We are now a family of six! Bridger Duke joined our family on November 4th at 1:31 a.m. He was 7 lbs. 4 ozs. and 20 inches long. His labor and birth went so fast! Saturday was a normal day. We did chores, played, and just had a day at home. Bryan had been at a life support class all day so when he got home the girls and I decided to run to Sam's Club and then go get pedicures and manicures. During my pedicure I turned on the massage chair and joked with the girls that i was going to shake the baby out! Well, on the way home at about 6:50 pm, I had my first contraction. They kept coming and they were pretty painful already. After timing them for a couple of hours and trying to get the kids down to bed, I decided it was time to head to the hospital. Thankfully, our friends, the Beck's, helped us with the kids and I knew they were in good hands. We got to the hospital at 10:15. at 10:30 they checked me and I was still only a 2 and 50 % effaced. (I had been that for a couple of weeks now.) I was so sad. I felt like crying. I was sure they were going to send me home and I would have to fight them and say, "NO, I really am in labor. This is too painful to be a false alarm!" The baby's heart rate dropped a couple of times during some contractions, so they decided to keep me instead of make me walk the halls. Phew! That was a relief. An hour later the doctor checked me again and I was a 4 and 90% effaced. I was so happy to be progressing. They admitted me and I told them before I even got to the room that yes, I would like an epidural and ASAP. The anesthesiologist got in the room and was done with my epidural by 12:45. Luckily, he was quick and got it on the first try. Sitting up holding still during a contraction for the epidural is really the worst part of labor! The doctor checked me again and I was a 7 and 100% effaced. She then broke my water. I was able to enjoy the epidural for about twenty minutes then it started to wear off. By this point I was feeling pressure and like I was ready to push. I'm not sure, but I think it was around 1:15 or 1:20. Sure enough, I was complete and ready to go! I pushed through two contractions, feeling quite a bit of pain, and then Bridger was born. He had meconium in the water, but he came out crying and screaming so the pediatric team didn't even have to take him. I got to hold him right away. Here are the first few minutes after his birth.
It is all kind of a blur because he came so fast. When he came out, the cord was wrapped around his neck twice and once around his arm. I'm glad he came out safe and sound and that he is healthy!
The kids came the next morning with Bryan to meet their new brother. I think they are all in love! They are so sweet with him. After being in the hospital room for a while, I looked at Benny and he was all teary eyed and wiping his eyes with the saddest face on. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "I don't want to name him Bridger! I want him to be named Prince Caspian!" I tried so hard to hold in my laughter, but it was not possible. We talked for a minute and Benny came to the conclusion that when he gets older we can call him Prince Caspian! :)
Bridger's first bath. The girls were fascinated.
All ready to go home from the hospital. He looks so little in his carseat.
Benny chillin' on the bed watching Disney Channel while we get ready to load up and head out. It was election day the day I went home so we made a quick stop at the polls so I could vote!
The four kids. When and how did I get four kids?! Where have the last ten years gone?! Crazy.
Family of six. That's a lot of people. I am so proud to be a mom to the most beautiful children there are! Every time I have a baby I am overwhelmed at how precious they are and that Heavenly Father has entrusted me with his sweet children. I am truly so blessed. I am also very thankful for my mom who is here for two weeks to help us out. I would be dying without her and in Bryan's words, "we would all be very cranky!" So true.
Welcome to the family little Bridger! We love you very much and are so happy you're here.
