We have been wanting to go since Simon and Mary Lou moved....and the months kept going by.
I didn't know when we'd ever get to go after our baby was born, so we decided to make the trip before. The children were so excited to finally be planning to go to see their cousins.
We left on Valentine's Day, and had a really good trip, arriving in the middle of the afternoon.
I was glad that traveling didn't seem to bring on contractions....the due date was exactly two weeks away. I drank alot of water and we stopped many times, too of course.
The trip there didn't seem that long, but I told some people that the trip home will probably seem much longer! Little did I know how true that would be!!
We had a wonderful weekend, just being there, but also doing lots of fun activities, some of which I just watched! Believe me, it was enough exercise for me to get children bundled up for skating and sledding ect. That picture of Jason with his skates I took as a joke. He had just finished getting his skates on...then realized that he'd missed getting his one leg in his snow pants. It really struck me as very funny! After a great weekend we planned to leave Monday morning, after a trip to a pretzel factory. But after waking at 5:00 and feeling very crampy contractions, I started to feel anxious. While every one slept I packed up a lot of things and started loading the subburban. I couldn't believe it was starting....the last day of our trip....now 10 days from the due date. What should we plan to do-stay or head home!? We had breakfast together, but I told Mary Lou that we think we'll skip the pretzel factory plans, and maybe head home before we really don't know what to do! The little bit of time we spent praying and singing together was important to me. And a very special last few memories before we said goodby.
I will have to finish this story later....within the next day, I promise! Every one is getting in the car for a little trip to town.....
This is Sunday morning, and I am here with the two youngest while Jason went to church with the 4 oldest! The babies are both napping now, and I could be too. But I remember making a promise....
Traveling felt like such a relief compared to walking around! We decided it would be good, though to take something my midwife suggested to try to help stop the labor.....so we stopped several places, trying to find the stuff! And wasting time- it was something I'd forgotten to purchase before our trip.
If I would've had it, I could've tried taking it earlier. Anyway it didn't seem to make any difference, unless it did actually slow things down some. I felt pretty good, but I stayed as still as possible,not even turning around much to help the children find toys ect. I hardly knew what the girls were doing in the back seat. Not fighting at least- I think they were busy writing pictures and notes for Natasha. :)
Any time I had to get out and walk I had more contractions. At one stop we got out the sandwiches for lunch. I wasn't sure I wanted anything to eat...(not a good sign) next thing I know, there isn't any left! Who cares about food anyway!? When we had about 4 hours left (Jason and I kept watching that GPS- and it kept warning about delays ahead!) I could tell that Jason wanted to be home so badly. Every time we had to stop, it took so long, and the minutes kept ticking by! I felt at that point that if things didn't change too much, we'd get home IN TIME. We just have to!! Eric and Venesa had fallen asleep for their naps, and Jason finally explained to Ryan why we are not listening to Ranger Bill stories right now! When the girls heard that the baby was maybe coming soon, Ciara said "Oh, you mean like how I was born in the car!?" Her parents looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "Yes that is why we are in a hurry to get home." Well, things did change.
I started to realize that there was less than ten minutes between that crampy pressure - I still hadn't really felt any usual contractions, as far as the kind that start deep inside and wrap around till you feel it all around your belly. I did mention to Jason that maybe I skipped that part!? Very soon we were thinking that if we don't stop and look for a motel, we could have a car birth. That was so unthinkable!! I suddenly wanted a room so bad! Jason saw an exit coming up and also a sign that said next one was in twenty miles. Thank God he took that first one! We pulled into a motel parking lot and Jason went in by himself to get a room. He simply asked for a room on the first floor, close to the exit. The lady didn't ask any questions! My contractions (now I am having some "real" ones- every two minutes, and I feel like my water could break any minute.) were close together, and I was dealing with them with deep and loud breathing. From the back seat... Jennika asked, "Mom, are you trying that?!" I could've laughed, but I wasn't even able to answer her. It really didn't seem that long till Jason jumped in and pulled the suburban around to a back door and helped me into the room. What a great relief to be somewhere private. I filled the bath tub, and Jason had time to bring all the children into the room, and the birth kit (which was along for the rare possibility that our baby would come when we were on our trip!) He gave Ryan the TV remote and showed him how to change channels. (which they spent the whole time doing- trying to find something interesting to watch!)
I think they all agree that TV is boring! My water broke and I actually had a short time of relaxing in the water before I felt the need to push. Then, yes it is the head coming, and no, the cord isn't around the neck, and finally, the shoulders didn't get stuck, and thank God, the baby let out a yell as soon as he was lifted out of the water! It is a boy, like the ultra sound appeared to be. And one of the first things I noticed was the dimple in his chin. My 3 boys have that, just like their mom. :) How special is that? The girls chins are more rounded, like Jason's.
The children heard that first cry from the other side of the door, so soon after I covered up with a towel and let them come in one at a time to see their new brother. Then sent them back out..... we know why midwives like to have an assistant...there is so much to do, not to mention eventually letting our families know about the new baby! Soon, there is knocking at the door..."I have to go
potty." Oh yes, this is the room with the toilet.... and then..."Can Venesa come in there? She is not being happy for us!" (Interrupted nap)
We figured we were in the room 20 minutes before Bradyn was born. Not much time to spare, but enough time to be prepared. Bath tub was not as big as my own at home...but it had warm water!
I looked at my wonderful husband and said I was sorry to put him though this again... he has now caught 3 of our 6 children. There is no one I'd rather have at my births, though. I wouldn't want to go though it with out him.
We stayed at the motel that night. We had two big comfy beds, each one had 4 pillows, so we had plenty. The older children were disappointed to stay there instead of Grandma's house- but we were still 3 hours from home. No way did I want to travel when we had a bed right there to sleep in!
Sorry guys, but I am not going anywhere tonight! Jason took them all to Taco Bell for supper, then we all went to bed early, sleeping in our clothes and skipping brushing teeth!
Getting home the next day and having everyone get a bath felt so good!
I had told some one that the worst time for me to go in labor would be when we get back from our trip before I have a chance to do ALL that laundry! That was what faced Jason and the children when we got back! Unloading the vehicle and starting the mountain of laundry. Jessalin came over that evening and stayed the night. We've been so blessed with meals. I am so overwhelmed that friends and family have gone to so much effort to make sure we have some easy meals. What a huge gift that is!!!!! This weekend would've been my pick for my baby to be born. But to think of the labor still ahead of me!? Oh, I am so glad he is here and I am now kissing his sweet dark head, compared to feeling those tiny hiccups. How I treasure these first few day with my new son.
The beginning of our trip to NY
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| A cold field trip to Sackets Harbor |
Ice skating was lots of fun
Jennika's dream, riding horse.
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| Our little boy is here, thank God for a safe delivery! |
My sweet little girl who is now big sister
Ryan and Eric are so pleased to have a brother!
So glad there was room in the Inn
The little guy thinks it all rather amusing.
We had a fun trip to NY but it's so good to be home!
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