The Birth Story

Bringing Jonathan into the world was such a great experience and one that I hope I don't forget. To help me remember and just in case any of you are interested here are the details.

I had been having contractions throughout most of the week before real labor started. They were not in regular intervals and very low on the pain scale. When I went in for my doctor appointment on Friday the doctor said I was dilated to 2cm and I decided to schedule an induction on my due date, but we both figured I would go sooner than that.

On Saturday we decided to have a little fun. Poor Rachael was sick most of the morning and had thrown up a few times the day before. She slept and recuperated while James and Jake went to the pumpkin patch to find a pumpkin. They had a lot of fun at a cute farm and when they got home Rachael was feeling better, so we all decided to go to Santa Cruz to see the beach. We hoped in the car and hoped that I wouldn't go into labor while we were out. We had a great time on the beach and went out for some Chinese food after. I hoped that I wouldn't go into labor that night because I wanted to attend our new ward at least once before having the baby. I was still having contractions, but nothing regular.

We were all able to go to church on Sunday and had a good time there. I truly miss my calling in the primary and would have felt much more comfortable in with them, but it was good to listen to some more adult gospel discussion. I was meant to be with the children though and hopefully I will get that opportunity again. During church I could tell that the contractions were getting more regular and the baby's movements had increased. I was feeling VERY pregnant! That evening we determined that this baby was coming soon, so we did a few things. I packed bags for everyone, we booked a flight for Jake's mom to come the next day (Monday), and called someone to take the kids should we need to go to the hospital in the middle of the night. For some reason that is the time my children like to enter the world.

While we were getting the kids ready for bed I would have to stop and bend over something about every ten minutes or so. James and Rachael were very curious as to why I was doing this and I assured them I was fine, but that it hurt a little. After we got them in bed, we just kind of waited around for a little bit until I thought it was time to go. Around 10:30 I decided it was probably time. Pressure was mounting and the contractions were very regular at this point. We alerted our babysitter that we were coming and loaded everyone in the car. As we were driving to the babysitter we realized we forgot a few food items for Rachael, so we stopped at a grocery store on the way. I sat in the car having contractions while Jake shopped for groceries. Ah, the things we do for a little girl with allergies.

We got the kids tucked in at the babysitters and headed to the hospital. When the lady in the emergency saw us she brought us right back and we were on our way to the labor and delivery room. I got checked and was dilated to 4 close to 5 cm. I was so glad that we were now in active labor. For the next few hours Jake helped me get through contractions one at a time and I eventually ended up in my best position which is laying on my left side and moaning through the contractions. I got kind of nauseated and had to through up once and started crying at one point, but then I pulled myself together. I thought my water had possible broken so we called in the nurse. She checked me and said I was almost fully dilated and she was calling the doctor. Those contractions while waiting for the doctor are always the worst. She finally arrived and broke my water, because it hadn't broken before. Then I had to wait to push until she got suited up....that was when it got really hard.

Finally it was time to push and I think I only pushed about three times, but that was some intense pushing! I was yelling a little while pushing and it seems kind of funny to look back on it. I am not really into videoing the deliveries, but it would have been interesting to watch that again from the outside perspective. Jake said he got a little emotional at this point. The baby came and I can't even describe the relief that you feel when the baby finally emerges. It is such a cool experience. They gave me the baby for a few moments before checking him and he was beautiful and very chunky. They were all very surprised at how big he was. He was crying a lot more than the other two did. After they checked him they suspected he had a fractured collar bone...probably from being so big and maybe me pushing a little hard...who knows, but it will heal quickly and doesn't seem to bother him too much.

I tore pretty far and the doctor spent quite a while sewing me up. This is when I always get the shakes. Jake always looks so nervous, but it is just my bodies way of coping with the stress it just went through. They finally gave the baby back to me and I was able to nurse him. I am always nervous about how nursing will go and this time it went great. It is such a special moment of bonding. Well, that is the story...child birth is an amazing miracle. I thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to be a mother. We are now enjoying our little bundle and it is still weird to think that just a few days ago, that little chunk of cuteness was inside of me. But, it is soooo nice not to be pregnant anymore!

Welcome to the family and the world Jonathan David Jones! We love you!