We are thrilled to announce that
Gordon Charles Kidder
Was born on November 4th, 2013
8lbs 15oz, 20.5in long
Contractions started at 3:15 on Sunday, the 3rd. They were different than the Braxton Hicks contractions I had been experiencing for the previous two weeks and remained about 6 minutes apart as I got up and began to do some chores around the house. "If this isn't labor, at least I'll start the week out on a good foot." I thought to myself as I folded three loads of laundry, put it away, decluttered, washed dishes, tidied and made the guest bed in the basement. I was afraid to hope that this was really labor and had told myself that the contractions were going to stop when I went to bed, like they had been doing.
So, chores were completed, house was tidied, kids fed and put to bed. As we sat down on the couch to watch TV, Brad and I looked at each other and he asked, "Well? Are we in labor?" "I have no idea!" I responded in a pretty exasperated tone. "Let's just continue with our evening, as usual, and if things continue, they continue." Well at 8:15 the contractions changed in intensity from light to "Ok, we're in labor." They weren't super consistent, but were coming anywhere from 3-7 minutes apart. We called Dad Kidder, who had offered to come and watch the kids when we needed to head to the hospital. He arrived at 11pm and we headed to the hospital - the contractions were coming to 2-5 minutes apart and we had no idea how far I had progressed (I had been at 2cm at my appointment three days earlier). My midwife had said we should head to the hospital when contractions had been less than 5 minutes apart for a few hours and Brad did not want to deliver the baby at home or in the car.
I was trying to keep my expectations low. Trying to not let myself hope that I'd be holding my son within 24 hours, but there was a part of me that thought, "This is my third baby! This has gotta move fast right?"
We arrived at the hospital, got signed in and were brought to a triage room. The nurse checked me, 1-2cm... wah wah wah... I was able to choke back the tears until after the nurse left the room, but I felt so deflated. Only 1cm?! What?! After walking the halls for two and a half hours, I had progressed to a "good 2cm." My midwife didn't want to admit me until I was at 4, I knew I would need to keep walking if I stayed, I was tired - it was 1:30am - and emotionally not prepared for labor. I knew I needed to try to sleep. So we headed home. I was embarrassed. I felt so dumb. I was exhausted.
Because Dad Kidder was sleeping in our bed we crashed in the guest bed (I was so thankful I had put the clean sheets on earlier!). I slept/dozed in between contractions and woke up at one point thinking, "I think things have changed." At about 5:30, Brad asked me how I was doing. "I'm ok - Definitely still in labor." I answered. After listening to me breathe loudly and moan through a few contractions, he said, "Things have changed - you didn't sound like this earlier. We're going to go back to the hospital."
(Brad was remembering labor with Lucy, I finally was able to sleep after 32 hours of labor and progressed from a 4 to an 8 in an hour)
They admitted us right away. I cried again when they told me I was at 7cm. I was so glad I was actually moving forward!
They called my midwife and she arrived, contractions continued, my water broke. I lost track of time and had to really focus through contractions. They were so intense. Brad was amazing. He was calm, held my hand, stood by me and helped me breathe through the pain. He kept eye contact with me during the really strong contractions and reassured me that I "could do this." Toward the end, I thought about Lucy reciting Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go." during the strongest contractions. The nurse came in and told me, that there was meconium when my water broke and so they were going to have a pediatrician in the room and would need to clean up the baby as soon as he was born." I really appreciated how she communicated with me, I had wanted to wait to cut the cord - but I was ok with not doing that anymore. They were going to make sure my son was ok and I was glad we were in good hands.
I really wanted to push, but was only at 9cm so they encouraged me to wait. It was hard, but with Brad's support, I was able to do it.
Gordon was born at 7:35am, after less than 10 minutes of pushing (I think it was less than 5, but Brad says it was closer to 10 - and because he was more aware of our surroundings, I trust him). He didn't have as much hair as Lucy and Michael but he had some! Brad cut the cord and they quickly took Gordon to the warming table to get him cleaned out. He had a really strong cry. It was difficult not to be close to him right after he was born, he felt so far away - even though I could easily see him and knew he was ok.
And then I got to hold my boy!!
He was/is beautiful and perfect. The Pediatrician told me as he handed him to me, "He's a big one! I bet he's 9lbs!" "No," I told him, "I don't have 9lb babies." Haha - they weighed him later and sure enough, he was 8lbs 15oz!! As you can see, I was emotional but so thankful. I couldn't believe labor was done and that he was here!
Gordon Charles,
We are so so so happy you are here! We can't believe how much we love you. You are truly a blessing and we are thankful, so thankful you are healthy and doing well.
xoxo,
Mommy and Daddy
