Jackson Andrew Graham

He made it!! October 17, 2012 5:06 pm.

   All three of us are filled with love for this little man.  He is perfectly precious.  He decided to follow his sister's example and come exactly 10 days early.  No complaints from this momma. 

Tuesday night I started feeling some contractions, but this had been happening for several evenings, so I didn't think too much of it, until about 2:30 am- when they started waking me up, becoming stronger, and more frequent. I went out to the kitchen for a bowl of golden grahams and started timing those contractions.  By about 5:30 I was tired and thought I better just try to sleep.  Several contractions woke me up until 7:00 when Makayla woke up and our day started. I did not want to think I was in labor when I wasn't- I didn't want to arrange for a place for Makayla to go and have Andrew miss school just to be sent home in false labor. So I thought we should ignore it and carry on.

 I went to the bathroom and noticed that I  had started to bleed a little.  This made a difference.  It made me realize that those contractions might mean something.  

I called a nurse friend of mine and asked for her advice.  She said I was in labor, and that I should probably go in.  I packed my little hospital bag, fed/dressed Makayla, and called a friend who had offered to watch Makayla while Andrew installed the car seat (something we forgot when we left for the hospital when Makayla arrived). After dropping Makayla off, we were on our way!

We checked in around 9:30.  

I got in my cool gown and the nurse checked me out.  I was dilated to almost a 3 and she continued monitoring my contractions.  Around noon my doctor popped in to see what was going on.  By then I was a 4 and the contractions were getting stronger.  At that point they officially admitted me, with the plan of giving me some pitocin to get me moving faster.  But by the time more questions were asked and I was all hooked up with an IV I had progressed to about a 6, and Dr. decided he just wanted to break my water instead.  Before he could do that, the anesthesiologist paid me a little visit and relieved my body of all pain. I have low blood pressure/ heart rate- so when the epidural kicked in, my heart rate plummeted to the low 40s. So, I was given something else to boost me back up before my water was broken.  

Dr. Streeter came in to break my water and from there things moved quickly.  Pretty soon, I was getting contractions with very strong urges to push.  Good feeling when you are trying to deliver a baby. :) 

The awesome nurses, Brenda and Gina, came in to make the final preparations.  Dr. Streeter joined the party and the final minutes had arrived.  Andrew had my right leg and Brenda had my left pushed up towards my chest, I was told to grab beneath my thighs and push with all my might.  I did. Two contractions later, I heard the best sound in the world:  new baby squeals. Instantly the tears came- and he was plopped onto my chest, a beautiful little mess. Andrew cut the cord and I snuggled on my little man.  Again I remembered what love at first sight feels like.  

I enjoyed him for several minutes before I watched from across the room as they weighed and measured him.  I just kept thinking how tiny and cute he was. 

6 pounds 6 ounces

19.5 inches long

He was returned to me to enjoy some skin-to-skin and give breastfeeding a go.  He seemed to be a pro from the get-go, hopefully, that remains the case. 

 Afterwards, he had his first bath and was given a couple of shots.  At this point Andrew had left to go get big sister.  Jackson and I were wheeled over to our recovery room, where Andrew and Makayla met us. 

She was instantly taken by him.  She wanted to check him all out, point out every physical feature- his nose, eyes, chin, cheeks...toes. Then she decided she could pick him up and hold him.  I think they are going to get along just fine. :) 

Andrew and I first met around this very time, 5 years ago. I don't think either of us knew what was in store for us as we ran through that haunted corn maze :).  My, have we been blessed.  Our hearts are full, we are humbled, and eternally grateful for our love for each other, these two bundles of joy, and the opportunity and blessing it is to bring God's children into the world.

 We love you Jackson.