Drake is here!

After 17 hours of contractions, I really wanted my epidural. I was at the point where I was grabbing the side railing of my hospital bed each time I had one. The doctor wanted me to wait until she was ready to break my water and luckily that coincided with me being at my limit. So, around 1:40 p.m. I got my epidural. Still not a pleasant experience, I was happy to have it. Then, around 2 p.m., the doctor broke my water. At that point, I was dilated to a 4, and then around 4 p.m., I was dilated to a 7, then 4:30, an 8 and when she came back in a little after 5 p.m., she tested my pushing skills to see if I could deliver this baby now. Sure enough, it was time!

I have to say I usually average 3 contractions to push my babies out and I did this time as well, but I definitely had to push harder. The difference this time as well is that I could feel a lot more - the epidural was not as strong. When the baby came out, the cord was wrapped around his neck so tightly, the doctor said David couldn't cut the cord because she had to cut it right then and there. Then it was imperative I had to push the baby out now. So, when I did, he went limp and was blue. Apparently, he took a breath but wouldn't take another one. The doctor told my sister to turn the video camera off (which you only do when things could go wrong) and she stood up rubbing his chest trying to get him to breathe. I don't think I could see much of what was going on which was good for me because I was unaware of how scared it was making everyone in the room, including my sister and David. They were both pretty shaken up afterwards but Drake starting breathing at the right moment and then she put him on my chest and the tears flowed. We are so happy to have this big boy with us - 9 lbs 12.5 oz and 20.5 inches long! All is well now and hopefully, we get through this first night together okay!