DS is 1 today, wish I could do it all again!

brewcitybride

DS was born today, one year ago. It was such a magical, wonderful day (sooooo different than the way his sister came into the world) that I wanted to share it today:

On Saturday, Nov. 12th of last year, I noticed I was slowly but steadily leaking fluid. I knew it was probably my water going, as this is how my water broke with DD, too. No steady contractions yet, though. By Sunday, I was having intermittent contractions, but not 5-10 minutes apart. I was leaking even more. Went into L&D and got checked out by a nurse practitioner, who did all sorts of tests and determined that my water hadn't broken (WRONG, more on that later).

I went home to "rest", which turned into a very very uncomfortable 12 more hours. The contractions were now about 15 minutes apart but not always consistent, but not close enough to go in (this was also 2 weeks before my due date).

On Monday the 14th, I had a regularly scheduled 38 week doctor appointment anyway, so I couldn't wait to get to my doctor and have her check me out. I just knew my water had been slowly leaking, and was now starting to panic. I knew all about the ramifications of your water having been broken for more than 24 hours, etc., but thought I had done my duty by getting checked out. Well, on the way to my appointment, my contractions started getting closer, but still about 13 minutes apart but not very consistent, I would have two, and then none for an hour. I stopped at Starbucks, and as I got out of my car, I heard a LOUD POP! I kind of blanked out, but I knew what it was! I was wearing a pad, but felt a warm gush, not like in the movies, but a gush all the less.

I skipped the coffee, and hightailed it to my appointment, arriving 30 minutes early. By now, my contractions were strong and 8-10 minutes apart. Doctor checked me out (she had heard I had been in on Saturday) and said, Wow, your bag of waters is completely gone, and you just earned yourself a trip to L&D. So, my instincts were right all along! My water had started breaking on Saturday night, never did find out why the nurse couldn't figure that out.

Anyway, I checked into L&D at 11:00 a.m., after calling my boss and my husband. Little Charlie Andrew was born less than 3 hours later, after 3 hours of contractions, and only two pushes! He was/is perfect with dark eyes and a great head of dark hair. My recovery was good, no ripping or tearing, and no pain.

And now we are a family of four, and I love it. People don't believe me, but I wish I could have that exact day over again and again! The pain was real, but not unbearable, and it was not traumatic or scary in any way. It was beautiful!

Happy First Birthday little Charlie!

Saltina11

Aw, that's my grandpa's name. He died last month