The Story

The Short Story: Lucy Elizabeth Lubeck was born at 9:29am today. She weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz. and is 20 inches long. The Long Story: So I guess that the long story really begins yesterday when I was at the Y. I was walking on the treadmill and something just felt different all of a sudden. Not bad necessarily, just different. It must have been the beginning of going into labor. But since I have had lots and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions this time around, I didn't think much of it and continued on with the day. Jackson and I finished up at the Y and went to story time at the library. We came home for naps and lunch and then went to run errands in the afternoon. I kept having small contractions throughout the day but didn't pay much attention because I didn't want to get my hopes up that I would actually A) go into labor by myself and B) go into labor early. I went to a church youth activity and chauffered a group of Young Women around on a picture scavenger hunt. A few contractions here and there but nothing major. Like I said, not wanting to get my hopes up. When I was pregnant with Jackson, there was one night where I had contractions for a few hours and went in for a check-up the next day and was still closed. Went home, traded off with Jonathan who went to the church to play basketball. Had a few more contractions, but about 15 or 20 minutes apart. I hadn't packed a bag because I was seriously getting ready for being induced two weeks after my due date. I decided to at least bring a bag up from downstairs, just in case. Figured that it would just sit empty on the floor for a few weeks and remind me that I still hadn't had my baby yet. Anyways, I didn't want to say anything to Jonathan because I didn't want to get hopes up. When that slacker still hadn't come to bed at 12:05am, I finally went and got him. I was thinking to myself, just in case we have to go the hospital in the middle of the night, I want him to have at least some sleep.

I was up a million times in the middle of the night, drinking water, going to the restroom. Trying to take care of all those things that can lead to unproductive contractions. Jackson woke up at 5:40am this morning. Jonathan rolled over and said "I will trade you the next two days of getting up with Jax if you will do it today." At which point I finally mentioned the contractions because I didn't really have much confidence in my ability to be with Jackson by myself. Jon sprung out of bed and scooted off to the kitchen with Jackson for some "guh."

About ten minutes later, I decided that I could no longer handle the contractions laying down and we got out a watch and a piece of paper to start timing the contractions. After an hour of timing, we called the doctor. He said that it would be much easier to come into the office for a check (as opposed to the hospital) and then decide what to do. So I packed my bag in between contractions, Jon got Jackson ready and we headed off. We went and dropped Jackson off at his cousins house (ie, heaven) and made our way to the doctors office. At which point I was declared fully dilated and given directions to get to the hospital (just around the corner) as soon as possible and to not push in the car.

About 30 or 40 minutes after arriving in the hospital, we had our little babe. It was fast, fast, and fast. No time for an epidural, which I was definitely planning on. Holy freaking cow. I will not lie to you. Natural childbirth is hard. Especially since I wasn't prepared for it and not planning for it. I will spare you the details but at one point in time, I moaned, "I just want to quit." The nurses kindly reminded me that I couldn't. Yay for nurses. And I am not being sarcastic. I am being very serious. I couldn't have done it without them. There were a whole heap of them in the room, but two who did most of the helping. I didn't even get to catch their names but I am so grateful for them. At the moment, I think that the best part of a natural childbirth is the recovery. I was ready to be moved to the recovery floor a short while after giving birth.

It was so fast. I don't know that I want to repeat it but hey, mostly sleeping through a lot of labor isn't a bad thing. And I can be nothing but grateful for a successful delivery, a strong and healthy baby and health for myself. We are very blessed. It was a good day for Jonathan to take off work at the last minute. My mother-in-law is coming down tomorrow and will stay until my mom gets here. And we now have two babies when so many people are aching for just one. AND, we have a laptop to help while away the hours at the hospital. Which is one of the most boring places on earth as far as I am concerned. Luckily, we have a good book that we are reading together (Fablehaven) and a new movie from Netflix (Yes Man). My plan is to get out of here tomorrow around lunchtime.

And now, for reading the long story, I reward you with some more pictures from today.

Proud Papa.

Jackson finally giving the baby the time of day. He tried to squish her and squeeze her like he does to his baby doll.

Yay. All the cousins.