Little Raymond James....our birth story

[KissieBaby3]

 My little "Ray of Sunshine" wasn't due to enter this world until February 18th and I had a scheduled cesarean set for the 11th.  (I had a feeling he was coming early!) 

Sunday, February 1, 2009:  I woke up that morning and just felt different.  I'm not sure really how to explain that....but I just didn't feel like myself and told Ramon that the baby was coming early and would be here in a few days.  All that day I had Braxton Hicks.  Around 9ish that night I was sitting in my recliner when I started having contractions.  This went on for a few minutes and I finally decided to start timing them, but as soon as I did they stopped.  I had an appointment the next day so I just went to bed.

Monday, February 2, 2009:  My appointment!  I went to my appointment that morning and was eager to tell my Doctor about the contractions the night before.  As I was sitting there waiting to be called I was experiencing some very mild contractions.  I was unable to see my Doctor that day because of an emergency there in the office!  Another patient, pregnant with twins, was in labor and 7 centimeters dilated.  An ambulance was called and she was taken to the Hospital.....my Doctor in tow!  I wondered if I would also be sent away in an ambulance that day!!!!  So, I had to see the mid-wife that day.  I told her what I had experienced on Sunday and that morning right there in the office.  She checked me, not dilated.  She dis-missed my contractions and told me I was having Braxton Hicks.  I was really upset with her......this wasn't my first baby......this wasn't my second, either!  This was my 4th and I KNEW I was in the beginnings of labor.  I was angry that she wouldn't listen to me.  Later that night some pretty harsh contractions came and soon stopped.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009:  I woke up that morning and felt some more contractions.  I was also having some pain in my chest.  I got the kids off to school and immediately called the Doctors office.  I told them that I wanted to see my Doctor because I was un-happy with my visit with the mid-wife the day before.  I told them about the contractions since Sunday, my chest pain and about my cervical problems......I was told to come in immediately.  As soon as my Doctor saw me and I told her what was going on she sent me straight to the Hospital.

I was plugged up to a fetal monitor to keep track of my contractions.  (yeah....the ones that the mid-wife said I wasn't having)  Sure enough I was contracting.  Some nurses came in and put in an IV and they were trying to see if the fluids would stop my contractions.  NOPE!  They got stronger and more painful.  Around 4ish my doctor told me that I wasn't going home and the baby needed to come out. 

I was scared, nervous......but I couldn't wait to see my baby and hold him.  The IV that had been put in earlier that day needed to be removed and a larger one put in.  I have a lot of trouble with my veins and they had to use a child's size IV needle.  About 10 nurses were in my room and all of them were sticking me with needles and trying to get an IV in.  I'm bruised up pretty badly on both arms!!!!!  After about 45 minutes they finally were able to get in an adult sized IV needle and get me wheeled over to the OR.  I was given a spinal this time and not an epidural.  (thank goodness because it hurts a lot less!) 

Ramon was there in the room with me holding my hand.  He managed to snap a photo of little Raymond James right after he was delivered from my belly. 

I love my new little boy so much.  He completes our family.  I was so scared and un-sure during my entire pregnancy about having a fourth child.  I guess I was over-stepping my 'comfort zone'.  I was one of three children and to me it was normal to have three kids.  I just can't imagine life without my fourth little bundle now that he's here!

I'll be adding some more photo's today.....be sure to take a look!

[busybee68]

Feb. 9, 2009 at 11:08 AM

[i_heart_satc]

Feb. 9, 2009 at 8:45 PM

Your story brought tears to my eyes and is making me look more forward to my big day here in about three months.