Just Jen: February 2009

Wednesday, January 28 started out as a normal day - well, sort of. It was icy that morning, and since I was so close to my due date, I thought it would be a good idea to wait it out and go into work late. Once I did get there, I worked to tie up some loose ends since my maternity leave was to start on Friday. I had a Dr. appointment scheduled for Thursday morning, then one more afternoon at the office before it was time to go home, wait, and rest until Jack arrived. I was scheduled to be induced February 4 if he didn't come on his own beforehand.

During that afternoon, I started feeling funny. I mean, I had felt funny a lot over the past 9 months, but this was different. I wondered if it might be the beginning stages of labor, but at the time I didn't know for sure. I wasn't really having contractions or anything, and the day was almost over, so I stuck it out. At 5:30, I left work and headed over to deliver some pots to a couple of my customers. The symptoms I was having earlier that afternoon were definitely getting stronger. My mind wandered to the dinner plans we had with friends that night. I wasn't sure if I was going to feel up to going. The first customer came and picked up her order. I got back in the car to wait for the last customer to arrive when all of a sudden, my water broke! Right there in the seat of my car...ugh. I put the car in reverse, called Bret and told him to meet me at the hospital. Then I called my customer to tell her the pot would have to wait, called Mom and Dad, and began to drive myself to the hospital - in rush hour traffic - in labor. The contractions started getting stronger as I pressed down harder on the gas pedal. I had to park and walk in since there was no one to drop me off at the door. This is not how I had pictured all of this taking place. I had envisioned going into labor at home - maybe during the night - timing contractions and driving to the hospital with Bret. But what choice did I have?

I finally made it up to labor and delivery where they put me in a room. My labor progressed very quickly - and painfully, I might add. They were rushing to get the epidural in me in time. I told them I was going to be very upset if I had to deliver without drugs! I meant it too... I pride myself on being a pretty tough chic, but I am not a fan of physical pain, especially that which can be avoided. Once I got the epidural, I was numb down to my toes. It was magical.

Things progressed so quickly that we were waiting on the Dr. to arrive so I could push. In no time at all, Jack was here! I didn't even break a sweat. She did have to use the vacuum to help him out. Turns out the cord was around his neck and he was starting to go into distress. But everything turned out fine in the end, and out came this beautiful (although a little extra cone-headed) baby boy! Nine months, all leading up to this one moment.

I realize I was lucky to have such a short labor - less than four hours after my water broke. The rest of the hospital stay was a whirlwind. It was sort of surreal - I spent most of the time convincing myself that all of it was happening, that we were going to get to take this sweet little bundle home! I think it was Saturday morning after we were home that I was sitting on the chair holding Jack and catching up on the latest episode of LOST that I missed while I was in labor. He was asleep, and I found myself staring down at his sweet little face. All of a sudden it really hit me - this wasn't like getting a new puppy. This was a tiny human being that my husband and I brought into the world. He is my SON, and I am his MOM. Wow. I was overcome with emotion and found myself thanking the Lord through my tears for this wonderful blessing that He had given us.

The last couple of weeks have been wonderful and difficult and challenging and scary and all of those things that new parents feel. I don't know everything and doubt that I ever will, but I do know that we love this little guy dearly and cherish getting to know him more every day!