Birth Story

I don't know when it happened exactly, but recently Little Man has turned into this light sleeper that wakes up every time he falls asleep on someone and needs to be put down. Now that he's finally down for a nap, I can find a few minutes to write. I hope?! ....
Anyway, for those of you who are curious, here's how Ransom's birth story goes. His due date was on April 13th, buuuuut this being my first pregnancy, we were expecting him to be plenty late. So April 13th came and went, but real labor started that Saturday, the 16th. Joel was convinced this was the real thing, but I wasn't. Actually, hours of labor passed before I
was convinced our baby was really coming that night!
Joel was an incredible help, and we really had the best birth team ever. Some of the things my midwife had me do surprised me. She let me know early on that I COULD try to make myself as comfortable as possible through the contractions, and be in labor for a week, OR we could get things moving. Well, the thought of experiencing labor for any longer than necessary didn't exactly appeal, so we chose to get things moving. More intense in a way, doing lunges while someone pushes in and down on your hips in the middle of contractions does not feel nice, I'm just saying! But it sure helped get Ransom going, so we were grateful!

There were soooo many times where it felt like he wasn't really coming. I didn't actually think I could do it. But the worst part wasn't the pain so much as the strong desire to stop everything long enough to go back to bed for awhile (I would have gotten back to it, I promise!). But of course, that couldn't happen, so I got some sleep between contractions. Not the best, but better than none! It was wonderful having my mom and mother-in-law there. My mom was able to come in and encourage me when I needed it most, and both were able to see him immediately after he was born! So after 14 1/2 hours of labor, 2 1/2 or so of that time being pushing, Baby finally made his appearance. I don't think I will ever forget pulling Ransom up out of the water, and seeing his beautiful eyes looking right into mine. He was so perfect!

Many of you know this already, but Joel and I chose to have a home birth. Worked well for me! No in and out of the birthing pool when baby was about to crown, and no 25 minute drive the hospital over bumpy Detroit roads in the middle of heavy contractions. I got to be in my own bed right away, so yeah; I really couldn't lose with this option! Oh and by the way, I'm convinced that water birth is the best thing ever. Couldn't imagine having done it any other way!
Thank you so much to all who were praying for this birth! Ransom Christian was born perfectly healthy, weighing 9 lbs 8 oz, and 23 3/4 inches long, at 9:07 in the morning of Sunday, April 17th. He is a sweetheart, and very expressive. Joel and I are going to have our hands full, he has the irresistible smile, the way-too-cute poochy-lip, and the grumpy look to use to his advantage in the future. He will definitely keep us on our toes!