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