Presenting...
Logan Dane
Warning: This is mostly for me to remember, so there may be too many details for some. Read at your own risk...
My first day of maternity leave was December 1st, and I was due on December 2nd. I had an appointment on Monday, December 6th, since the little guy had not decided to make his appearance yet. At the appointment, I had not progressed any, so we scheduled an induction for December 9th. However, Logan had other plans. I guess he decided no one was going to schedule his arrival, so after my appointment, he decided he was ready to start making his way into this world. After a few symptoms, I called Brandon at work and told him to be ready because I felt like this was the real deal. Soon, the contractions increased in frequency and intensity, so I knew it was real. After Brandon got home from work, we got everything together and loaded the car for the hospital. By the time we had everything ready to go, the contractions had increased to 4 minutes apart and they were getting more painful. We decided it was time to leave. I wanted one last picture before we left, so I took one in front of our not-yet-decorated tree :)
On the way, we called family and texted a few friends to let them know we were headed to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital sometime after 7 I think. We checked in and they sent us to the triage room. The nurse hooked me up to monitors and checked to see how I was progressing. I had surprisingly progressed to 3 centimeters so they decided to admit me (I was barely over 1 at my appointment earlier that day). Unfortunately, my doctor was not on call, so I did not get to have my doctor for the labor or delivery.
Once we got checked in and settled into our room, things started to feel very real. It wasn't long before my water broke, which was a very strange feeling. Things started to move a lot faster after that point. By about 2 am, I decided the contractions were only going to continue to get worse and I felt that eventually I would give in and get the epidural. I decided that if it was going to happen eventually, I might as well do it now, and not have to deal with the pain any longer. I was so scared to get the epidural though, especially with how painful the contractions were. I had to deal with 3 contractions during the time the anesthesiologist was putting in the epidural, but my nurse was great and basically held me down so I wouldn't move. Having an epidural was very strange and not the most pleasant experience in my opinion, but I figured it was better than the alternative.
After the epidural, the nurse suggested we try to get some sleep. However, Logan wasn't doing so well, so I had to have oxygen and the nurse kept coming in to have me move to other positions to see if it would help. We found out later that the cord was wrapped around his neck, so every time I had a contraction it put pressure on it and caused his heart rate to drop. It was very scary! Fortunately, I progressed quickly enough that things didn't get worse. Before it was time to push, my parents and Brandon's parents came in and prayed for us. I was still a little nervous, but felt much better after my Dad prayed.
The nurse decided to go ahead and have me start pushing as his heart rate continued to drop during contractions and I was fully dilated. I could not feel anything because of the epidural, but apparently I was good at pushing because the nurse had me stop. He was coming fast and the doctor had not arrived yet. My parents later told us that the doctor was running down the hall when she arrived. Lucky for me, I didn't have to feel any of it while waiting for her to get there.
After the doctor arrived and got ready, I pushed through one contraction, and the doctor told me that when the next contraction came, we would deliver. I couldn't believe it. Once he was delivered the doctor put him on my chest. I was overwhelmed with emotion, it was such a happy moment. I couldn't believe he was here! And, he had sooo much hair! I was, however, still slightly grossed out and hoped someone would wipe him off so I could hold him better. Ha! Fortunately, they did, and I was able to hold him against my chest. He was perfect!
So what was Logan's Daddy doing during all of this? Well, he was being a great husband, and supporting me through it all. I know it must have been tough for him seeing me in pain until I got the epidural but he was very strong and helped me during all of the contractions. He has said he felt like he didn't do much, but just being there and holding my hand through it was really a lot. He also would get me fresh ice chips frequently since I was super thirsty, but wasn't allowed to have water.
During the delivery he stood by my side and even helped hold my leg when I had to push. Not exactly what he thought he'd be doing, but I was very proud of him for being so involved. He also was quick to think to get the camera out after Logan was born. I was so distracted that I didn't even think about getting pictures and did not know he had taken pictures until much later. I'm so thankful he remembered to do that. I would have been very sad if we had not taken any pictures after the birth.
After I got a little time to hold Logan, they had to take him to get his weight, etc. At this point, we still had not officially decided on a name. Brandon looked over at me and said "I want to go tell our parents that he's here, but I'm not going without a name. So is it Logan Dane?" and at that point, I still didn't really know for sure, but knew that there weren't really any other options we had truly considered so I said "I guess so." and that is how we named him. I know that probably sounds terrible to some, but please know that I'm very happy with the name now. Those of you that really know me, know that I have a very hard time making decisions, and this was no exception. We picked it because Logan was a name that we both liked (and secretly I think Brandon liked it because it is Wolverine's name and he is Brandon's favorite comic book character). Dane was Brandon's Uncle's middle name. He lost his fight with cancer over 2 years ago. One day we will be able to share with Logan all the wonderful things about his Great Uncle Jerry that he didn't have the opportunity to meet.
After the delivery, Brandon I wanted some time to spend with Logan, and I wanted to try nursing him for the first time. I enjoyed having some time with just our little family. After a while, the nurse came to give Logan his bath. At that point, our family came in to see our sweet boy for the first time. They, of course, loved him from the moment they saw him :)
Since our hospital was not all that close to where we live and our friends/family, we did not have a bunch of visitors at the hospital. This probably was for the better as I was able to get some rest during the day. It is hard to get much sleep night because of the nurses coming to check on you and the baby, so getting rest during the day as well was helpful. Our parents were all at the hospital for the birth, and then my sister and friend, Crystal, came to visit later in day after Logan was born (unfortunately, I don't have a picture, but my parents might, so if I get one I will add it later). The next day, my friends Erica and Jennifer surprised us and came by to meet our sweet boy. Logan has already decided he loves the pretty ladies!
Fortunately, my doctor gave me the choice to go home the day after delivery instead of having to stay an additional night. I much prefer my own bed, and as few disturbances as possible, so I jumped on the chance to leave :) We arrived on a Monday night and left Wednesday evening. So all together we were there for less than 48 hours.
Getting ready to go home
We're here!
Home Sweet Home
Bringing him home was the next best thing to seeing him for the first time! That evening, our small group friends came to visit us and welcome us home. Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking very well at that time, and did not get any pictures.
We were able to get more sleep than I expected the first night. We were up every couple hours to feed and change Logan, but he was really very good. He only fussed when he was hungry, and would sleep in his bassinet/pack-n-play in between feedings. We are very blessed!!
I love this sweet boy more than words can say! I am looking forward to many hours, days, weeks, months, and years with our baby dear! What a blessing he is!!
