Cayden's Big Day

As most of you know, the first couple of days last week were kind of crazy. Was I in labor? Was I having contractions? After our doctor's appointment on Wednesday it was decided that I would be induced on the 14th...the NEXT day.

July 14th - We woke up around 3:30 am, in order to be at the hospital at 5. They had told us beforehand that we needed to call to make sure that 5 was still a good time. Of course we call, and everybody has decided to go into labor. So they said call back at 6...at this point they give us the go ahead to come in at 8. Already our day was long.

At 8 we walk into the hospital, ready to meet Cayden! IV in. Check. Backless Gown on. Check. Nerves. Check. By 9 they had begun the Pitocin, and I could feel more contractions, but they weren't painful. Within the hour, I also had my Epidural. Fan-tastic! I know I was nervous as they were administering the giant needle, but the doctor was great and I really didn't feel anything. Heath was there to hold my hand and to keep me calm. Let the waiting begin.

Contractions were more consistent, and a little stronger, but still no change in dilation. By noon, I was still at a 4, maybe a 4.5. It was time to break the bag of waters. We kept waiting, because really, what else was there to do. People were in and out. My mom, Heath's mom, dad, and aunt. I am sure everyone was bored. The epidural made me a little sleepy, so I wasn't much fun or good for entertainment. Around 4 the nurse and a resident came in. They checked me and disagreed on my progress. The resident thought I was a 5, the nurse thought I was a 9. It was finally decided that I was a 9. Yippee! I was certain we were to meet Cayden within the hour, two at the most.

Around 5:45 it was time. The doctor came in, and it was down to business. Surely, this won't take long?

*Note: About an hour before pushing, they had turned off my Pitocin, in order to slow down contractions, so that the doctor could make it to Cayden's arrival. It was a busy day in L & D and the doctor was busy with other patients. Cayden would have to wait a little longer.

Time to push! I give it my best shot. And then wait. Wait. Still waiting. Five minutes go by, and no contraction. Now is a good time to turn the Pitocin back on! Then the hardest 1 hour and 45 minutes of my life began. Modesty out the window, there were nurses in and out of the room, and it was not the time to be shy. I pushed, and pushed. The nurse pulled out a towel, in order to give me some traction. Our nurse, Mandy, was really great, but my super human strength was too much for her. They used a resident doctor. At least 6ft tall, and a good 240lbs. We spent the rest of the time playing tug-o-war, trying to help Cayden make his arrival, but I was getting tired. I was starting to doubt whether I could deliver our baby. Heath was really great during the whole delivery. Any time he noticed that I was getting down, or starting to doubt myself, he was right there to encourage me and let me know that we just had a little further to go. Yeah, right. He went into the delivery not really wanting to look "down there" to see the action. I was fine with that, but as I said before modestly went out the window. As soon as the doctor mentioned that Cayden had hair, Heath was intrigued.

At 7:33pm, Cayden Rhys Cruikshank, coming in at 8.2lbs and 21 inches long, came into the world. They put him on my belly, and the tears started falling. Here he was, finally. My world had just turned upside down, and I was relieved and excited and happy and overwhelmed all at once. Heath made sure I was okay, and went off to be with our son; taking pictures and doing what every new dad does...revel in the joy of the moment.

Heath and I took the next 45 minutes to get acquainted with our baby. We cuddled him, stared at him, and took in the miracle that we had just witnessed. Cayden was perfect. Apgar score of 8-9. A good set of lungs, and a lovely head of hair. He was more than what we hoped for and dreamed of!

Our new family! I love this picture because of Heath and Cayden. Heath's face says everything that I am feeling...This is the greatest day of our lives!