Children are precious

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you...Jeremiah 1:4

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Happy Birthday Zollie!

Zollie Isaac turned 1 on Tuesday, Oct 14! I can't believe a whole year has passed since his birth. To honor his day, I'd like to share our his abbreviated birth story (I couldn't abbreviate it TOO much...labor was only 5 hours as is!).

One year ago, on Sunday, Oct 14, 2007...We had spent the night with my in laws so that we could watch a football game together on Saturday. Oct 14 was my father in law's birthday, so we had planned to go out to eat on Sunday together. Zollie had other plans!

5:30am: Woke up with contractions. Woke hubby up and we timed them for an hour. They were about 5 min apart and getting stronger. Checked myself and I was about 4-5cm and very effaced with a little bloody show.

6:30am: Called my midwife and asked her if she thought we should head to the birth center. Midway through the call I said "Hang on, I'm having a contraction." She replied, "If you need me to hang on while you have a contraction, you need to come on in." She was right. Got our bag together while PG took a quick shower and mother in law made breakfast for us to eat on the way. We left Ian with them with promises to keep them updated via phone and have them head to the birth center when Zollie was about to arrive so Ian could meet him asap.

7:30am: On the road. The birth center is an hour away. PG and I spend the first part of the ride excited, and the last part pretty quiet as the contractions picked up in intensity and got closer together. By the time we were half an hour away they were every 3 min, lasting a min. I called the birth center and said we were almost there and to go ahead and fill up the tub for me. Decided we are definately having our future kids at home so I don't have to make that ride again!

8:30am: Arrived at the birth center. My mom and sisters arrived shortly after us. Contractions are pretty strong, I'm moaning through them. Midwife checked me and I was 8cm and fully effaced. Got right in the tub. Labored in the tub for an hour or so, then felt the urge to use the potty. Got out and dried off, went to potty. Heard midwife knock lightly on bathroom door and say "Vallere, don't have that baby on the toilet without telling me. I don't care if you want to have him on the toilet, just tell me first." We all laughed about that one.

Around 10am: By now I was back in the tub. PG was sitting on the side of the tub with his feet in the water. I was squatting in the tub, leaning over his legs. He was massaging my back and putting pressure on my hips. Felt the urge to push. Midwife checked me and I was 10cm and got the go-ahead. Sat back in the tub and pushed a couple of times. Felt baby moving down. Another push and my water broke. Baby was crowning. PG applied pressure to my perenium and Zollie was born into his hands at 10:24am. PG caught him and handed him to me while our midwife, nurse, and my mom and sisters looked on. Cuddled in the tub for a little while, then got out and into the bed for the placenta to deliver.

First nursing.

Around 11am: Mother and Father in law arrived with Ian and we sent everyone out of the room so Ian could meet his new brother. He was a little unsure at first but eventually was all smiles!

And here's our little man now!