Many of you know that as of Sept. 18th, Jen was officially a week overdue. It was in this uncomfortable and sometimes painful week that we sat and waited... and waited. Despite the anxiousness that comes along with watching the pot boil, we actually enjoyed a very quiet weekend that we wouldn't have had otherwise. So, Thursday roles around and I (Dan) was able to leave work a little bit early. Jen and I had a nice walk in the park with Kenzie. Oh well, we thought. There goes another day...
At just about 8:30 PM, Jen's water broke while we were on the computer video chatting with friends of ours from NY. Yes! Before we left for the hospital, I walked the dog, we packed up a couple things that we needed for the hospital and we said a quick prayer. Jen had immediately started having contractions, and by the time we got to Mt. Auburn Hospital, they were about 5 minutes apart.
We checked in at around 9:00 PM and we were immediately brought into an admittance room where Jen and the baby began to be monitored. The contractions even at this time began to get more severe and quicken in pace to 3 or 4 minutes apart. We met Julie, our midwife on call and she watched the chart for a while. It seemed clear to us that this baby was coming and coming soon, but she gave us the option of going home as labor doesn't immediately begin for many women after their water breaks. Needless to say, we stayed.
Julie admitted us to Delivery Room 6 around 10:00 PM and by this time Jen's contractions were 1-2 minutes apart. The big benefit of room 6 (and 1) is that it has a jacuzzi tub. This proved to be very helpful for Jen as her labor progressed. So for the next two hours, Jen labored in the tub, which was great for her because the hot water was very soothing and she was able to brace herself against the tub walls. Julie was very helpful as she stayed by Jen most of the time we were in there. After 2 hours of very intense contractions, Jen was ready to push. It was surprising for both of us that the labor progressed so quickly, but I know Jen was very glad to hear that most of the hard work was finished. It all happened so fast that I didn't even have time to run down to the car and get our bags!
Jen got out of the tub and onto the bed right around 12:00 AM and it was time to deliver. After Jen had been pushing for a while when Julie decided that the baby's heart rate was dipping too low during each push so they felt they should speed up the process. Julie brought in Dr. Cook and with the assistance of her vacuum pump, it was 2 more pushes and Tyler was out. He was born at 12:30 AM (just 4 hours of labor), weighing in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces and 21.5 inches long!
It truly was a joyful moment to finally meet our son Tyler. It may be cliché to say it, but the miracle of new life is truly more than I can comprehend. We have been so blessed with a healthy baby boy and a safe labor and delivery for Jen. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.