Dayton was born October 15th, 2010 at 5:59 am. Two and a half weeks early, he was 19 1/2 inches long, 7 lbs 5 oz.
The pictures are the best part of any post, but here are the details if you're interested.
Just as we were getting settled for bed on Thursday night around 10:30 pm, I started having contractions. They were fairly similar to what I'd been feeling for weeks already, except that they were regularly 3 minutes apart. To see if it was just false labor, I did all the things they say will make contractions go away--big glass of water, take a shower, relax...nope. Still 3 minutes apart. Finally at 1:00 am Friday morning, I told Kirk we needed to go in for a labor check. We calmly gathered our things (everything EXCEPT my cell phone charger) and loaded the car. We arrived at the hospital at 2:00 am--contractions still regular.
The labor nurse checked me and said I was 4 cm dilated and 90% effaced, which had been the case for about 2 weeks. We walked around the unit for two hours and she checked me again--still 4 cm and 90% effaced. The doctor sent us home since I had not changed at all. The nurse said, "Sometimes being in the hospital just prolongs things; you may go into true labor later today at home." And so we left, hoping she was right.
Well, we didn't get very far. In fact, we didn't even make it back to the car. My water broke about 10 feet from the ER entrance. We turned right around and went back up to our room. That was at 4:45 am. The contractions quickly became very strong and the nurse checked me again at about 5:30 to find that I was completely dilated. People started rushing in to set up the delivery table and the nursery stuff. I was thinking, "She's got to be crazy...I can't be complete already...I just walked out of here 45 minutes ago." The doctor walked in, took his designated seat, checked me, and told me to start pushing.
The rest of the labor is somewhat a blur. I remember how strong the contractions were, how good it felt when they subsided, and Kirk holding my hand and encouraging me through each one. And then at 5:59 am it was over. Dayton was crying, laying on my belly, and he was perfect. All new mothers seem to say the same thing about the first time they see their new baby: they look so perfect. It's true. Kirk cut the cord and they wrapped him up and handed him to me. It was so surreal to be able to hold him and see what he looked like after wondering about him for 8 1/2 months, and to see how small he was in comparison to Kirk's hand resting on his back. When I held him he became very calm...precious moments, precious moments.
He has his daddy's features, is fair and blond like me, and has a dimple on his left cheek. He is very calm and sweet, and very patient with his new parents. Every moment is wonderful; I feel so blessed to be able to stay home and take care of him. One of my favorite things is listening to Kirk talk to him. All day long, Kirk will look at him and say, "He is SO cute/adorable/handsome/precious!" And Dayton loves his snuggle time with Daddy.
This sweet little boy is such a blessing, and we are so glad he is finally here! Welcome Dayton!
