**THE JACKS JOINT**: September 2010

So, I know Nathan is now two weeks old and I am just writing the labor and delivery story, but late is better than never, right?! I've been so worn out since he has arrived, I haven't had the energy to even update my blog. So, onto the story...the day before I went into labor I was determined to walk this baby out. I went to five stores and walked around for hours. When I got home I started cramping a little, so I was hoping all the walking was working. I went to church that night and just started feeling funny. I told my sister that night, that I would see them at the hospital the next day. Thursday morning I woke up around 3:30 a.m. in major pain. I couldn't sleep any longer, so I decided to get up and start keeping track of my contractions. They kept getting closer and closer and more and more painful. I let Terry sleep because I knew I would need his help that day and that he would wake up for work around 6. He woke up and found me in the living room and I told him I was in labor. He watched me for about 20 minutes and my contractions were 5 or so minutes apart, he decided it was time to go to the hospital. I told him I wanted to take a shower first, so he helped me. We got everything ready and in the car and of course with our luck we hit 8 o'clock traffic. It felt like forever, but we FINALLY made it to the hospital. They have special parking at Baptist for mother's in labor. Well, you have to go down this really long sky bridge and I was having my contractions so close, that I was barely making it. Terry had to hold me up. Finally, a very nice nurse saw me and he ran and got me a wheel chair. We finally got admitted into labor and delivery and got into our room. The nurse came in and asked me tons of questions and checked me. I was at 3 cm and 100% effaced, she said we are going to have a baby today! That's when Terry started calling our families and letting them know the good news. I had felt nauseous all morning because of the pain. While Terry was on the phone with his dad I told him I was going to be sick. Poor Terry held the bucket while I threw up. I felt so sorry for him. He was so helpful and such a trooper. He had to see me go through everything and he remained so strong. Anyways, they gave me some pain meds and Zofran until I could get the epidural. The meds didn't help at all, the only thing they did was make me really drowsy and I could barely keep my eyes open. I didn't like it at all. The doctor had to come break my water. That was one of the weirdest feelings, but I think it definitely helped me progress more quickly. Finally, around 11:30 or so, they gave me my epidural. It wasn't bad at all. The worse part was the position I had to stay in and staying in that position and not moving when I was having contractions and it also gave me the shakes after Nathan was born. I told the guy that gave it to me that he was my new best friend. After that, I felt great! All I could feel was pressure. I didn't really start talking until I had the epidural because of the pain. I started feeling strong pressure around 4:30, so the doctor came and checked me around 4:50 and she said its time to have a baby! My mom, sister and I all started balling. I pushed for around 20 minutes and then Nathan arrived! He was so perfect - 7 lbs 12.5 oz and 21 and 1/2 inches long! God blessed us so much with everything! He is beyond anything I ever imagined! He is now 2 weeks old and doing great. He now weighs 8lbs and 6 oz. He is wearing us out though! He likes to eat every 2-3 hours, so I don't get much sleep at night. I have NEVER changed so many diapers in my life. He is so worth all of it though. I look at him and all I can do is smile! I love him so, so much! My life has completely changed, but I cannot imagine my life without him! Here are some pics!

After he got his bath (a few hours after he was born).