Tuesday, December 9, 2008

He's here!

Sunday night (Monday morning, technically) I woke up at 2 a.m. with a terrible backache that would come and go. Zach kindly pointed out that my backache was coming and going exactly every five minutes. Then every four. After a couple hours he convinced me that I was in labor. We called the hospital and they proved him right even though I'm not due until the 21st. I didn't want to show up at the hospital too soon out of fear of being sent home so I hung out at the house as long as possible. I took a bath, and then between contractions, rummaged through the boxes of still-unpacked baby clothes and blankets, frantically trying to find his newborn-size clothes and some sheets that we could wash so we could put them on his crib (I had big plans to wash everything and put it away after my Monday evening pedicure with my friend Joelle. Lesson here: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.)

We arrived at the hospital at about 5:30. I was quickly put into a birthing room and examined, they told me I was already measuring a 6.5 (if you're not familiar with childbirth terminology, just know that this means things were quickly moving along). After getting an epidural about an hour later when I was at a 7.5, I was still in a lot of pain since for some reason it didn't work on me. The doctor removed it, put in another and I was then about a 9. Let's just say I was glad that I didn't doze off during the relaxation breathing techniques section of my birthing class. It really helped and I was able to get through the intense pain OK (more or less).

Everything had happened so quickly that by a little before 9 a.m. it was soon time for the baby to make his grand debut. And then things slowed down. After a little more than 3 hours of pushing he was here! And it was wonderful. And totally worth the pain. In fact, although it's only been a day since the event I don't even really remember that part of it. The combination of adrenalin and epidural is a beautiful thing.

Meet Anthony Jon:



Our 7 lbs., 5 oz. little conehead (being stuck for three hours will do that to you)


He already had quite a fan club waiting for him, both sets of grandparents and his Aunt Amie were able to greet him just a few minutes after his birth.


Proud grandmas


Aunt Amie and Uncle Derek

His dad is a shoe-in for Dad of the Year. Anthony is pretty much glued to Zach, who has been the #1 diaper changer/baby comforter/bath-giver. Z was the perfect birthing coach and cheerleader.

First bath. Notice the four smiling grandparents in the window.



Mom & Anthony

We enjoyed our first day as a family cuddled up in our hospital room with snow falling outside. It was perfect.


.

21 comments:

Justin and Jill said...

Oh Miranda, he is so sweet! I am so happy for you guys. What a wonderful story--and great job to you! Call me if you need anything or just want to chat.

Marcae said...

Congratulations! Little Anthony (Mirando) is as handsome as can be. I am so glad it was such a wonderful experience for you. What a wonder woman you are. I can't wait to meet the little guy.

And by the way, the pictures of the grandparents are priceless. Sure love ya!

emmy said...

Oh we are so happy and are already planning all the yummy food we can bring you for dinner.

Anthony is adorable! Congrats to both mom and dad. Can't wait to meet the little man in person.

Stay cozy.

Cichelli said...

Is it embarrassing that I'm crying a little reading this? I couldn't be more excited for you guys. It's crazy knowing just what you're getting into as a new parent... I wish I could explain to you how much your life is going to change, but how much better it's going to be than you ever could have imagined. Kids (a-hem, BOYS) are the best.

Congratulations friend. Please let me know when I can return the babysitting favors. I owe you from years ago!

mandorama said...

Hey, Mama! Congratulations to the New Parents on the Block! What a beautiful lil' bebe you've got there. Get your rest and we'll catch up later, Missy. Everyone at work is so happy for you!

Amanda said...

I just saw on facebook that you had your baby and was hoping that you posted pictures! He is so adorable! (We all knew he would be.) Can't wait for more pictures.

Kathee said...

Congratulations!!! What a wonderful little family. Tell Zack congrats too. He is beautiful and good job on the 3 hours of pushing - YOU are a rockstar!!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing little family! We are so happy for you and can't wait to meet the little guy!
xoxo
Charity and T

Daybreaking Dickersons said...

I'm so excited for you guys. It's crazy how much you can love the little man huh? Good job to the NPOTB.

Teri said...

You're my hero, Miranda. Congratulations on growing such a beautiful baby! I am so happy for both you and Zack! I cannot wait to meet him!

Love ya,
Teri

The Hawkins Gang said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! He is gorgeous Miranda... I'm glad everything went so well for you!

Shemri and Gang said...

Hi Miranda, Hope you remember me, but I stalk your blog from time to time and you are still hilarious! Congrats on the beautiful baby he is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

He is so sweet! I can't wait for our little babies to meet - Natalie was very excited when I told her about Anthony.
Let me know when you are ready for a pedicure - and when you are up for visitors and if you need help washing baby clothes.
Joelle

Jenn said...

Oh! Look at those perfect little lips! He really is adorable and I can't wait to see more pictures as he grows out of that freshly born look in the next few days!

The Miller Family said...

He is such a cutie! It is so wonderful that you have so much family support! Not to mention all of your wonderful friends! I really hope we can see you all before the baby grows up. I hope labor was better than you had imagined it to be...

We love you guys!

Nelson said...

I am already in love with him. Can't wait to officially meet him!
Life has instantly changed. For the better.

Elisa said...

Congratulations Miranda! He is beautiful, Christmas will never be the same!

Advice from Ordinary People Flourishing Together said...

Yeah, that is so exciting. Congratulations. He is beautiful and I bet that Zach is really a great dad! He has such a fun personality. I am so happy for you guys.

Jamie said...

AAAAAAAHHHH!!! Yeah! He is beautiful, I want to squeeze his cheeks off! Is that normal?! I'm so happy for you guys, what an amazing blessing. You guys deserve it, enjoy!!

Allen Family said...

So I'm a bit behind but Katie just shared the news last night. Big time congrats! He's fabulous!

And a comment on your preggers photoshoot: so FREAKING jealous! not that u did a shoot, but how amazingly cute u look.

Grandma said...

Dear Miranda and Zach,

Anthony is so beautiful he brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations to all of you.....and congratulations to me for getting your name right this time. Love, Katie