Monday morning I woke up at 5am (after already going to the bathroom about 6 times throughout the night) and on my way back to the bed, I went to the bathroom again. After I changed and wet myself two more times, a light bulb went off and I finally figured out that my water had officially broken and it was game time! Even though my contractions hadn't started, I woke up Brent so he could get ready and take the dogs to the boarders. The contractions started about 12 minutes apart just as Brent was walking out the door - obviously different than the Braxton Hicks I had experienced, but quite manageable. After a quick shower and finishing packing my and the baby's bag, I called the doctor. It was 9am and contractions were 6 minutes apart and lasting about 45 seconds. Since my water had broken, she said we were free to come on in to the hospital anytime, but could labor a bit at home if we wanted. It took less than 30 minutes for me to make the call as the contractions were getting more intense.
I got checked again at 6pm - still 5cm. This is when the doctor first mentioned the strong possibility of a cesarean section. I was able to keep the plan going with the turning from side to side since baby's heartbeat was absolutely perfect. They were also pumping me with pitocin to get the contractions stronger - and they were - every 2 minutes, lasting 60 - 90 seconds. Good thing for that epidural! At 9pm, the doctor came in and checked me again - no change and I was still a solid 5cm. Brent and I looked at each other and I think we both knew what would be for the best. I signed the forms and the prepping started for surgery. One of the possible side effects from the epidural medicine is shaking and I had it bad. It was scary and I was nervous, but Brent stayed right by my side, holding my hand and talking to me about the dogs, our wedding in Maui, and the new house we would be bringing the baby home to - anything to keep my mind off the procedure.
Brock entered the world feet first, as Brent described it, and as the doctor was pulling him out, said "Oh wow! That's a big one! I wasn't expecting that." The doctor cut the cord from the placenta, but after they brought him over to the scale, Brent was able to cut off the rest of the umbilical cord.
We stayed in the hospital until Thursday morning and have been home resting since then. We are working on a schedule and doing what all the nurses and everyone else had recommended - sleeping when baby sleeps. Every day seems to get a bit better from the surgery, but it will take time to be back to one hundred percent. Brent is doing amazing with helping me and taking care of all of Brock's diaper changes. We are so happy he's here and healthy and loving every minute of it.
