Thursday, May 29, 2008

In a haze

You know how in science class in Jr. High, you see those videos where they film a plant and replay it in fast forward so it looks like it grows from a seed to a flower in like one minute?

That is how I feel about Garrett.

It is like he is changing from second to second. Maybe it is because he is my last baby...yeah- I am 99.9% sure that we are going to have three children, and no more.

So I just want to hold on to every second.
Yes, the fat rolly polly stage that comes next is to-die for, but this little scrawny helpless stage is fleeting. Where they are just these totally helpless, dependant little sparrows who cling to you with every ounce of strength they have.
He is opening his eyes and focusing on contrast. And my home is not quiet when it comes to pattern, so the poor thing is practically overwhelmed with all there is to see! Granted, this beginning part is hard...I had really honestly forgotten how hard. I do not do well with a small amount of sleep, so thankfully Gavin has been able to take off work this week and run the house. I feel like a zombie half the time. I am starting to sweat, thinking of how I am going to cope when he returns to work. We'll make do...lots of take out and dustbunnies.

On another note- it must be a mom thing, that everyone wants to know the gory details of labor. Why is that? It is like stopping to look at an accident on the freeway...women can not help themselves. And the gorier the better!
Unfortunately, mine was pretty boring. I decided to get an epidural like the day I conceived.
I don't know what idiot said that you forget the pains of past childbirths, because I certainly had not. They were seared in to my brain with a hot iron. So the thought of doing a repeat of Man vs. Wild with a natural birth was NOT an option.

I wanted to be knocked unconscious...you get the picture. I wanted my water to break. Because then there are no ifs ands or buts- you are in labor. It had broken with Dalton but with Shelby it broke right as she came out of me and was kind of like a scene from Alien...ok I think that I am getting too graphic here. But how do I NOT, talking about giving birth??

With this labor I started having contractions around 10 p.m. My brother David came over to be with the kids. Gavin took me to the U of U hospital which is just a few minutes from our house. However, he drove like 12 miles an hour, like I was a Faberge egg, about to crack, so it seemed like it took an eternity.

Once there I was told I was at a 6. They checked me in. I got the epidural...and then my stinkin feet went numb. Gosh, that was SO annoying. That pins and needles feeling that you get when you sleep on your arm accidentally- yeah, had that for the next few hours! I made Gavin practically claw my feet off, just so I could feel them.

HOWEVER... I did NOT feel a 7 pound baby coming out of me, and that is worth a WEEK of numb feet! My Dr. decided to go on vacation for the Memorial Day weekend (the nerve of her, thinking that she gets to have a life, when one of her patients is near her due date!) so Garrett was delivered by a resident who looked to be about 16 years old, and a nurse who was beyond darling and had the best bedside manner ever!

I must say that I am now a HUGE fan of pain medication and am KICKING myself for having gone with out it on my first two kids. Oh well, better to go out on top! So, he was born at 5 a.m. I think I pushed about 5 times. And thankfully he had Gavin's perfectly round little head, so I am still "in one piece". I know, sorry- not much gore. If it makes you feel any better, Shelby had a huge noggin (like mine) and had her elbow up against her head (think of the way your arm is positioned when you are shaving your underarms) so it not only added a few centimeters to the diameter, but I felt the elbow and all with no epidural, tore, and like a true idiot- refused pain meds after.

Don't even get me started on Dalton...yikes! So as far as births go, it was about as smooth as it gets. I stayed in the hospital for the required 24 hours, and then got the heck out of there. Don't get me wrong- nice place, but SOOO annoying having people checking on you ALL the time, poking and prodding you. I just wanted to be home. After they came to visit us in the hospital, my mom took the kids to her ranch for the weekend so Gavin and I had the first few days with Garrett to ourselves.

The kids were so excited to see him when they got home. Dalton did ask why it still looked like there was a baby in my stomach (ugh- I HATE that after-pregnancy pooch.) So, aside from sleep deprivation and boobs that are the size of watermelons, life is pretty good.

7 comments:

Tera said...

It must be a mom thing. I love the hear (and give) all the gory details of labor and childbirth. I think it gives us all validation that it's okay that the deliveries of our children aren't these flowery beautiful moments with mood music in the background. There's pain, nudity, blood, screaming, and the occasional (or constant) stream of profanity. My last experience with childbirth definitely would get a MPAA rating of "R". Still, Garrett is beautiful.

Dan K Shaw said...

great blog, great pics. keep it coming I love having the ablity to see what is going on when I can't be there. Your family is the best, love you.

ECS said...

Garrett is beautiful! I'm so glad to hear everything went well. Can't wait to meet the little guy!

Love,

Elisabeth

karen said...

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask you the other day how nursing was going, speaking of watermelons. That can be your next post...

Kristen said...

I always did think you were literally nuts going all natural. Even when you told me, "Oh Kris, you could totally do it, it's not that bad, honestly it's like our monthly cramps." Ya.....I never did buy that version of the story! In fact, if I could get an epidural for my cramps I would!

The Jones' said...

I am so excited for you guys, what a cute little guy. Love your blog and can not wait to see this little guy in person. We miss you here in Bean town and wish you would find yourself moving back soon. Hope things are well, best of luck with three....I will probably need to call you for advice.

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine labor & delivery without an epidural. They are heaven : ) Loved hearing about your birthing story, too!!

xoxo
morgan