Nixon's birth story

I was more than surprised when I started having contractions Sunday (4/27/14) morning at 3:00. I wasn't sure what was going on, but it quickly dawned on me what was happening. I decided to download an app to track the contractions. There weren't too strong, and were about 5-6 minutes apart.

I called the doctor around 5:00am or so to see if we should come in or not. They told me to wait until they were a bit stronger and about 3-4 minutes apart. I tried to get some sleep, but that didn't work out too well. The contractions continued without change, other than they were getting stronger. I called the hospital again around 12:00pm and told them the situation. They told me that I should come in and they would check me out. Ethan and I gave each other a look that basically said, "Oh my word, this is really happening." We went around the house trying to pack a hospital bag. We were planning on a couple more weeks to prepare, so we weren't as prepared as we should have been! We got the bags packed and we were off to the hospital.

When I got to the hospital, they took me to an evaluation room. They checked me, and I was dilated to a 2. They were slightly concerned because I had an elevated blood pressure (I was having contractions at two weeks early, wouldn't that increase blood pressure slightly?) and I had protein in my urine, which are potential signs of preeclampsia. They had me chug a couple glasses of water to see if that would help, and low and behold, no preeclampsia for me!

They checked me again around 3:00pm or so and I was dilated to a 3, so they admitted me. I was still having the contractions, but they were still bearable.

The hospital rooms were absolutely amazing! They have them set up to labor, deliver, and recover all in one room and they had such an awesome view!

They broke my water around 5:00pm. I wasn't long after that they started getting extremely uncomfortable and it was time for my epidural! I was slightly concerned at the pain of the shot, but honestly, that was probably the least painful thing I had been through the whole day! I was able to get some rest for the first couple hours of the epidural. Ethan was able to go get some dinner (while I ate ice chips), and I was enjoying life.

It wasn't until about midnight that my epidural started wearing off a bit. They didn't want to up my dosage again, because they didn't want it to affect my ability to push. I was in so much pain, but I still wasn't ready to push. That was the first time I felt like no longer going through with it (not that that was an option, let's be honest). The nurse had me push a few times to try and prep me and relieve some of the pressure I was feeling. Side note* I never thought I'd be that person, but I totally threw up as well. I don't know if it was the pain, the lack of food or a combination of both but it was awful. I was also a lot more vocal than I ever expected to be. Granted, the girl down the hall was way louder, but I was totally embarrassed!* I had pushed for about 20 minutes (most painful thing ever!!!) and then my doctor came in.

 I pushed for about 10 more minutes until the greatest joy of our lives arrived!

There is a reason people don't even try to explain the pain and joy and every other emotion you feel during childbirth, and that's because unless you actually experience it, you'll never be able to comprehend it.

They had to take him quickly after he was out, because he had some fluid in his lungs that they needed to get out. But everything was perfectly fine and we had our perfect 8 lb 4 oz baby weighed, measured and all cleaned off, ready to be loved and adored by his parents.

Our first family picture. Don't mind my face, I had been awake almost 24 hours and hadn't eaten in 14 hours. Oh, and I had just gone through childbirth. No big deal. Ethan was so sweet. After the birth, he went out to get me some food. He brought me back a double cheeseburger and strawberry banana smoothie from McDonald's. Not going to lie, I don't think food has ever tasted that good!!

Ethan was so amazing during the whole day. Poor guy, he didn't think we'd actually be admitted so he only brought an extra t-shirt, toothbrush/toothpaste and deodorant. I love the way he adores Nixon and I can see the love that he has for both of us.

 The most perfect face I've ever seen.

Both Ethan and I were exhausted after everything, so we took some naps and cuddled with our boy. 

I felt so bad because the hospital had to go off of my drivers license for my last name. I didn't want to have a get a new one back in Idaho, so I was just putting it off until it expired this year, so everything said Baby Oxnam, and had me as Kaytlin Oxnam on all of their records. Oh well I suppose. At least Ethan knows who we really are!

Even though I went in on Sunday afternoon, because I didn't have him until Monday morning, we were able to stay in the hospital until Wednesday. It was so nice to have that time together as our little family. We had a couple visitors from Ethan's work and Ethan's great aunt and uncle came as well, but for the most part, it was just our family (and all of the nurses that came and checked everything). The staff was absolutely amazing, and I'm thankful for all of their help in continually making sure everything was going as it should. 

I mentioned it before, and I'll say it again. We are so in love with this boy of ours and I can't imagine our lives without him! Welcome Nixon, we love you more than you could ever know!