I've been wanting to write this post for over a week now but there's this little man I'd much rather be cuddling with instead! But, I figured I better put the baby down and get this post done while everything is fresh on my mind. Cole, here's the story of your day of birth...
The night before your birth we finally went to bed around 1 a.m. since we knew we had an early morning wake up call of 5 a.m. Your dad instantly fell asleep after doing yard work all day but I only slept from about 1:30-4. I was just too excited/anxious of the day ahead of us. Knowing that we'd be meeting/holding you at some point in the next day prevented me from settling into a good sleep. I was up before our 5 a.m. alarm went off and finished putting all our last minute things into the hospital bag- phone chargers, daily toiletries, pillows, etc. Your dad got up right on time, got ready, and then loaded up all our stuff into the car. At 5:30 when it came time to say goodbye to your fur siblings, I instantly started crying. I swear Bentley knew what was happening with the look he gave me as he sat at the top of the stairs. I felt so guilty for leaving them for some reason. I was still crying when we backed out of the driveway and your dad made the comment of "The next time we pull up here we'll have someone else with us!" I blame the last of the pregnancy hormones for all the tears. It was a dark and quiet 15 minute drive to the hospital. I'm pretty sure your dad and I were both realizing that this was
really happening. We got to Olathe Medical Center, checked in quickly since I'd already pre-registered us, and they sent us on our way up to the 5th floor for the Birthing Center.
They immediately took us to our room, #531, and had us settle right in. We were in our room by 6:10 and they got started on us right away. I put on the gown, got blood taken, and had the IV put in. After that, we watched the news as the sun came up while waiting on Dr. Rita.
During our wait, I had Dad open up some pre-baby presents I had bought for him to make it through labor and delivery. Then we took the last pre-Cole selfie we'd ever take. Dr. Rita then came in to examine us at 7:10- you stubborn boy still hadn't dilated past 2 cm. But, we were 80-90% effaced and you were dropped as far as you needed to. Dr. Rita decided to break my water and see how things progressed naturally on their own. If nothing had changed by 11-noon then she would put us on pitocin to speed things along.
Your dad got a breakfast of french toast and eggs delivered at 8 a.m. and he snuck me a bite since all I had for breakfast was a banana. I started having contractions at some point between 8-9 a.m. They were about 3-5 minutes apart and weren't bad at all. I was able to comfortably hang out with your dad and Grammy Brenda during this time. Abuela Lora and Aunt Ashley arrived around 9:30 and we all enjoyed watching the monitors to see/hear your heartbeat and watch the strength of my contractions continue to increase. I remember holding my belly a couple times thinking, "These are the last kicks I'll ever feel from him." It actually made me kind of sad because I LOVED being pregnant with you. Even with back pain, awful swelling, and terrible heartburn- carrying you for 9 months was so much fun and I loved every second of it.
We had our first check at 10:30 a.m. and had already dilated to 3.5 cm. By this time contractions were no longer that fun and were 1-2 minutes apart with each one lasting a good length of time. The next half hour was probably the worst part of the day because contractions hurt so bad, were back to back, and I didn't know if it was too early or not for the epidural. I kept asking your dad and grandma if I should go ahead and get it, but they knew they couldn't make that call for me.
Having your dad and grammy there helped out so much. They were able to keep me calm, remind me to breathe deeply, and rub my back. I finally asked for the epidural and our amazing nurse, Kristi, promised that she'd get them up to us as fast as she could so I didn't have to wait an hour. They administered the epidural to us at 11:30 and what sweet relief it was! I've heard such horrible things about epidurals but mine went wonderfully- hurt no worse than a normal shot.
Your dad however, had to have his own special episode after the epidural was over :) Your dad had been amazing for us during this- they had me lean on him and he held me so they could put the epidural in my back. He was whispering in my ear the whole time to keep me calm and it really helped. Once they were finished and were taping it on, your dad suddenly let go of me and said he needed to sit down. I looked up and he was white as a ghost. All of the attention suddenly turned to your dad and we worried about making sure he wasn't going to pass out on us and take out our nurse standing behind him. Luckily, sitting down helped and he got his color back. He figured that all the worry for me, adrenaline, and locking his knees made him a little woozy. But once he sat down he was good to go. I told him he was just wanting to have his own moment in the spotlight since everyone was focused on me and you ;)
The epidural kicked in pretty fast and I was back to myself in no time. Thank you God for that glorious invention! When they checked us at 12:30 we had dilated to a 5 and they decided we wouldn't need the pitocin since you were progressing perfectly fine on your own. Your cousin Jeryn came to visit us shortly after this and she brought you, "Scooter," some balloons. The hospital room and monitors fascinated her and she really liked hearing your heartbeat.
Jeryn was really curious about everything going on and thought that I was there to get shots so she held my hand. The rest of the afternoon was spent being entertained by Jeryn, hanging out with our families, and me even catching a couple naps. Your dad would watch the monitors and would see huge off the chart contractions... and I didn't feel a thing :) He just couldn't believe that I was able to sleep through them and not notice them at all. However, one downfall of the epidural was the side effects. Soon after I got it, I got the chills and the shakes. I couldn't even cap my chapstick I was shaking so bad. Then I got nauseous and threw up a few times. We aren't sure if it was the epidural or the shot of anti-nausea medicine they made me take earlier... but whatever it was... you and me didn't agree with it and it came right back up... like 4 times. They checked us at 2:35 and we were almost to a 7, but they still called it a 6. Then they came back at 3:30 and we had gone up to 7.5 and were 100% effaced.
They checked us at 4:05 and we had dilated to 8.5. All day I wasn't allowed to eat and was surviving off of tic tacs and ice chips. Nurse Kristi asked if I wanted an Italian Ice and I emphatically said YES! I chose the orange flavor and I'm pretty sure it was the most delicious thing we'd ever had. The next check was at 5:15 and we had dilated to a 9.5... we were almost there kiddo! They had us say goodbye to our families and started preparing for your arrival!
Nurse Kristi had me switch positions and lay on my right side to encourage you along that last .5 cm. It was just me and Dad in the room at this point and we were so excited it was almost time!! Dad was in total coach mode and was waiting on me hand and foot to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed. He set up the video camera on a shelf behind my head so we could record your delivery. Then we just waited.
At 6:15, the nurses wanted me to start doing practice pushes. Soon after that, practice pushes turned into real pushes and your delivery began. They called Dr. Rita (who had to cancel her hair appointment for you) to head this way and gave me an oxygen mask to use between pushes for you. Pretty sure I needed it more than you though, I'm glad they gave it to me! A whole army was assembled in our room- me and you, your dad, 4-6 nurses at a time since it was during a shift change, plus Dr. Rita later on. I wasn't aware that so many people would be in the room. Your dad said I heard the door open again and remarked, "Someone else joining the party?"
I remember hearing them whisper about paging Dr. Rita again cause she still wasn't there and we were close. At this point I would've let anyone deliver you. Pushing was tiring- there were hardly any breathing breaks between contractions cause they were one after another. I told your dad I was pushing so hard I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head. Don't worry, they didn't ;)
I was really getting tired and was giving your dad the "is-this-over-yet-I'm-so-exhausted" look. He was so loving and supportive and told me that we were so close and he could see your head. Hearing that he saw you gave me the last adrenaline I needed. He asked if I wanted to do another one, I said "sure" and one push later out you came at 7:26 p.m. on April 4th, 2013.
Happy birthday Cole Michael Olivier!
The instant they laid you on my chest changed our lives forever. I couldn't believe you were really here and all I could do was laugh, cry, and touch you all over. You were ours and we were yours. Forever. My first words to you were, "Oh look at him!"
Dad's first words were, "He's here!" Seeing you with your Dad was emotional for me- I knew how bad he had wanted a son and couldn't wait to meet you. Watching him hold you for the first time was incredible. He already has big plans for you and all you'll do together. I pray everyday that you grow up to be a man just like your father- he's the best guy I know!
When it was time for Dad to cut the umbilical cord he caused quite a mess! They said you had a thick, healthy cord and Dad struggled to cut through it with the tiny space they gave him to cut. He ended up nicking it just right on the first cut so that blood sprayed out and hit the side of my bed, our nurse, the computers and monitors, the floor, the wall, and the picture hanging on the wall. Dad felt so bad about it cause it was a mess for them to clean!
Weight: 8 pounds 9.6 ounces
Height: 20 inches
Head: 13.5 inches
Chest: 13.75 inches
Hair: Sandy blonde/brown
Eyes: Blue
Eyebrows/Eyelashes: Blonde
When we heard your weight, all of us were completely shocked. My response was, "Wait... what was that?!" and Dr. Rita said, "Say that weight again?" You were bigger than we expected sweet boy. Dr. Rita told me she didn't know where I had put all of you because no one expected you to be over 8 pounds. Guess all the Sunny D and Snickers I ate really helped you out. I clearly fed you well.
They told our families you were here and allowed them to stand outside our door to hear your first cries. But your rule following Grammy actually broke the rules and cracked the door to hear you better. So Jeryn took that as an opportunity to allow herself in. I remember lying there and hearing her small little voice say, "What are they doing to Tia?" I looked over my shoulder and there she was, innocently standing in the doorway. The nurses asked Dad if she was with us. We laughed and said that was your cousin. You were her baby after all, she couldn't wait any longer to meet you!
Welcome to our family Cole Michael!
God picked you out especially for us, he knew you were the perfect fit for us. One big happy family!
Pretty sure I said a thousand times, "He's so cute!" that night to our families. And it's true. You came out absolutely perfect! I could stare at you all day and it would never get old.
Cole, you made April 4th easily the best day of our lives so far. You are truly the best gift we have ever received and we love you far more than you'll ever know. You have a wonderful life ahead of you and we can't wait to start this adventure with you! I love you handsome boy!
Love,
Mom
