I went into labor around 3:00pm, on April 17th. I noticed I was having contractions pretty close together, so I started timing them. I wasn't sure if it was the real deal until about two hours later, when the contractions were still consistent and getting much stronger. So I called my mom to come fetch the three kiddos, and finished packing the hospital bag. The kids left at 6:00, and Jared and I walked around at home, until we decided it was time to head into the hospital. We arrived around 7:30, and after
six attempts, they got my IV in and started my antibiotics (for GBS) around 9:00p. I climbed into the birth tub, but my labor slowed down considerably, so I got back out and paced the room until 10:45 when I was in intense labor, and dilated to 8cm. We decided it was time to break my water (Which never breaks on its own. I'm not kidding, she finally got it broken on the
twelfth try!). I went back into the tub immediately and my labor went from intense to almost unbearable. I only got through it because I had such an awesome God, and amazing birth team on my side, guiding me through each contraction. Then, at 11:55, I felt pushy and out came Gino all in one big, looooong final contraction. He was born at 11:56pm.
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| Jared rubbed my back during each contraction when we first arrived. |
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| The "before" picture with my amazing hubby |
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| My doula (and one of my best friends since age 10), Abby, me, and my midwife, Liz |
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| Giovanni James arrived at 11:56pm! We just hung out in the tub, cuddling our new baby for the next 15 minutes. It was wonderful. |
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| An I'm-so-glad-it's-over-I-love-you-I-love-our-new-baby-I'm-so-happy kiss |
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| Daddy admiring his new son |
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| Family photo |
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| Within 20 minutes of birth, Giovanni latched on (the first try!!) and nursed like a champ for 45 minutes!!! |
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| Me and Liz "before" |
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| Liz and me "after" |
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| Liz and Giovanni |
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| Me, Gino, and Abs |
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| My INCREDIBLE birth team. I simply could not have done it without these two amazing people. They tag-teamed me through each contraction. Jared holding me, swaying with me, whispering encouragement in my ear, and being tuned in to my every need and desire. Abby massaging my back and hips through every contraction (with the most amazing lavender massage oil), feeding me water and OJ, taking photos and video, and reminding me that I can do this. These two made this birth the best birth experience I have had yet. |
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| Finally around 2:00am, we let them weigh him after he nursed for 45 minutes! |
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| The next morning, my mom brought the other three kids to meet their new baby brother! |
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| Sophia and Jazlyn adored the new baby... |
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| ...Brody only cared about his chocolate ice cream. |
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| Giovanni James |
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| Napping with Daddy |
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| Gino checkin out his Daddy! |
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| Giovanni's first outfit |
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| Final family photo before we leave |
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| Ready to go home! |
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| It's official! Our van is full. No room left, I guess we have to be done =) |
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| Ta-da! We are home! |
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5 comments:
LOVE. :)
Oh Naomi! This is just the best blog. Thank yo so much for sharing! You have a BEAUTIFUL family, you are truly blessed!!
Jane
So many are having a mid-wife these days for more reasons than just economics. I am happy for you all
By the way, I stopped my captchas as they discourage comments. Here is howa;
1. Your blog is automatically doing captcha because you are probably on the new "Blogger Interface." Log on to your Blogger dashboard and hit the gear button, then go down and choose "Old Blogger Interface". Be sure to save your work.
This may fix the problem. If not try fix #2
2. At your Dashboard click on settings then on comments. Under comments moderation – check the box “always” (the top choice.) Add your e-mail address in the box below it. It should cancel your captcha. Then SAVE what you did.
You have a beautiful family!!!
Hi Naomi, I was thinking of you today. I hope you and your family are all settling well into life with Giovanni :-)
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