Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Lil Jonah is Here!


Jonah Russell Woody was born January 18, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. He was 7 lbs 9 oz and 20 inches long.

Here is his birth story:

Saturday was my last day at work. After work I rushed home to make some mexican food for a fellowship the young adults were having that night. I was pretty tired already and my feet were pretty much done in for the day, but I had a good time at the fellowship. I had a few strange feeling twangs of pain in my lower abdomen that night while we were there. Jeremy and I left around 10 or so.

We got home and got settled in for the night. Jeremy fell asleep on the couch and I checked my email, etc. That whole time I was having contractions, but they weren't intense and I figured they would go away later. Well...off to bed we went and I was still having the pains every 10-15 minutes or so. I decided I would start writing down the frequency of them just for fun. I never went to sleep. They were getting harder and closer together. So I got out of bed and decided to finish packing up my hospital bag because I had read somewhere that if contractions go away when you get up and walk around then its false labor. They weren't going away, but I was still not believing it! I packed all my stuff and finally woke up Jeremy and told him to get his stuff together just in case they get worse and we have to go to the hospital. So he got up, packed, and took a shower.

We convinced ourselves around 3:30 am that it was time to head to the hospital and see if they kept us. We got there around 4:30 am and got checked into triage. They check out how dialated you are then you wait for an hour and see if you are progressing. I was a 1.5 and to me that was already some progression! This nurse told us the chance it was false labor was pretty good. So I was still not expecting to stay. More than an hour went by and finally she came back and suggested I walk around for 30 minutes before she checked me again. So I walked around and that seemed to do the job, because I was a 3. She then decided to admit me!

By the time I was at a 4 or so they sent in my epidural. It was great, at first. They started Petocin and I was at a 5.5 in no time. My epi wasn't being as effective for all of the pain by that time. I felt the downward pressure of every contraction. I hit a 7 in no time, but hung out there for awhile. Probably a good thing because it gave my two best friends, Natalie and Kristen, and my sister, Laura time to make it up here from Bryant. At one point, my petocin iv came undone and I slowed down for awhile. Then when it was back up and running we were on the road.

It seemed that I was dialating properly, but Jonah wouldnt drop low enough to deliver him. There was talk of a c-sect when this happened and Jonah's heart rate dropped a little. They stuck an oxygen mask on me, turned me on my side, and somehow Jonah turned enough to get his head engaged properly and we were ready to go.

The doctor had warned me that it would probably be a lot of pushing before he was here. My sis was in the delivery room with me and so was Jeremy of course. It was nice to have someone on each side of me cheering me on. So the three of us pushed this baby out in a little more than an hour. We had a waiting room full of people awaiting his arrival. So many friends and family stuck around all day, that the doctors and nurses kept coming in saying our crowd was growing.
Introducing Jonah! He is the new man in my life!
Here's a proud daddy!

Our new little family!

So many people have reached out to us this week and have sent us flowers, gifts and food. We have meals coming every day and Jonah is loved by so many. Natalie and Kristen went to my house the night after Jonah was born and cleaned our house from top to bottom and cooked us several meals to put in the freezer. I thank God for such close, nurturing, and fun girl friends. They are absolutely irreplaceable. It was so nice to come home to such a clean house. I didn't even want to bring our bags in to clutter it up any! What a load off! I had planned to finish the cleaning the few days I would have off of work before my due date. Jonah had different plans! He came the evening of my last day at work! I got my wish didn't I? I was able to go into labor on my own!

Jonah's first week of life has definitely had its ups and downs. Learning how to nurse him, change his insurmountable amount of dirty diapers, and figure out his sleep patterns has been and will continue to be a daily challenge...one that I wouldn't trade anything in this world for. Thanks to God for the love of family and good friends and for their supportive words and advice. I thank Him everyday for our miracle.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Adri & Jeremy!
He is so handsome! I've been checking your blog every day, and I look at Natalie's, Catherine's, and Kelly's. I am so happy for the three of you! I bet it's tough getting used to a crazy schedule, but totally worth it.

I'm still not 'there' yet, ready for kids, but I am warming up to the idea. A few years.
Lots of love,
and big kisses for Jonah!!
Kelli

Anonymous said...

aaah!! he is so stinkin cute! I am so glad that we got there to be with you! Everytime I see that pic of the 3 of you i tear up. what a great picture! I love you and am so happy that you have this new little man now! little boys steal their mommy's hearts from the moment they are born!

Jen said...

Yay!!! I was just thinking about you today and wondering if Jonah was here...I told Darren just tonight that I'm sure he must be here by now. I've also thought of you each time I try to get my bangs to stay out of my face! :) I am patiently letting them grow. They are finally starting to stay to the left. ha!

I can't wait to meet Jonah someday...I'll have to bring Caroline up again sometime after you get back to work. Do you know how long you're planning to take off...or are you just playing it by ear?

I hope you are getting some rest, or at least as much as possible!

Jessica said...

Lyndsey called me the day you delivered last week, so I have been anxiously awaiting pictures! : ) I'm so glad you went into labor on your own. You have a beautiful birth story and Jonah is just goreous. Isn't motherhood incredible?? Nursing is HARD work (and painful, if you ask me), but once you pass week two, it is cake.

Can't wait to meet him! You look great. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!! He is precious!

Kelly said...

Congratulations - he is precious!!!
We just missed each other - I had Harper 2 days before you!!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness Jonah is just beautiful. Getting into a schedule can be the hardest part. You will have to let the house & other things go till you get the hang of motherhood. But I'm sure you will do just fine. Motherhood can be very tireing so try to find the time for you too get the rest you need. Let me know if I can help you. I love the photo of the three you, so sweet. Congratulations on your beautiful baby. Karen Barnes

The "W" Family said...

THe picture of Jeremy kissing you is my favorite- so sweet! He is such a handsome little guy!