River Arrives

As I've told everyone and anyone who'd listen over the last 10 years ... I don't go into labor, I don't dilate, my water doesn't break, etc. so there's no worry about me having a baby before the scheduled c-section ... no worry at all.

Hah!!!! Famous last words.

272 010Saturday I spent most of the day having very irregular contractions, nothing major but somewhat uncomfortable. They stopped and I was able to sleep most of the night, waking to more on Sunday at 7:00 am. The contractions were every 5 minutes, then every 3 minutes. I started bleeding a bit so I called my OB and he sent me to labor and delivery. My mother met me there and, after two hours, I was sent home as the contractions were now 12 minutes apart. I was convinced it was false labor ... I really didn't have any idea what labor felt like as it'd been 15 years since I'd experienced it and most of that was with the benefit of an epidural.

272 002After we left the hospital I napped at my parent's house while they watched the kids and then went to the grocery store, stocking up on basics, figuring I felt pretty crappy and wouldn't want to go shopping in the next week or so, and went home ... no more contractions the rest of the day.

I spoke with Jason late in the evening, then talked to my mother, and then at midnight they started again ... immediately 3 minutes apart. I, of course, was sure it was false labor and didn't want to go to labor and delivery twice in 24 hours for nothing. I hung out at home, took a bath or two, walked around, tried to lie down ... all those things to ease false labor, but nothing worked ... and then the contractions were coming every two minutes, consistently, and I was miserable ... oh my gosh, the pain was insane! I called Jason because I couldn't drive myself and the kids anywhere* and woke C. up to talk to me while I waited for him to arrive.

A little over an hour later I was at the hospital and on my way to having a baby. I had a c-section, the 6th, and River Matthew was born at 4:38 am weighing 6lb.3oz.

river matthew

272 017He's a great baby, very laid back and content. He's by far the smallest of our children ... K. weighed 50% more than River did at birth. It did take him a day or so to get used to nursing but he's going at it like a pro now.

The other kids are mad about him ... I may need to write a "holding schedule" so they each get a fair turn! C. has volunteered to help at night until I recover from the c-section and the other kids help during the day. They're even learning to change diapers (gotta love that).

I am so blessed by his presence in our world.

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*This is where I mention what I haven't wanted to mention for months ... largely because it's very painful, partly because I hope and pray and believe the situation will change very soon, and to an extent because putting it in writing makes it too real. Jason, my husband of almost 12 years, moved out of out house in September. I know it's not the worst thing that could happen, but it caught me and the kids completely off guard and, basically, sucks. We all love him and want him to come home. Our family has been shaken at its core.

I take it a day at a time and care for my family and myself as best I can (some days are better than others). Jason and I are both together and seperately working on our issues (we've each done our share of harm to our marriage, but we're good people who still love each other, so it's worth working on) and are working hard at improving communication and respect.

I, personally, do not believe divorce is the answer. When I married Jason I committed to love him and be there for "better and worse" and "sickness and health". I believe I reaffirmed that committment with the conception and birth of each child. So even though many people have told me to walk away and get on with my life, and sometimes that feels like the only option, I'm not going to ... not right now anyway.

Please continue to keep us, especially the kids, in your thoughts and prayers.

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12 Comment

  1. Congratulations on your beautiful baby. I admire your strength. Prayers for you all.

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  2. Many many congratulations - River is such a beautiful baby!! What a handsome little guy! Best wishes for a fast recovery - both physically and emotionally (My husband and I separated last year for the worst month of my life, but we're back and better than ever now. If you want, you can read a brief synopsis on my family's blog - Morganapalooza)

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  3. Jody - I will be praying for you. River is just so cute!

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  4. Jody, so many congratulations!! River is incredibly beautiful, what a blessing he is!

    I am so sad to hear of your circumstances with Jason, especially at a time like this. I will hold your family in my prayers, and am so impressed with your strength.

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  5. Thank you for sharing your story.

    ((Hugs)) I'm so sorry about your husband:(
    I will pray for you.

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  6. i'm praying that you will be given the strength to deal with this situation. your commitment to your marriage is refreshing.

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  7. Oh sweety he is just adorable! Well done! I bet you are very proud!
    Sorry to hear about the situation with Jason. I hope you sort it all out and continue to grow together.
    What a tough time. Hugs.

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  8. What a beautiful name for an absolutely gorgeous little man!! congratulations!

    I am so sorry to hear about your troubles on the homefront. I will pray that your marriage not only survives, but is made stronger than ever through this shaking.

    (((((HUGS)))))
    Jenni

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  9. Congratulations Jody! River is precious! Many, many prayers for your marriage and children.

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  10. Congratulations on that beautiful baby! He's so sweet. Can I send you a wee pair of baby shoes for him? I'd love to!

    I'm sorry to hear about your family not being together. Marriage is really hard. Take care of yourself. xo

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  11. He is just so beautiful. Give his hair a sniff for me....I miss that sweet newborn smell!

    Hugs and prayers for all to work out with you and your husband. Deep and abiding love can indeed conquer all.

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  12. Oh my! I haven't stopped by in some time and look at the beautiful little gift I got for doing so! River is absolutely adorable and lovely. Congratulations!

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