Parker Reid Bentley joined our family on January 23, 2011 at 8:31am. He weighed 8 lbs 13 oz and measured 21.5 inches--over 2 pounds heavier and 2.5 inches longer than Camden (those extra few weeks of being prego made a difference)! We are so in love with our baby boy! Here's the story of our adventure of bringing him into this world...
Jonathan's mom and step-dad arrived on January 19th. We felt like Parker was going to join us soon and wanted the peace of mind of knowing Camden was taken care of (we had some amazing friends offer to take him, but didn't want to inconvenience them with a middle of the night call). On Friday night, the 21st, I went in to L&D because I thought I was leaking amniotic fluid...false alarm. Saturday, the 22nd, I wasn't feeling so great all day. I was uncomfortable, having contractions here and there, and just felt "off." We were on our way to Cactus for dinner when I started having some decent contractions, but they were inconsistent. Then, at dinner, I felt the kind of contraction that isn't unbearable, but makes you wince a bit. Following that, there was a small gush of fluid (sorry guys). Then, the fluid continued to trickle. We didn't have our food and after the false alarm the night before, I didn't want to make a big deal about it. I called L&D when we got home and they thought I should come in again. This time the nurse came back in and said, "Time to have this baby!" My water did break. Around 11pm they moved us to a room (from triage) where my IV was inserted, I answered some questions about my pregnancy and personal health, and we settled in. At this point I was dilated to a one and about 50% effaced (my doc told me 70% at my last appt and the nurse said, "He was being generous.") The nurse, Brenda, estimated an afternoon baby. I started walking the halls around 1am. I was tired, but I had envisioned myself walking the halls with Camden and wasn't allowed to, so I was determined to do it for a bit this time. I came back and tried to sleep, no luck. The contractions became more intense around 3am (I think). I was having some major back pain, so I hopped in the shower. All of a sudden it went from relaxing to painful. The water actually hurt...felt like needles on my back to be honest. I sat on the birthing ball. Umm, no thank you. Once again, Jonathan was told to rub my back by the nurse and once again, I told him not to touch me. Poor guy! The nurse moved the bed so I could be on my knees while hugging a pile of pillows-that worked for a while. I then moved to my side. Around 7 something I got up to use the bathroom and felt the need to push. My body was pushing and I couldn't make it stop. I went back to the bed and found out I was a 9+, they would call my doc soon. I started pushing at 7:50am. Dr. Paley showed up just after 8. He was cheering me on, then suddenly stopped and just watched the monitor. I knew something wasn't right. Parker's heartrate was dropping. I continued to push and said, "I'm so tired" to which Paley responded, "So is this baby, we need to get him out!" I was determined to do it! I gave it all I had! Parker's head was out and he wasn't making any noise and he looked bluish-gray (from what I could see in the mirror). His cord was around his neck and had to be cut before they could pull the rest of him out. Distraught, I asked if he was okay and was assured he was. Parker came out, was suctioned, and began to cry a little bit before they placed him on my chest...amazing! What an incredible feeling! The love bursting from my heart is indescribable! He is the perfect addition to our family.
I later found out that he was sunny side up (hence the head and my extreme back pain). The nurses said that many women have C-sections in these cases--the combo of being sunny side up and a big baby. I was thankful to avoid that route. I was also very thankful to not be induced so I could have the labor I wanted...epidural free! It was an incredible experience. We were blessed by this adventure with a healthy baby boy!
So in love!
He received a zero for color on his Apgar testing...you can see why!
Tiny feet!
You're looking at the head of a sunny side up baby! It's rough coming out that way...for baby and mama!
I love my boys!
Watching over his baby bro.
So kissable!
An attempt at tummy time.
I cannot believe a week has gone by since our little Parker arrived. We just love him! Here are a few things we have learned about our baby boy:
