We have been waiting for the arrival of baby Allen for several weeks. I was 38 weeks, 5 days, and I had no idea the birthdate was so soon...
I got up on Tuesday morning (November 19) to a text from my mom saying she had been thinking of me all night. I smiled and went on with the morning. Jordan had also teased that delivering on the 19 would be neat since Mac and Paisley were born on the 19 of August. I already had my weird wish to have an 11 in every kid's birthday- LS born 1/11/06, M and P born 8/19/11 and baby Allen would be born in November, the 11th month.
Tuesdays Mac and Paisley go to school so I get up and get ready before everyone wakes up for the day. I took a shower, and everything started as soon as I stepped out at 7am. When I stepped out I felt a heavy trickle... like my water had broken, but it wasn't a gush like with M and P. I didn't want to set off any alarms so I went about getting ready as confirmation continued that my water was in fact breaking, although 'leaking' is a more accurate term.
I text Jordan my suspicion, but he didn't respond. Then I text my mom who asked if I was being serious. I am a jokester, but not about this stuff.
I text my doctor to let him know what was happening. We became close during my pregnancy with Mac and Paisley- early labor, 4 week hospitalization, bed rest at home alongside 2 visits to his office a week. In a nutshell, we adore Dr. Roberts and believe he's the best :o) He is definitely a blessing to our family.
Dr.Roberts teased me about being out of town and unavailable, which is so his nature. Then he called to let me know the hospital knew I was coming, and he would be by to see me in the afternoon.
All this was unraveling while I was getting ready, encouraging Lilly Scott to fix her breakfast (not really able to move or know what to tell her) and anxiously waiting for M and P to wake up.... I felt stuck, really.
Just the day before I had gotten a couple friend's availability in case I went into labor in the middle of the night or when Jordan was at work. Thank goodness for timing because this is exactly what I went to when all started happening. My dear friend Martha was getting off from the fire hall (she's GI Jane), and she came over to relieve me as I did last minute things... gathered hospital bags, started some laundry, gave instruction to the sub contractor who is finishing our mud room, painted my toenails. You know, the usual 'I'm in labor' kind of stuff. It's funny how the reality of labor changes after the first pregnancy. We always envision rushing to the hospital to immediately deliver the baby. After my water broke with Mac and Paisley, I was in labor all night- 17 hours later it was time to deliver. I was in no rush this go around.
One regret- I didn't eat. I didn't feel well the day my water broke with M and P so I didn't eat. I always promised myself to eat before I went into the hospital this time. Well, folks, it didn't happen this time either. I felt 'blah' and didn't have an appetite. I regretted that a couple hours later when my diet became ice chips, popsicles and ice chips. Yay.
Jordan got home, took Lilly to school and Martha stepped in as mom- getting M and P up, fixing their breakfast and checking on me. Then Jordan took Mac and Paisley to school.
My brother rushed to Chattanooga once he heard the news, and he arrived at the house as we were loading the car. He still jokes about our laid back nature as he drove (quite a bit) over the speed limit to be here.
We checked into the hospital at 10:15...
and I was admitted at 10:45
I had only progressed 10% effacement since my last OB appointment (3cm, 70%, -2 station) so I started walking laps around the L&D unit. Dr. Roberts came by about 1 and offered Pitocin. I declined to give my body a chance to progress naturally. Then he said we would check my progress at 5 and start Pitocin at 6 based on my progress or lack thereof. As we walked around the unit, I complained about being so hungry. Jordan reminded me that Dr. Roberts was my meal ticket, and I had dismissed him. :-/
I reflected on my last lengthy labor and that I had so little energy once it was time to deliver. We agreed that I would be checked at 3 and start Pitocin if I hadn't progressed. I was 4 cm, 80% effaced and -2 station. There was a 'forebag' of fluid on the baby's head that was most likely preventing me from progressing more quickly. The nurse- Voinette- found the bag's opening and the fluid was released. Contractions picked up from here.
We started the Pitocin at 3:30, and it was a game changer. I got my epidural at 4:30, and at 5:30 I was 5cm and 90% effaced.
Almost time!!
Almost time!!
Protocol was to check progress every 2 hours unless I felt any change. I was so numb I didn't know what I felt. I certainly felt pressure during contractions but that's it. Come 7:30 the nurse checking me said, "You have no cervix. We need to get the doctor here NOW."
Dr. Roberts wasn't on call, but he came in to deliver the baby for us. He got there about 8:00, everything was set up, 3 pushes and our baby was born!!!
It was like Christmas morning when we found out what the baby's gender was. Totally worth all the anxiety and wait, I promise!
My friend happens to be our sonographer, and she was such a champion for me. She gave me the best of both worlds: I got to have a surprise AND monogrammed items. Her mom also made gender reveal cupcakes for us to share with the family once the baby was born. We got it all on video:
We welcome baby Allen:
Wellington (Wells) Stephen Allen
born November 19, 2013 at 8:21 PM
7 pounds, 14 ounces
20.5 inches
Wells' newborn photo album...
Mac and Paisley were at home in bed, but all grandparents, Uncle Jeff and Lilly Scott were there to celebrate the arrival.
At last, I get to eat!!! I chose a veggie calzone with meatballs among a few other last minute cravings. Let's just say I ate so much my stomach hurt.
Family and friends come to meet Wells in the hospital!
The older siblings get their turn :o)
(I can't believe Mac and Paisley are 'older' siblings.)
(I can't believe Mac and Paisley are 'older' siblings.)
Time to go home!
Traditional first picture at home
Ready for 'baby brother' and Mama to be home.
13 weeks gestation to newborn
Thank you, Jesus for a perfectly healthy baby boy.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14
-Ashley
I want to thank all the incredible family and friends who stepped in to make it possible for us to have family there for delivery, picked up from school and cared for our kiddos while we were in the hospital. Thank you.
