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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Andrew Ryan Harms-- Birth Story

Our sweet Andrew Ryan came into the world ON HIS DUE DATE. We were induced, sure, but it was still his due date. I love the punctuality. And I was very ready. The anticipation was killing me.

We got to the hospital at about 7am and met Alicia and Nicole, my nurses. They started my IV and started getting all the paperwork done. They moved me to a cooler room after about an hour, and I was so thankful. I was the only one "in labor" at the hospital. That was kinda nice. I was ready to get the show on the road but apprehensive about the how and how long it would take. I watched New Girl on Netflix and tried to relax. Ryan even got a nap. Haha.

They gave me pitocin and my contractions took a long time to get regular. Also, they had trouble tracking them with the machine. So it took a long time. Dr. Karns came and broke my water after they got more regular and I was dilated 7-8. Pretty soon after that I had my epidural, which was more painful than last time. For some reason. But it was glorious after. Sigh.

After 5-6 hours, I finally dilated to a 10. It was getting so late! My nurses that I LOVED were nearing the end of their shifts, and I hated thinking they might leave. They kept assuring me they would stay, but I knew that offer woudn't last all night. They said if they left it was like seeing a movie and missing the ending! The night nurse came in, so I had three amazing nurses. I mean, wow. Makes me tear up thinking how wonderful they were.

I pushed for 2 or so hours, with a pause in between because the machine didn't track my contractions for a little bit in between. Pushing with an epidural is so difficult because you really cannot feel what you are doing. I knew my family was waiting to meet Andrew, and I knew my nurses had families to get home to.  I did my absolute best. And after about two hours, Andrew emerged! Screaming in perfect rhythm, a little blue and just precious. He was bigger than Lylah, at 8 lbs 2 oz. They laid him on my chest and I just remember Ryan saying "You did so good, baby!" and kissing me over and over. Tears were in his eyes and the euphoria set in. I held A and nursed him and it was absolutely wonderful.

After some skin to skin, breastfeeding, and loving, lots of family came in to see him. Lylah came first, and she was so excited. She kept giggling. She got right in bed with me and gave Andrew pat pats and kisses. Sweet, sweet moments I will never forget. Then she got to have a cupcake. She just sat over on the couch and ate it in peace. Everyone was ohing and awing over Andrew, and I was getting so loopy. I am not sure I made any sense or if I was talking too much. I looked rough, too. I am not sure why I didn't ask for a mirror, or just run a brush through my hair.

Our family left so we could get some rest. I actually was able to sleep, for a about an hour at a time, that first night. We had a great hospital stay, and Andrew is/was such a good eater right away. Everything felt different, but familiar.

Andrew's birth was a fantastic experience. I know that sounds weird, but it was wonderful. Every person at the hospital was kind and helpful, and I could not have had a better experience there. I can't believe we have two kids, and how much we love this little man already. We thank God for giving us another beautiful child. He is already such a tremendous blessing!

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