Sunday, July 18, 2010

Welcome Elison Rhodes Hayden

Eli decided he would make his debut three weeks early and arrive on July 15, 2010. I had an idea he might show up a bit early, but was hoping to make it at least 2 more weeks. When I went for my 36 week appointment and was already 3-4 centimeters dilated, I was reassured that women walk around for weeks like that so not to worry. But it became clear over the next few days, I did not have weeks to wait. Irregular contractions started the next day and continued off and on the the early part of the week. By Wednesday 7/14 I was really uncomfortable and was feeling a lot of pressure. That evening I was having contractions every 10 minutes for about 2 hours. When they hit 5 minutes apart and went on for an hour I told Josh I thought we should at least go to the hospital to make sure...I didn't want to deliver in our house! Of course, as soon as I got to the hospital they stopped and the attending nurse said I wasn't any more dilated then the week before. Discouraged and tired, we headed home to climb back in bed at 3 am. So at my 37 week appointment the next morning, a mere 6 hours later, you might imagine my surprise when the doctor said he was sending me up to the hospital because I was 5 centimeters and almost completely effaced. I made a pit stop at home to get Josh and hand off Rowan to my mom and off to the hospital we went. A little shocked that everything was happening so fast. I labored along with no pain until lunch time when I got my epidural and then rested comfortably for a few more hours. At 4:30 was ready to go and watched in anticipation as they got the room ready. 2 contractions and 5 pushes later, Elison Rhodes Hayden was born at 5:04. He was 6lbs 4ozs, and 20. 5 inches long. Josh and I spent the next 48 hours getting to know our new son, a privilege we didn't have the first time around. Here are a few pictures from Eli's first hours and days.

On our way to the hospital, I made Josh take a picture. I realized I had no pictures of me pregnant this time...poor second kid.

First few moments with mommy and daddy.




Heading home.
Waiting for Rowan to arrive. Eli brought Rowan a backpack filled with new cars, bubbles, 2 tiny little dogs and chalk. It was a hit.
Enjoying the big cup I got at the hospital. He has insisted on drinking out of it the last two days.

Teaching Eli to play cars.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

You make a great pregnant woman...I was always a big blob!! Love the picture of Rowan driving the cars around Eli, so sweet. Can't wait to get ahold of them both...we're counting down the days!

Rev. April said...

oh i am so glad you now have a quick and easy birth story to tell. what a wonderful little guy, and congratulations to the Hayden 4!

L MCCLELLAND said...

I'm so happy you had such an easy birth! Eli is a beautiful baby!