Just like any birth story, it's kind of long :)
When Rick & I decided it was about time to think about having baby #2, we joked that we were aiming for 12.12.12 (side note: we've also joked that for baby #3 we are aiming for the next leap day). We didn't think it would really be a possibility. So, when we found out our due date (Dec. 19), and I talked to my midwife about the possibility of inducing me on 12.12.12, we were pretty excited. I have heard people on both sides of the fence about inductions, so I wasn't 100% sure if I would do it, but I eventually decided to go for it. Paige was 1 day under 2 weeks early, so my midwife said there was a pretty good chance I wouldn't last that long anyway.
I forget exactly how far along I was, but I remember my contractions started back in July. Any time I did anything remotely physical (even just going for a walk), I would contract like crazy. I did my best to take it as easy as possible to try to keep this baby in & to try to keep as comfortable as possible. Sometime around 30 weeks I was contracting every 5 minutes. For some reason, I wasn't worried, but followed instructions from my midwife & went into labor & delivery. They ended up giving me a shot to stop my contractions. Then, about 4 weeks later, the same thing happened, so they gave me another shot.
Because of all of these contractions, it was hard not to think I would probably have this baby early, like I did Paige. So, I was a little surprised that I didn't have her sooner. At my last dr appt, I was dilated to a 4 & 75% effaced. I was thrilled! I knew that that could mean anything, but I was just excited to be making progress & to have the end in sight.
On Monday, Dec. 10, I got several texts from friends & family checking in on me to see how I was feeling. I replied to them that I was feeling very 'normal'. That night, around 7:30, I started to feel a little funny & was having contractions about every 15 or 20 min apt and they were slowly getting more intense. I updated Rick about it, but this wasn't anything all that new for me this pregnancy, so we just waited. Rick put Paige down for bed that night & shortly after I decided this was the real thing.
We called Rick's sister to sleep over since we had already put Paige to sleep & kept timing contractions. My contractions this time were so weird. They would be regular & getting more intense, but then if I got up, they would stop, or get less intense for about an hour. Sheesh. I was getting so frustrated. I got maybe 45 minutes of sleep (which I was so grateful for), then I called Rick into the front room where I was 'resting' (yeah right...). I told him I was just so ready to be done & that he needed to pray that this would really happen. Right then, the contractions hit me, and they hit me HARD. They still weren't regular, but within minutes Rick suggested we go in. I didn't know what to do since they weren't regular, but then I had another contraction & I couldn't help but give in. They were so bad I couldn't take it anymore.
We got to the hospital a little after 4:30am. When we got there I was dilated to a 6. I
One hour later I was dilated to 8, then one more hour later it was time to push. I was lucky enough to have my mom & Rick's mom in the room with us (it was perfect timing for both of them, thankfully). It was really neat to be able to share that with them.
I only pushed through 3 contractions & everyone in the room cried a little bit (even my midwife!). It was perfect, and so was my baby. My dad waited in the waiting room & was surprised at how quickly everything happened. He even teared up when he came in after & saw her. That was something I'll never forget.
Lindsey Nichole Brunson was born 12.11.12 at 7:51am. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz (exactly 2 lbs bigger than Paige was... that was a surprise!) & was 19 inches long. She has a little bit of brown hair (that was a surprise too!) & Paige's perfect lips. We cant quite decide who she looks like yet.
Although we shook up her routine, Paige has loved Lindsey. She's
adjusting to the changes, but being a really big help, even without me
asking for it usually. She likes to help change the diapers, put them in the trash &
help with the binkies.
I forgot how much fun having a newborn is. I have to remind myself to put her down sometimes, she just feels so good in my arms. She's nursing well (I was more nervous about nursing this time than I was delivery), and besides the pain (oye!), I'm actually enjoying it. Paige for sure never latched on, because it never hurt with her. With Paige we worked for 6 weeks, even with a lactation specialist, and it just never worked (now we are realizing it might be part of her apraxia), until I finally dried up. Although, I was glad that I somehow was able to 'nurse' Paige for that long, it was a struggle, every feeding for 6 long weeks.
I had awesome nurses who took good care of me & I drank lots of St. Mark's coctails (I've been talking about them ever since I had Paige). I am one who actually likes staying in the hospital, but I was surprised at how good it felt to get home. Lindsey has been so much fun for everyone & recovery for me has been much better than I anticipated. I would say I'm about 95% back to normal, and have been since maybe day 2 of being home.
We have had so many of our friends & family check on us & helping us. Everyone has been so sweet, we are so blessed to have such great people in our life!
Lindsey may have come one day before her cool induction date, but I can't complain. I was excited to meet her & it has been so fun ever since!
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