To the ends of the earth: May 2012

It was Monday night, May 14th, and Jon and I were watching one of our favourite TV shows before heading to bed. I suddenly realized that this was the day that marked 38 weeks of pregnancy for me and quickly asked Jon to take a picture so I could document it.

Not sure why, but as he took the picture, I had a really strong feeling that this would be my last pregnancy picture. Something in me just KNEW that this baby was coming... soon.

We finished watching the show and turned in for the night. Jon was asleep instantly (no surprise) but I tossed and turned for a while. Then a thunderstorm started around midnight so I got up to put buckets under all the drips throughout the house (this house is somewhat like a siv to be honest). I wandered back to bed, exhausted and ready to sleep.

Suddenly, at around 2am, I awoke to what felt like I was wetting the bed (sorry if that's TMI) and literally jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. There was more gushing and I started to think that maybe my water had actually broken. I wasn't sure what I should do-- I didn't want to wake Jon from his deep sleep but I was also really unsure if labour was pending. I know that may sound strange but with Callie, I was induced twice before labour began and it wasn't until I was almost through labour that my water broke, so I wasn't 100% of what to expect. I finally decided to wake Jon and we both agreed that I should call my nurse, Lori, to see what she recommended.

Sure enough, based on what I shared with her, she was fairly certain that my water had broken and that I should just try to get some rest until contractions started, or, if nothing happened, then to head to the hospital in the early morning.

I went back to bed (with a big towel underneath me, to be on the safe side) and sure enough... instantly more gushing, so by now I was SURE my water had broken and that this baby was on its way.

Sleep eluded me (obviously) as my mind raced about everything that was about to happen. I couldn't quite believe that my "motherly intuition" had been right and that this baby was coming, whether we were ready or not.

Contractions started around 3am but they were very sporadic and didn't last long. But by 5am, the contractions were coming strong and fast and by 6am, we knew it was time to call our friend, Sandy, to come stay at the house with Callie, and have Carmen take us to the hospital.

We arrived at the hospital at around 7am and I swear I could've kissed the nurse when she reported, "You're 4cm!"

"Hallelujah!" was all I could think... I'm almost 1/2 way already!

They admitted me and sent me straight to the delivery room where I continued to labour for the next few hours.

After about an hour or two in the delivery room, I started to beg for drugs.

"Please, PLEASE can I have something! I NEEEED drugs!" I pleaded with Jon. He went and asked the nurse and she said that she'd have to check how dilated I was before they could give me anything. And much to my delight and horror, I was already 6cm and so they couldn't give me anything. They offered me 2 Tylenol (which still makes me crack up with laughter... seriously!? What is Tylenol supposed to do? Ease my... headache??). :) I took them but knew that it was going to be a very hard and painful rest of the labour.

By about 10 am, my (wonderful and amazing) doctor came in to check how far along I was. She reported that I was already 9cm and that if I pushed, I would probably fully dilate.

So, I gave one HARD push and in that one push, dilated to 10cm.

Now it was "GO" time and I was... utterly exhausted. I remember feeling like I couldn't possibly do the rest. I do believe I even declared that several times and informed everyone that I was "finished." :)

But, after about 35 minutes of pushing, I heard the sweet cry of our baby boy and couldn't hold back the tears of joy and relief! It was over! I had survived!! Thank you Jesus for this precious little life!

Pictured below, my incredible nurse, Lori;

and to the right, my amazing OBGYN, Dr. Supreeya.

These ladies were both INCREDIBLE! I am truly, forever indebted to them!

Thank-you for everything!!

Holding our sweet little Marek Jonathan...

Bonding with Daddy...

Big sister Callie meeting her new baby brother for the first time.

She was so excited and SO proud :)

And, of course, our dear friends all came to visit!

Here's Auntie Sandy holding Marek...

The happy Reimers...

And the Owens too...

Our first family picture...

And now, a week and a half later, life moves forward. Although its a bit chaotic at times, we're so thankful for Marek and Callie and are overwhelmed with gratitude for this awesome privilege of being parents. Marek has been an amazing baby so far (eats and sleeps so well!) and Callie has been a very proud and doting big sister.

Thank-you to everyone who has sent words of encouragement & congratulations, gifts and meals! We are totally in awe of the support we've had, even being so far away from "home." Just more proof of God's goodness and faithfulness!

To the ends of the earth

Sunday, May 27, 2012

They're HERE!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

2 weeks early but all part of God's perfect timing...

Friday, May 18, 2012

Introducing...

Saturday, May 5, 2012

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE-CREAM...