June 30, 2010

Levi's Birth

For those that care to read, here is a summary of Levi's birth story.  I am not much of a storyteller so bear with me and my factual style of writing.  :)

Levi decided to make his appearance one week early on June 21st - the first day of summer!  I had woken up early Monday morning, around 3:30 AM, with a horrendous headache and a feeling of nauseousness.  I took some Tylenol, put heat on my head and laid back down for about two hours trying to get rid of the headache.  At about 5:30 AM, I rolled over and suddenly felt like I was going to throw up.  I got up out of bed and did throw up - twice.  It was at this point that I realized something was not quite right.  I tried to ignore the feeling and laid back down in bed.  After laying there for 5 minutes, I decided something really was not right.  I woke Mike and within the next ten minutes we decided that my water had most likely broken.  I called the emergency number and spoke with the on-call doctor who instructed us to go directly to the hospital.  We arrived at the hospital at about 6:00 AM and were taken to a room by 6:30 AM.  A quick little test indicated that my water had indeed broken and we were officially admitted to the hospital.  We had a quick realization that our son was going to be born that day!  My doctor instructed the nurse to start me on Pitocin since I was not having any contractions.  A very evil drug!!!  After a few hours of labor, the contractions got closer together (as in right on top of each other!) and much stronger.  The nurse checked and I was about 8 cm dilated.  So close yet so far away!  At this point, Mike was encouraging me to get the epidural.  Poor guy felt so helpless as he watched me in so much pain.  I conceded (I did not want an epidural going into labor) and the nurse rushed to get the epidural started.  I was able to get the epidural, just in time, and my body instantly relaxed.  Within 20 minutes I was at 10 cm and about ready to push.  Very quickly, nurses were gathered, the doctor arrived and I was being instructed to push.  It took about 10 pushes and Levi Michael arrived at 1:58 PM - only about 8 hours after being admitted to the hospital.  Weighing in at 8 lbs - he was much bigger than either one of us expected.  He also had a ton of hair!  He is completely healthy and absolutely perfect!  :) 

And because I don't like posting without a picture, here is a picture from Levi's first photo shoot with Mommy.  :)  It was a short photo shoot because the child does not like to sleep like a normal newborn.  I am hoping that we can sneak a few more pictures this week before he gets too big!

4 comments:

Erin and Greg said...

Well worth it all though! I can't get enough of him!

Christy N said...

I absolutely LOVE this picture!!

Alison said...

Happy to hear that everything worked out ~ Levi was anxious to come and meet you! :)

Kelli said...

What a handsome fellow you have, Emily!! And I enjoyed your labor story...8 hours, 10 pushes, admitted right away?!?...way to go, momma!!