He's Here!

About the experience...

Tuesday, April 14

10 p.m. We arrived at Saint Luke's Hospital to begin the induction process with the application of cervical gel. So far, a smooth ride.

Wednesday, April 15

6 a.m. Pitocin was started. So much for being one of those women who went into labor right after their gel was applied...
8 a.m. The Nurse Midwife came in to check on us and to break my water - wahoo - we're ready to get things moving!
1 p.m. Contractions are beginning to get hard, but aren't regular. Let's go ahead and call anesthesia for that epidural.
2 p.m. After four tries, the epidural was finally in place. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate needles?
4 p.m. Mom spent the afternoon sleeping and dad was reading. The Nurse Midwife came back to check on us. So far, I was dilated to a 4 (are you kidding me?! There must be some mistake!). The baby's doing great, she reported, but mom's contractions aren't as regular as they should be for having this much pitocin, so the dosage was increased. Great - anything to move this along!
8 p.m. Dad, normally a wonderfully encouraging coach, made a big mistake when he said "maybe he won't be born on tax day after all" with a big smile on his face. Are you kidding me? There are four hours left in the day!
11 p.m. Nurse Midwife says I'm dilated to a "good 6." My response? There's nothing good about being dilated to a 6 after 17 hours of labor. Granted, I really never experienced "labor" as many of you are probably picturing it and have experienced it yourselves. For me, it mostly consisted of sleeping thanks to the fourth-time's-a-charm epidural.

Thursday, April 16

2 a.m. Nurse Midwife back in room to report she suspects the baby's head is turned in such a way that it's keeping me from being able to dilate fully. They repositioned me to sleep on my stomach for an hour and then will re-check my progress.
3 a.m. Time to check progress again. Looks like we're at about an 8 and the re-positioning helped. "Let's have you lay on your stomach for another hour or so and see what happens," she said.
4 a.m. This isn't working, the Midwife reported, along with the news that a Cesarean Section would be best because the baby appears to be stuck.
5:28 a.m. William Charles Rouse was born via C-section. Ten perfect fingers, ten perfect toes and the two happiest, proudest parents ever.

Twelve Days Later

Mom, Dad and Baby are doing great! Though we've had a few minor bumps in the road, we're recovering well and are so appreciative of everyone's prayers, thoughts, well wishes and the wonderful meals we're received! Thank you for being such a great support system!