Paxtons Birth - July 14th 2011

It all started July 13th - I had this overwelming burst of energy... I went swimming at our neighborhood pool and took our dog Lieba on a long walk, hoping to jumpstart labor :) I was up ALL night... literally cried because I was so tired but not sleepy... I should have known...

I woke up the next morning (the 14th - my due date) at around 6:15 to warm, wet pants (ew) .  I turned to Matthew and said "Hey, I think my pants are wet" (What!?!) Matthew responds "well, you think they're wet or they're wet...?" They were definitely wet... so... I proceed to go to the bathroom and continue to leak the entire walk (ew again).  I called the hospital and they told me I definitely needed to come in but to take my time, relax and come in when I was ready.  We immediately called my parents and they began their preparations for helping us out... we had Junior to worry about and get down to Gulf Coast Animal hospital.  I took a shower, shaved my legs, and took my time... even though I really just couldnt wait to have sweet Pax man in my arms :)  

We got to the hospital around 10:00 and by 11:50.. I was in my hospital room and pitocin had begun :) 

I was a trooper for about 3 hours... sat on the birthing ball... worked through contractions, but, my labor was progressing fast and so were my contractions so at 3pm and 3 cm, I got an epidural.  OMG - best decision ever.  If you birthed naturally good for you, but as for me and myself - an epidural was created for a reason and Praise God it exists.  

We had so much support at the hospital, it was amazing.  We felt so loved and supported all day long and I am so grateful for that. We have the best family ever!!  

By 7pm I was 8 cm and the nurses told me to try and get some sleep... they thought it might be a while still.  So, I proceeded to take a nap and relax.  At around 8:30pm I felt pressure and inisisted the nurses check me eventhough they were planning on waiting until 9:30 ... they did check me though and wouldn't you know... it was time to push! WOw... I went from being dead asleep to "Lets have a baby!".  

The nurse encouraged me to do some practice pushing before the doctor arrived so I got ready and literally after 2 seconds she screamed for me to stop... he was coming out! We grabbed a mirror and checked it out... wild... he was literally right there... I could touch his hair :)

Dr. Westmoreland arrived at around 9... and after prepping and everything I really started pushing at 9:19pm.  Two contractions, 3 pushes, and 6 minutes later I had my sweet baby boy in my arms.  What a flood of emotions... it was amazing... He stayed on my chest for a long while which was really special and a time I will never forget! Matthew was amazing and such a great support system to me throughout the entire day.  He made me feel confident and calm and special... I love him so dearly and watching him become a daddy was so beautiful. 

Paxton Lawrence Reibenstein was born at 9:25 pm... 6 lbs 13 oz... and 21 inches long....

We went home on Saturday around 1pm and at that time it felt like our new life had really begun! I had an amazing pregnancy... I had a great labor and delivery and knew that my new life with new family was going to be so blessed and wonderful!

Until Next time... lots of love!