met us there with a smile on her face and we made our way upstairs making small talk on the way. Very small talk since I couldn't get out more than a few words. The elevator doors opened on the maternity floor and who do I see but the same nurse who helped deliver Gwendolyn! She was going to be our nurse again - I was so pumped!
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If I could live 100 years
Before my life is through
If I could live 100 years
I'd spend them loving you
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We checked in and ended up finding out that our call to the labor line wasn't ever properly transferred to the on call midwife so no one knew we were in labor. They let us know they'd have a midwife there as soon as possible and we started walking down the hall to the triage room so they could monitor me and see how far along I was. While on the way I mentioned that I wanted to do a water birth, and thankfully they said the water birth suite was available! I overheard Erin tell the nursing student shadowing her that she thought I was probably at a 5.
Well, when I was checked a few minutes later Erin said, "hmmm, all I feel is the bag of water. You're at a 9." A NINE. Ok, here we go! However, I had to wait for the midwife to get there to make sure I didn't have any meconium in my amniotic fluid before I could get into the water. Thankfully I wasn't having any urge to push at this point, so I was never concerned that the midwife wouldn't make it in time. Diedra and my friend and photographer, Angela, both arrived while I was being monitored. I remember looking at the clock and seeing that it said 6:25 pm.
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Cause you've got my heart and you've got my soul
You've got this promise too
If I could live 100 years
I'd spend them loving you
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I felt instant love at first sight as our new son just looked me in the eyes and wasn't even crying. He gripped my fingers tightly and they jiggled him a bit to get him to make some noise. His forehead was wrinkly and he was so bright eyed - I was just immediately in awe of him and so thankful that he had arrived safe and sound. He was beautiful and so calm and peaceful, which has remained the case even two months later.
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If I could write 10,000 songs
10,000 songs it's true
If I could write 10,000 songs
I'd sing them all for you
10,000 songs it's true
If I could write 10,000 songs
I'd sing them all for you
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We started making phone calls around 9:00 to share the news, took our first bath together once we got back to our room and slept like champs that night. (It's true!) The next morning was one of the most joyous mornings of my life - Tom and I were on cloud nine and the three of us had such a great time in the hospital. I knew Gwendolyn was being well cared for at home and the attention and care they provided me at the hospital was just awesome. From lavender sea salt baths to fresh fruit muffins and fabulous coffee - it was kind of like staying in a hotel. Gwendolyn came later that afternoon with my parents to meet her new baby brother, which was such a sweet moment. We were happy to get home the following day, but we really enjoyed ourselves and our new son - it's a time I'll treasure forever.
And that is Conrad's birth story. Four hours start to finish. Definitely intense, but so amazing at the same time. We're so thankful for the gift that he is to us and the way he has already changed our family for the better. He came quickly and peacefully and straight from the hands of God.
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Cause you've got my heart and you've got my soul
You've got this promise too
If I could live 100 years
I'd spend them loving you
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I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever. - Psalm 86:12
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Special thanks to my friend Angela for capturing the beautiful pictures of my labor. What a gift she's given us!
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Special thanks to my friend Angela for capturing the beautiful pictures of my labor. What a gift she's given us!
Congratulations on the birth of Conrad! He was born almost exactly two months after Levi. I loved my water birth and I'm so glad you got to have one too!
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