Introducing A. W. R. D.

We just call him Arthur.
Here is the story if you are interested.


At 37 weeks I found out that I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. That made me hopeful. Even though my babies always take longer than their due date. My due date was March 14th. At 38 weeks I was 2cm dilated. Each day would start with the hope that it would be the one. One evening the contractions were going and we headed for the hospital. Only to be told that I was still only at 2cm. A serious disappointment.
At week 39 I was 3cm. Hooray! I must be very close! My in-laws were nearby to help with the older kids and my mom was on her way soon. 40 weeks came and so did my mom. Still 3 cm. I was not surprised but I was bummed. 41 weeks came. Major bummer.
The day after my 41 week appointment I went in for a biophysical profile. I did not want to do that but I did. They checked the baby. He was fine. Then I went back to my midwife's office and it was time to get down to business. She stripped my membranes and gave a mud like concoction to help bring on labor. By 2:30 we were at the hospital and things were moving. I had to have an iv of penicillin because I was GBS positive. I had my second child without an epidural and I thought I might do that with this one too. I was unprepared for the pain this time. At the point when I thought I might die I found out that I was only about 6cm dilated. The thought ran through my head, "If I am going to have anymore children I better get an epidural. If I don't this is going to be it."
So I caved and I asked for an epidural. After a time that seemed like forever the anesthesiologist came and gave me my epidural. By the time he was leaving the labor and delivery room I was telling him that he should eat at Cafe Rio during his medical conference in Salt Lake. He gave me an outstanding epidural. I could still wiggle my toes and I felt the pressure of the contractions but not the pain. By 7pm I was dilated to 10cm and my little guy was ready to come out. We thought for a few minutes that the amniotic sac would come out intact with the baby still inside. But alas it burst after a push or two. After some pushing he came out into the world, and hallelujah I didn't tear. No stitches. Best delivery/recovery yet. He was 8 lbs 7 oz and 21.5 inches long. My big bruiser. He took to nursing right off the bat. Little Arthur is a great little eater. And he is a sweet baby. We are very thankful for his sweet disposition and his safe delivery.
His brothers are excited. Alex is more interested in Arthur than Quinn. Quinn is having an adjustment period. But that is to be expected. More pictures to come soon.