Friday, August 12, 2011

Introducing:

Griffin Ephraim Garner
born August 11, 2011
8lbs even
20 in. long

(If you're not interested in the details, feel free to just peruse the pictures and skip the story at the end!)


He's here and he's ready for his close-up.

Proud big brother Ezra.

A big week for Max...starting kindergarten in 4 days and getting a new baby brother.

Camping out on the queen bed in my recovery room. The Catholics know how to do it right (I forgot to mention we were at a Catholic hospital). I sampled every item on their daily dessert cart and highly recommend the chocolate chip cookies.



Gory details:
I was pretty sure this baby wasn't going to come early. I didn't want to get my hopes up. Wednesday we went for a hike and then to a local baseball game and by the end of the night I felt sore and tired. I woke up a few times in the night with some pain but I still didn't think it was anything labor-related. Ephraim left for work Thursday morning about 6:30 and at that point I was having painful contractions every 10-15 minutes. I still wasn't convinced I was in labor. About an hour later I realized the pain was definitely getting worse and the contractions were 5 minutes apart. And then all of a sudden they were even closer and I realized this was probably serious. I called Ephraim to come home (which took 20 minutes) then we dropped the boys with a friend and sped to the hospital. I thought I could walk to the labor and delivery floor but alas, I couldn't and a really nice old lady at the front desk pushed me in a wheelchair. They checked me in and tried to ask me some insurance questions and I couldn't really answer. I got into the room at 9:23 and was hoping to get into the jacuzzi for a water birth but there was no time to fill the tub. The nurse told me I was in transition and I told her I was going to push. I think she told me to hold on but I said no. They yelled for my midwife to come in and she did and about 2 pushes later, baby Griffin was out, at 9:39. I was delighted to have such a short time in the labor room. Its amazing how great the recovery has been this time around; much better than with the epidural births I had before. I would definitely do a natural birth again. Hopefully there'll be time to fill the tub the next time around. Griffin is a mellow and chubby-cheeked little guy and we're completely delighted to have him in our family.

5 comments:

Heidi and Steven said...

Yay!! Welcome to the world! He is adorable :)

Lindsey said...

Congratulations! You are a champ for sure!!

BECKY said...

THAT'S the way to have a natural birth... just have it over with in a couple hours!!! Way to go on a natural birth. Glad to hear you liked it better than an epidural. Everyone tells me I was crazy for not getting one! Congrats on your growing family of boys!!!

Mary said...

I'm so glad you had a great experience. I knew you could do it. You are amazing for going on a hike the day before you had a baby! I'm so glad you got the natural birth... even if it wasn't in the tub. You're awesome! Now you never have to wonder about how strong and incredible you are again. :) He's a beautiful boy! Congrats!

Charlotte said...

I'm so happy for you Heather and I am sure this goes with out saying but I told you so. Hehe. Miss you guys.