September 5, 2009: My Life Saver

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

On Friday, September 4, Renee and I hung out at the Union by Lake Mendota until about 10 PM. As I was getting ready for bed, the contractions were definitely noticeable and lasting more than a moment. I decided to stay up and try to time them; from 12 AM to 1 AM, the contractions were about 10 minutes apart and 1 minute long. I was pretty excited thinking that I would go to the hospital yet that night. However, they slowed down to 30 -45 minutes apart so the night became a restless night - but luckily CBS plays Medium and Numbers in the wee hours of the morning! A little something to keep my mind elsewhere.

At 7 AM I decided it was time for a walk to speed things along. Once I got back, I started to make calls to family including Mom and Dad, but no one answered the phone as they were on their way to Huron for Brent's dog show. Then friends were called including Katie Imholte who immediately asked if she left now from Minneapolis would she be able to make it. A little before noon, she started the drive to be on time.

Renee and I arrived at the hospital and were not in triage long before I was admitted which was great as triage feels like a janitor's closet. We went to the birthing suite where my nurse Jane stayed with me throughout the delivery. During birthing classes, I had decided to try to give birth naturally without any drugs. I was even more determined to reach this goal as Heidi had her doubts. Jane was really supportive of this decision and was an amazing nurse all throughout the delivery, knowing what to say, do and even when she could just leave us alone as the labor progressed without any complications. Katie arrived around 4 PM and joined in on the fun.

Around 5 PM, my contractions were becoming more on top of each other which we discovered was due to Evan being ahead of the bag of waters and not allowing them to break. My water was manually broke, and at that point, we were on the home stretch! This was the hardest time of labor; however, Renee and Katie kept encouraging me with Renee reminding me to prove my sister wrong on using drugs. After 42 minutes of pushing, Evan Lee was born at 7:07 PM. He weighed 7 lbs 12 oz and was 20 3/4 in long. He scored two 9's on his Apgar tests that were taken right after birth. Renee had the opportunity to cut his umbilical cord.

Soon after we were taken to the family suite which would be our home for the next day and a half. Evan proved to be his mother's son by sucking his thumb soon after being in the room. We waited up until the very tired grandparents arrived from their long drive at 12:30 AM. They stayed until 2 AM before heading back to my apartment. Evan kept me up for a pretty good portion of the night as he didn't like being set down in the crib to sleep at night which is still a struggle. Katie and Renee slept on the very small and uncomfortable pull out couch in the room. They stayed with us until Grandpa and Grandma arrived around noon on Sunday with flowers for mom and two roses for the Surrogate Aunts.

September 5, 2009 is a day I'll never forget, but it would not have been as joyful and exciting with all the support from family and friends that I received during the Summer. All the visits, mail, and gifts really encouraged me that I would not be doing this on my own. You have all been a huge part of this journey in my life.

7 lbs 12 oz
Already showing us he has to have his hands up

Katie had to take a pic right after my shower

Sucking his thumb moments after arriving to our room, just like mom!

First time being poked and proded - not fun!

FIRST BATH TIME

Aren't I an angel?! :)