Trenton's Birthday

Here are some pictures from February 28th, 2006. This is actually the day after Trenton was born, as he came into the world at 9:18 PM on the 27th.

Quick labor story:

- Trenton was 8 days late (due on Feb. 19th, according to the doctor's calculations)

- Contractions started mid-morning, but were not incredibly painful. Jim and I walked around the block, went to Barnes & Noble, and then he dropped me off at my prenatal aerobic swim class at 5:50 PM.

- At around 6:10, I felt my water break while I was in the pool. After getting out of the water, I could time my contractions (a minute or two apart?) using the big clock above the pool, intended for the swimmers! My instructor called Jim, and he arrived soon after to drive us home.

- I labored in the shower for about an hour. Jim was on the phone with the midwives after that (told him to call back when it 'got worse'). I was screaming through contractions, and it was pretty darn exhausting. Jim calls back to say we are on our way at about 8:30.

- The drive to Carle Foundation Hospital was literally two roads away (about 5 miles). Jim cuts the one corner by driving through a gas station. I reprimand him, but secretly wish he'd run the red light as I sit through two contractions!

- Upon arriving at the ER, they actually make me do a mini-check in. I continue screaming/moaning through contractions, and even grip the shoulders of a young nurse as we go up the elevator. As the doors open, I see a class of expectant parents watching me with wide eyes! Little do they know what they are in for!

- Once in the labor/delivery room, we remind the nurses that we'd like a water birth. I'm strapped down to the table (painful!) and hooked up to a fetal monitor. They measure-- I'm 6-7 centimeters! I'm only allowed ice chips (why!?) and then I tell the midwife I have to use the bathroom. She says I cannot until I am checked again.... messy results.... and next thing you know, I've gotta push. Pool idea is out (although it was all set up and waiting outside the door)

- Pushed for 18 mintues. Required oxygen, as it was difficult to breathe when not pushing. Jim was a trooper-- I must have killed his hand with my squeezes! The midwife (Jennifer Klein) used a lot of oil on Trenton's head, and he slid out with ease. I believe that they called me "Wonderwoman"....

- Trenton scored very high on his Apgar Test... I believe it was a 9! He immediately began looking at his mommy and daddy, and nursed like a champ.

- It was after all that, as we cradled our son in our arms, that we were asked the admission questions! We were told that they usually have time to do that before the baby comes. Not in our case!

Okay, so that wasn't a quick labor story. But it is one of those things that, if you don't write it down, it will escape your mind one day. And I don't want that to happen. It was such a neat experience. Thankfully, it was a safe and fullfilling labor for me and for my son. It was unlike anything I've ever done, and I'm proud to say that I did it!