Birth story {baby J} 6|11|14

On October 6, 2013 I slowly glanced at the positive pregnancy test (in hopes that it would be negative) and about fainted. I had NO idea that the best day of my life had yet to come.

Fast forward 9 crazy, long, amazing months to the night of June 10, 2014. We had just finished eating dinner with my husband's family and I knew something wasn't normal with my body. I had a feeling the baby was getting close, but after leaving the doctors a few days prior with the news of no progression, I didn't want to get my hopes up. I for sure thought I was going to be one of the many who go a week past their due date! I informed my husband I wasn't feeling well and that I was going to go home and take a shower before bed. I also had a weird discharge early that day... but when I called they told me it was probably from being checked, so not to worry. While in the shower I started to notice the braxton hicks that I had my entire pregnancy were starting to get a little painful. Once again, I still didn't want to get my hopes up so I brushed it off and endured the pain. As I got ready for bed they continued to get worse. I have a high pain tolerance so when my husband saw me cringe every few minutes he knew how much pain I was in and pleaded that we go to the hospital. I told him I would see how the night went first because I wasn't convinced I was in labor. I lasted about 15 minutes before each contraction was so painful I was holding back tears. I finally gave in and agreed to go to the hospital (but of course I had to curl my hair and get ready first, duh. I wanted to look pleasant for our baby!) when we got to the hospital my contractions were so bad I could barely breath through them. When the doctor came and checked me I was devastated to hear I was only dilated to a 2! I about died. My options were to stay at the hospital and walk around for 2 hours to see if I would progress any or get a morphine shot for the pain and go home and sleep. It was midnight at this point, and sleep sounded so much better than walking around the hospital for 2 hours so I chose to get the shot and go home. Little did I know the entire night was going to be a living hell. We got back home and I tried laying down to go to sleep but exactly every 3 minutes a contraction would hit me and I would literally scream I was in so much pain. My husband insisted we go back to the hospital but I refused because I did not want to be sent home again. So instead i laid in bed crying and screaming every 3 minutes the whole night.

I survived the night (barely) and it was now 8 in the morning on June 11th. My contractions were worse than ever but I still refused to go back to the hospital. With how much pain I was in at this point, my husband stopped listening to me and pretty much forced me to get in the car and go to the hospital, which I'm so glad he did! I didn't even think I was going to make it to the hospital my contractions were so bad. Needless to say, that was the longest car ride of my life! And on top of that we were stuck in morning traffic. I don't think Taylor has ever driven so fast! We finally got there and while Taylor checked us in (again) I stood there crying through each contraction. They quickly pulled up a wheel chair and wheeled me back to a triage room. When they checked me again I was already almost to a 7! I was so relieved to hear I didn't have to go home, however, I was in so much pain I could barely take it. They got me settled in the delivery room and I could not wait for my epidural. I was then informed with the awful news that I was third in line for an epidural. I was so confused..No one ever told me there were waiting list for epidurals!? I always thought you got it right when you wanted it! I was planning on enjoying my labor, and instead waited almost 2 hours (and remember I was already dilated to a 7) for a stupid epidural! My poor husband and mom helped me through each contraction while I waited patiently (ha, yeah right). I was in so much pain that I started throwing up.. Which led to my water breaking. Remember how i curled my hair and tried getting ready so I looked decent for this special day?? Well, that went out the door quickly. I don't think I've ever cried so much my whole life, resulting in huge swollen eyes. I guess that's what I get for trying to look cute while having a baby!

The longest 2 hours of my life passed and I finally got the epidural. It was probably around 1 in the afternoon by now and my body was, at last, able to relax. It was so nice to be able to talk to visitors, take naps, and enjoy the rest of my labor. I was slowly progressing as the day passed. Luckily, I never had to get pitocin. Everything was going smoothly, until the baby's heart rate started dropping. They weren't too concerned but because it was dropping I had to be put on oxygen. Other than not getting my epidural right away and the baby's heart rate dropping my labor was a piece of cake! I was so relaxed I could have stayed there all night long. However, the nurse kept telling me to rest because the hardest part was right around the corner. I was getting nervous for the pushing part because I had heard from many how exhausting it was.

It was around 7 pm when the doctor came to check me and let us know it was baby time! I had so many emotions going on at this point. I was so excited to meet my baby but at the same time so nervous for the delivery. The doctor got everything set up, while the nurses taught me how to push. (Who knew pushing with no feeling from the waist down could be so hard!?) With my very first push the baby's head was already almost out. I was shocked! The doctor even let me feel his head. All it took were a few more pushes and 6 minutes later, I experienced the very best moment of my life. When I heard my little baby cry for the first time, time completely stopped. I knew I was going to love this baby, but I had no clue the amount of love I would have for my baby instantly. My heart was so full it could have burst. Everything in the room disappeared besides my baby boy. I couldn't tell you anything that was said or anything that was going on because all I could see and hear was my baby. I wish there were a way to bottle up all the emotions and feelings of that split second so that I could relive it over and over again. There really is nothing better in the world.

I didn't get to hold my baby right away because there was meconium in my water when it broke (the baby went to the bathroom before coming out) so a team of pediatricians took him to make sure he didn't swallow any. Luckily, he was breathing fine and was as healthy as ever. My husband then brought him over to me and laid him on my chest. That's when our amazing adventure started as a family of 3!

Jackson Taylor North born June 11, 2014 at 7:21 pm. Weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces. 19.5 inches long. Our lives have forever changed in the best way possible!

Warning: there are a TON of pictures... and it is a birth story so there are pics of me pushing and the baby coming out (but you don't see anything :))

ps A huge shot out to Emily who took all these unforgettable moments! If you are considering doing a birth story... DO IT! I am so glad I have these pictures to look back on! And use Emily she does amazing!