Hello friends and family. While I wanted to share Joseph’s birth story with you, I also wanted to write (or type) all the details down before I forgot them. I am a little sleep-deprived as you can imagine, and have had trouble putting complete sentences together. So, I’ve taken some spare moments I’ve had over the last several days to put together this post. {If you are a parent of a newborn (and especially if you have another child), you understand that spare moments are few and far between.} I have even typed while nursing the baby. Last night I had it almost completely written when our Internet went down and somehow, even with auto save, I lost half the post. This is a long read, so settle in.
Throughout my pregnancy, this baby was in the 97 percentile. At each ultrasound, we were amazed at how big he was. At 36 weeks, he weighed 7lbs 12oz, and the doctor told us he wanted to induce at 38 weeks. If I were to wait until 40 weeks, or whenever I went into labor, I could very well have a ten-pound baby. He was concerned about me delivering a baby that big. While I had wanted to go into labor naturally, I agreed and was also concerned about the baby’s size. {Living an hour and a half away was another factor.} We decided on April 18, putting me at 38 weeks, 4 days. It was very interesting timing as it was Monday of Holy Week – Joe’s busiest week of the year.
April 18 – Monday
6:00am – checked in the hospital. This time we didn’t have to check in the night before and start the induction process with Cytotec (like Cervidil) like we did with Hannah. We were very thankful for that. {Last time, the med was enough to start my labor and I had painful contractions all night long and didn’t sleep a wink. They also gave me too many fluids through the night causing me complications as labor progressed.}
We were in our room within 20 minutes. I got a gown immediately, but then it was a waiting game. I was ready to get the show on the road. Naturally, we turned on ESPN and watched Mike and Mike… Here I am – last belly picture.
7:15am – Started the IV.
7:45am – Started the Pitocin. From there, the nurse went up 2mu every 30 minutes.
Very happy and relieved parents of a beautiful, healthy boy.
…and 21 1/4″ long.
Holding our son!
She did like the Elmo we gave her though!
We attempted another family photo.
That’s the best we got. Hey, three of us are looking at the camera. That’s something.
Will and Crystal with Joseph. Cute.
Wednesday came and we were very excited about going home. Having spent 4 nights in the hospital with Hannah, being discharged not 48 hours after Joseph’s birth was yet another blessing. We were very eager to get home, get settled, and have Hannah with us.
Transport arrived and we were on our way!
God has blessed us with two healthy children. We are overflowing with love for them and for our Lord who continually shows us His love, mercy, and grace.
Keri Sullivan Ninness says
Oh beautiful girl! This post melted my heart. The photo of Joe holding Hannah, sleeping in the nape of his neck is so beautiful. And it is simply WRONG how gorgeous you look. Feel free to share your makeup choices 🙂 Congratulations. You have created another little being who will make such a beautiful imprint on the world. You are making me have baby fever!! Prayers sent your way for joy-filled days and sleep-filled nights!
Cassie Butt Beckwith says
Lindsey, I am so happy for you guys and I am sure Hannah will be a great big sister. I know it must be hard having a new baby around for all of you and I wish we were in Jesup and I would deliver you some food and some babysitting. Until then, I will say a prayer for you guys and hope to see Joseph soon!
Melanie Brooks says
Just need to clarify two things that my modest daughter will never admit –
1. The "terrible pain" during labor was "so bad" that she talked through most of her contractions when others (including her mother and mother-in-law) would have been screaming. She is an absolute trooper at this labor thing.
2. Sweet Hannah is so secure in the love she feels from her parents that she has accommodated well the "stress" of sharing the spotlight and now refers to Joseph as her baby. She fake whimpers when he cries and proudly stands over his day bed while they are changing his diapers. She is also completely trained to clean her hands before touching him and even understands where his milk comes from. Good parents have good kids.
So proud of all of them and so happy for healthy babies – the beautiful part is just icing on the cake.