Monday, October 3, 2011

He's here!





LANDON GARY FERRARA



(named after my dad - Gary Johnson)



Born: September 30, 2011


Time: 7:23 p.m. (10 hours of labor)

Weight: 8 lbs. 10 oz.


Length: 21 inches




Birth story: Landon was a week late so my midwife was ready to "force" labor. Inducing is done with pitocin, and forcing labor is done naturally. When we got to the birthing center my midwife stripped my membranes and I was dilated to a 4 already, so Dave and I both thought for sure this would be quick. We even joked about being done before noon and home to the kids by dinner.


I took black & blue cohosh and we went to a park to walk. I had lots of heavy contractions and Dave started getting worried that it was going too quickly. We went back to the birthing center and in the car my contractions completely stopped.


She stripped my membranes again and I took more cohosh. We decided to go have lunch and walk some more. The same thing happened -as soon as I was in the car the contractions stopped.

Back at the birthing center my midwife broke my water and I was dilated to a 6, but no contractions unless I was working REALLY hard to have them. I had to walk around the birthing center for a couple of hours but if I sat down- nothing.


The contractions were getting very hard and painful but then I'd have several wimply ones, and they were not regular at all. I was afraid to get in the water in case they would stop completely.


After a few REALLY painful contractions I really wanted to get in the tub and just prayed that things would keep moving. It was almost 7:00 p.m. at this point. Ohhhh, that tub! I honestly don't know how anyone can labor without it!


Dave was by my side the whole time talking me through each contraction just as he has always done. He knows exactly what to say and how to relax me completely. My midwife and the birthing assistant were in and out for several hours but at this point they stepped out. They felt that Dave and I needed some private time and they were just in the way. Even though I was in a lot of pain it was really nice to be alone with my sweetheart and best friend. He knows me and has been there for me through so much.



I started getting worried that these painful contractions would go on for hours when I suddenly HAD TO PUSH! Dave had to call the midwife in really fast while I held my legs together.



I'll spare all the horrific details, because it will be enough to just say that I am very loud while I push. It really helps me to let it out for some reason, and I actually feel more in control of my body when I YELL!! I'm very quiet during the contractions, but when I push the whole world knows!



That moment they handed me my precious baby, I was filled with relief, tears, and more relief! It was over and he was in my arms!



They actually had to remind me to check and see if he really was a boy. I've never been more happy to see a little boy part!



first "bath"




He's so precious and I just want to hold him and enjoy every single second with him!






good things:

the tiny cries of a newborn

looking into his eyes

experiencing pain while my best friend holds my hand

11 comments:

Holly said...

I'm so glad everything went well and everyone is healthy. Ever since Carter was born, I actually get very nervous when anyone I know has a baby. So much can go wrong. You have such a beautiful family. Your one of the richest woman I know ;)

frateslm said...

Oh Angela, I am so relieved things went OK and he is here safe & sound & your photo looks INCREDIBLE too! I rejoice with you & pray all continues to be great! Love Lynae

Tiffany Matusek said...

Yay for the hot tub, definitely a necessity when laboring:) He is so handsome, enjoy all your special moments!

Gina Hallam said...

I'm so glad he's here and all went well!!! Congratulations to your family!!! BIG HUGS!!!

Julia said...

Congratulations, Angela! I'm so glad things went well (when they finally did) and that your little boy is here! He's beautiful!!

Amishka said...

He is so adorable. I just have to come and see him before we leave on Saturday so call me if you're feeling up to any visitors. If not I'll wait until we come home sometime.
Congrats!!!

Jamie said...

Oh I'm so happy for you! I thought about you all weekend and wondered when he was going to come! I am so glad everything went well and that you and Landon are healthy and well! He is beautiful!

Annie and Family said...

He is BEAUTIFUL! Congrats!!!!

Marley Family said...

What a handsome little man! We are so happy for you!

Erika said...

I LOVE the name Landon! He looks like a Ferrara, ADORABLE! SO happy that he's here and that you are doing well.

Aceneth Warner said...

Angela,
He is so gorgeous. I just love all of your your pictures, they all show such love and happy life. I hope you are feeling better by now.