He's Here!!

WELCOME BABY JOSHUA!

I have some free time (well, Granny is currently spoiling baby Joshua) so I thought I'd update my blog with his birth story and how things are going.

We went in Thursday morning, November 20th at 7AM for our planned induction, however Joshua was set on Friday, November 21st being his birthday! My midwife broke my water about 8:15 and shortly after started the Pitocin. I was only 1 cm dilated at this time. I knew then it would be a LOONNNG day! So far, so good I thought. The contractions started to pick up and that pain is so hard to explain. It was intense!! However, I wanted to hold off on the epidural for a while....to see what I could handle. Well, 11:30 I asked/begged for it! So, I can't imagine what a natural birth would be like! I gave up a little over 3 hours in!

I handled the anesthesiologist giving me the epidural better than I thought I would. Anyone that knows me, knows I hate needles, blood, anything medical related. It wasn't until after he left the room that I freaked out. Luckily, Jeff was able to calm me down. The epidural was magic! It took all the pain away. Granted, I couldn't feel anything waist down and I hated the weightlessness feeling and swore I would never get an epidural again because I hated that feeling. If you want more details, just ask Jeff about that! haha But, looking back, I'm sure I'll go the epidural route next time too!

The day went on and slowly I dilated. Slowly is the word. Slloowwwlllyyy. I was pumped with IVs, antibiotics, epidural and Pitocin all day. My body puffed up like a marshmallow! Finally, about 10PM that night I reached 5 cm and things started to speed up. I was 10 cm and ready to push by 2AM. I only pushed for about 20 minutes and he was here!! The actual pushing itself was absolutely painless....thanks to the epidural! My midwife, nurse and Jeff were excellent as my labor coaches!! I was surprised at how fast the pushing went!!

Words can't describe the wave of emotion that we felt once Joshua was out and they laid him on my chest. Tears of joy were everywhere!! We were so happy to finally meet him!!!

Joshua Tyler was born on Friday, November 21st, 2008 at 2:26 AM weighing 7 lbs 1 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. Hes so tiny!! As you know, I was expecting a big baby per my earlier blogs!! Most of his clothes are so big on him!! Luckily, I have a few newborn sized outfits that are working.

Bringing him home on Sunday was wonderful. We have all adjusted to having him here.....even Bailey. At first, Bailey barked and whined....but now, I think hes starting to turn into a protective and worrywart big brother!! Having my mom here has also helped us out. Last night, we were finally able to get some sleep. I think Jeff and I slept a total of 7 hours (off and on) last night...the most we've had since going to the hospital. I think Joshua is nocturnal right now and I'm hoping that since my milk supply is in now that we'll be able to somewhat make a routine. Joshua is definitely in charge of that though!!

Here's a few of my favorite pics so far of our little one:








Also, you can view pictures from our hospital stay here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32561718@N07/sets/72157609635374603/show/


Stay tuned for more pictures and details of this wonderful journey we are on!! Welcome baby Joshua!!