Jack's Birth Story!

Unlike the births of Ben & Daisy, labour didn't start on it's own with Jack, despite having two membrane sweeps, walking, going on the elliptical multiple times a day, etc. I was scheduled to be induced the morning of November 21st (Saturday) and was hoping I would wake up with contractions. Morning came, nothing. So we got ready, Mom was going to stay with the kids at home, and we headed to the hospital.

I had SUCH butterflies, it was ridiculous. I was more nervous this time around than with Ben! Nervous knowing that I was going to be in pain very soon, unsure of how long it was going to be (no guarantees that it was going to be faster!), worried that it wouldn't start right away and I would be sent home.. all these thoughts were buzzing around in my head. My only bit of peace was knowing that my doctor would be there, to do the induction, and he knew of my history with Daisy especially, and probably wouldn't send me home.

They gave me a bed (didn't get sent home, they weren't busy!) to check me out, assess me to see if I was having contractions (I wasn't) and I was about 3cm. So Dr. H came in at 8:30 and gave me a double dose of gel to get the contractions going. And it worked! Within 15 mins I was feeling them, totally manageable at this point, and thankfully my nurse said that I was not to go home LOL! Phew!

Contractions were coming, Jack's heart rate was between 136 and 140 at this point..

It was very calm in the maternity ward, not busy at all. We got to walk down and pick our deliver room! Number 3 it was :) Got settled in, Mike went to put my CD on that Kerry made (THANK YOU!) and wouldn't you know it, I burned it wrong. Damn it! Mike knew how important this CD was to me so he whipped home and re-burned it for me and was back within 45 mins! What a guy! While he was gone, my contractions picked up FAST. I even called home to find out if he had left yet, they went from 6 to 5 to 3 mins apart (lasting about min) in about 10 mins. The nurses continued to check on me, check on baby, confirm that I was having good contractions (!!) and told me that Dr. H would be in to break my water sometime after 12.

Uh-oh. I knew what that meant. As soon as my waters break, it's baby time not long after. With Daisy, when I was checked at 5cm, the Dr. accidentally broke my water and I went to 10 cm in 10 mins. She was born very soon afterwards! So Dr. H came in at 12:45, and I said that if he was going to break my water that he couldn't go anywhere far! Scrubs on, they waited for a contraction to break it and sure enough, they were back to back to back. Not even 10 seconds in between.

I was in such a trance like state, trying to focus on my breathing, not hyperventilating, staying calm (especially with the wee break I got in between them) that I could just hear them around me. Mike was commending me for doing such an awesome job, my nurse was counting for me as I counted with her in my head, assuring me that once I got to the peak they would get better and less & less paint (it worked!) and then I had to push.

I don't think I pushed for more than 10 mins and his head was out, cord wrapped around him (just like the others), one more push and Jack was in the world at 1:28pm! Less than 5 hours labour!

He was perfect.. looked exactly like his big sister, then his brother, then he looked like Jack! So cute, pink, healthy. 8lbs, 7.5 ounces, 21.25" long.

A very overwhelming, awesome, memorable experience :)

And his birth song?! One Day Like This by Elbow!

Jack Alexander!!

Will post a birth story when I get a chance, but here he is!

Jack Alexander
Born November 21st, 1:28pm
8lbs 7.5 oz, 21.25" long

(And absolutely perfect!)

40 weeks, 5 days...

... and I am done! Jack is cooked, but comfy and not going anywhere for the time being!

Induction

I had my 40+ week check-up yesterday, and he went ahead and scheduled my induction for Saturday morning if nothing happens sooner. I am soooooo hoping I don't have to be induced, that Jack will decide to pick his OWN birthday and come before! We didn't bother doing another sweep as it just hurts & is very uncomfortable. Doesn't bring on any changes for me — never did for the other kids.

Until then, I don't think we could be more ready for this baby. The cradle is set up, all the clothing is washed, car seat is ready.. we just need him!

D Day

Well, big surprise — I am still preggers! *ALMOST* thought I would have had him on Wednesday.. I woke early with major pains, cramping and contractions about 15 mins apart. But then they stopped after a couple hours. I walked the track, I went on the elliptical, I raked leaves.. nothing.

So here we wait! In the mean time I am nesting like mad, everything is ready and I am getting phone calls all the time asking if I had that baby yet. NO!

I go for my 40 week check-up on Monday, unless something happens this weekend (Ben says Saturday is the day!) and we'll see what he says about inducing. Not so good at the waiting game at this point.. all too familiar :(

39 weeks, 2 days..

*SIGH* This is getting all to familiar!! I keep telling Mike that I am trying REALLY hard to enjoy this last bit of my pregnancy, but I end up saying that with all of them. I am uncomfortable, tired, sore and anxious to meet our new baby. Thankfully I have Mike's parents here now and it helps a lot. Dad has been helping Mike with projects, Mom is a superstar with the kids, and a nice change to have company all the time! We have been busy getting things around the house to keep distracted & busy.

I had my 39 week check-up yesterday, I lost another 1.5lbs and Dr. H. did another membrane sweep (my cervix is softening, dilating to 1-2cm's) but it hasn't started anything yet. Losing faith that Jack will be born before or on his due date...

This past Friday I got my flu shots as well, and the kids get theirs tonight. Daisy had two colds back to back, then she got better, now she is getting her 2 year molars. Ben is fighting a cold, too... definitely just adds to the chaos of the house!

38

I had my 38 week check-up yesterday... I lost 4.5lbs (totally thought I would have gained, thanks to Halloween treats!), BP was good though, and Jack's heart rate was still around 150. He did a membrane sweep and said I was 1cm, but that my cervix wasn't very soft — considering it is my third baby! Geesh.. that is not what I want to hear! I had a lot of cramping yesterday, nothing regular though, and more today. We'll see if it kick-starts anything in the next few days! I just know that I REALLY don't want to be late again. It's frustrating!

Yesterday was Ben & Daisy's last day of daycare and I took advantage of having the house to myself.. laundry, taking down decorations, set up the crib in Daisy's room. Yes, I was nesting big time!

Here is me & my pumpkin on Halloween night :)