41 Weeks~ Kellen Arrives

After 9 months and one week of waiting we finally have our little baller in our arms and he was so worth the wait! On Sunday we checked into the hospital to be induced. Thanks to our neighbor Nilda who works at the hospital they rolled out the red carpet for us and hooked us up with the Angelina Jolie birthing suite. Very roomy and overlooking lake Wellington, truly nice!

Because I was only 2 centimeters dilated they wanted to soften my cervix first. So they inserted some medicine and told me I would be on it for 12 hours before they would start the induction. Daddy stayed the night with us on a small chair that pulled out to a bed. It was pretty small so I know he was not very comfy.... but he wanted to be with us. Bright and early they woke us up and started us on the petocin. As long as I responded to the meds I would start having contractions withing the hour. It was almost an hour exactly that I began to have the contractions and by 11am I was in full labor. OUCH! My doctor called and was told I was 3 centimeters and they gave me the okay to have a epidural which I gladly accepted.

I was in heaven and feeling no pain... also I could not feel my legs... but who needs legs? I slept for quite awhile and when I woke up at 3pm I was 6 centimeters . We called Grandma, Emily and Danielle and told them to head on over. But by 4pm I was only 8 centimeters..... and starting to feel some pain. I was aware I needed to feel so I was able to push so I began to find ways to deal with each contraction. When you are induced you must be on monitors at all times, they track mine and Kellen's vitals. So I was unable to get out of bed and walk around. Finally by 530pm I was fully dilated. My doctor arrived and we began the pushing. Chris was such a huge help and my nurse Patty as well. We pushed through each contraction and I rested in between. I felt like I was making progress but unfortunately Kellen was not moving. After 2 and a half hours of pushing my Doctor broke the bad news that I would need a C-section.

It was the absolute last thing I wanted to hear. The pain I was in was full force and I had started to experience back labor. I began to cry because I felt as if I had failed to do my job and push Kellen out. Chris made everyone leave the room and he told me what an amazing job I had done and that it was not my fault, Kellen was to big. They rolled me in and at 8:26pm Kellen came screaming into our world. His cries were so adorable! The whole operating room was gasping and letting us know he was indeed a very big boy! Daddy was able to go over and watch them clean him up and then came back to me. He was crying and I was crying and then they brought Kellen

over to me and I cannot put into words the feelings that washed over me. Every single moment of pain and misery from that day disappeared, he was so beautiful, so perfect and I kissed his cheek and held his little hand. I did not know it was possible to love someone this much. It is a moment between Chris & me that I will never forget.

Daddy accompanied him to our birthing suite while I stayed behind for the rest of the surgery. It took them 45 minuets to finish up and stitch me up. Doctor Emerick did an amazing job of stitching me up. He was so good to me the whole time and I am very thankful to have him as my Doctor. Finally they wheeled me down to my suite and all the nurses were making bets on his weight. They were calling him Bruiser! Once in the suite I saw Chris holding Kellen all swaddled up. "He's 9 pounds 10 ounces 22 inches" he beamed proudly! I could tell he wanted to thump on his chest. I was so happy that all that belly was not just pizza and oreos! He came over and placed him in my arms. Kellen opened his eyes and started at me as if to say so that's what you look like. Chris and I stayed in our room together for an hour just holding him, bonding with him, exploring the wonder of him.

Finally Grandma, Aunt Emily and Danielle were allowed in to meet him. It was so amazing and meant so much to see my Mom there with me as I was in labor and finally to meet her Grandson. After an hour of visiting they rolled us into our recovery room and left us alone with Kellen. We spent the night holding him, loving him and just being a family. It was so wonderful.

So Kellen's journey from belly to world is over, but his exciting life is just begining. I will continue to blog weekly about his life, our changing world, and just everyday moments. Plus lots and lots and lots of pictures! Hope you will join us!