Nitty, Gritty Details

This is the too-much-info labor/birthing post, so you've been warned.
Initially, my due date was June 3rd based on my last menstrual cycle.  My first ultrasound at 8 weeks projected my due date to be June 1st.  My doctor changed it in his files, but I kept it as June 3rd hoping that I would go on my own "early."  When I was about 35 weeks, I started to talk to my friends who have their babies without an epidural.  I wanted to go as natural as possible so I started listening to Hypnobabies.  After talking to my doctor (who was so supportive with whatever I wanted to do) mentioned that if the same thing happened with my last delivery I would have to have an epidural after I delivered.  So, I chickened out and decided that I'd try it as long as I could and then get an epidural.  At 39 weeks, I was finally a 1 and my doctor mentioned that at my next appointment (by his records) I would be overdue.
Hmmm.  No thanks. 

So I said, how about inducing labor on June 1st (40 weeks)?  My doctor checked with the hospital and told me that I could come in at 6am on Wed, June 1st to be induced.  I was so glad and freaked out to know exactly which day I'm having this baby.  I got as prepared as I thought I could.  My sweet sister and her little family came out (on my birthday) to be here to help with the girls and be present for the birth.  It was so fun to hang out, shop, and go to the zoo.  We were trying to walk him out, but he was happy waiting...

Wednesday finally came.  I didn't sleep much the night before.  After checking in and I made it to the double doors to the Labor/Delivery ward and I stopped.  I looked at Dan and started crying.  I hadn't realized how scared I was to this again.  I composed myself enough to go in the room I would deliver in and Dan gave me a blessing to reassure me that everything would be okay.
At about 7:30am the nurse started my IV (I told her she had one shot at it- I'm not good with needles) and then the nurse shift change- I got my wonderful nurse, Patti.  My doctor came in (still about a 1) about 8:30 and "broke" my water.  More like a puncture than a break.  The pitocin took care of the rest.  About 9:30 I got to labor in the tub- yep, hippy-Colorado has rubbed off on me.  I loved it!!
By 11am, the pressure waves were getting more intense and I wanted to get my epidural.  I was a "stretchy 3" when I got my epidural.  I got to nap a little since I was so comfortable. 

12:00pm- My doctor wanted me to lay on my side to make sure the baby's head was in the right position and then turn to the other side every 20-30 minutes.  I was super comfy on my right side my epidural was spectacular!  The head nurse (Paivi) came in help me turn to my left side and I insisted she check me- I was finally at a 4.  She was helping me while my regular nurse was at lunch.

When Patti came back at 12:30 I told her that the epidural didn't seem to be working on my right side.  I could feel A LOT more than I did a few minutes ago.  My left side was completely numb.  She helped me flip back to my right side to help the epidural flow back to the right side.  That's when I felt the urge to push!  She waited for another contraction to check me- sure enough- 10 and ready to deliver!  She pushed the button and said, "Please page Dr. Wolf for delivery."  The response from head nurse, Paivi, "You're kidding!"

After reminding Dr. Wolf that no sharp objects are allowed around me, I was able to push through a couple contractions and at 1:03pm my baby boy was born!!  They put him right on my chest and I started crying.  Happy, uncontrolled tears.  I fell in love with him immediately and it was wonderful to finally hold him.  He didn't cry very much and everyone reassured me that some babies don't cry when they are born.  I did hear him cry out a little and that made me feel better.  He just kept looking around taking it all in. 

From a 4 to delivered- 30 minutes... and with no ripping or no tearing... :)  Yay!! One happy momma!

Everyone wanted to know what his name was.  I immediately said, Vince?  But, then I looked at Dan.  He was holding this beautiful, dark haired, Italian looking baby.  I said quietly, Vincenzo?  Dan's face lit up when I said it.  How could I deny the love of my life what he wanted for his only son?  So, as long as I can call him Vince, his name is Vincenzo Daniel.   

He was a healthy 8lbs. 7oz. baby boy 20.5 inches long.  We couldn't have been more excited with him!  I finally got to nurse my newborn!  No drama this time!  Okay, maybe a little.

Of course, there was the placenta.  It delivered after some coaxing from my doctor.  I guess there was more blood than he wanted so see, so he gave me some medicine to help my uterus contract back down and limit my blood loss.  Now I know that a little shaking after having a baby with an epidural is normal, but I started shaking a lot. And I was freezing.  I couldn't hold Vin anymore and passed him to Dan.  A side effect of the medicine I was given had made me shake more than usual and I also spiked a fever.  My anaesthesiologist came in and gave me some Demoral to help with the shaking.  Ugh.  Anyway a couple hours later, it finally calmed down and I was able to be normal again.

He is totally worth it!!