The Elephant in the Room: Jackson Kenneth Edwin Parsons

So my contractions started around 10:30 pm on April 2nd. No biggie, didn't think anyting of it I had been having Braxton Hicks for weeks (months really) the only difference was that these actually hurt. I decided to ignore them and go see Danielle and take some pictures politely suggesting you get out as you were 6 days overdue. We took some pictures, had some tea, laughed at miss H and then I headed home. I rolled around on the couch and birthing ball and moaned in pain on the couch. Headed to the hospital around 1 am just to check everything out and it wasn't active labour and I had a non stress test booked for 8:30 the next morning so back home I went. I dozed a bit from 3-5am and then dad headed to work. I showered and bathed and had another bath because that just made it better.

I finished packing my bag and everything I would need *just in case* and put it in the car and headed to the hospital. They hooked everything up at the hospital and were a little worried because your heart rate was pretty steady at 150. No variability. They told me that you were coming today one way or another. So. Dad came to hang out around 9 am and they started the oxytocin. Contractions were still every 3 minutes just like they had been since 10:30 the night before. I called Danielle and she came because it was FINALLY time to meet you soon :)

Everything was ok pain wise (tolerable, not actually ok haha) but things weren't progressing quickly enough so they decided to break my water. It wasn't clear and your mom had a mini meltdown because she was worried about you. However, about 30 seconds later the pain kicked in. And I begged for an epidural (good thing I did't write a birth plan, since this was the complete opposite of the drug free birth I wanted for you). I got a spinal while waiting for my epidural and it was wonderful and I got to doze for about 20 minutes. Epidural went in and I swear that damn thing didn't work properly. Two spinals later it was 6 pm and I was only at 6 cm. Time to start asking for a c section since you clearly weren't coming out any other way.

Dr. DuPleussy came in around 6:45 and he checked and I was 10. TIME TO PUSH :) He went to get Dr Du Toit and by the time he got back it was around 7:15 and the pushing started. I must say it was such a relief to know you were FINALLLLLLY coming out to meet us! The pushing process was long according to the dr but I took it slow (no tearing was the object of the game) and lots of jokes were made. Then at 7:43 there you were. The most perfect little boy ever. Exactly one week late, 7lbs 13 oz and 18 inches long. 10 fingers and 10 toes and a full head of hair.

It's funny everyone says that when you see your baby you just fall in love and forget all the pain and ailments and joys of pregnancy and labour. And it's true. I saw you laying there and I was happier then I have ever been in my entire life and all I wanted to do was love you and protect you and hold you and just be the best mom ever. I forgot about all the heartburn and the five trips a night to the bathroom. I forgot about all the pain and difficulty and just fell even more in love.