Santa Claus came early to our house this year and it seems like he has recruited some new help. Instead of having the usual Elves help with our presents, he hired a stork to oversee the production that was destined for our home. And to top it all off, there is even a little stocking stuffer for Bryan from Uncle Sam!
Monday, December 19, 2005 started just like any other normal winter day around our house. Bryan woke up around 6 am to clear the driveway of the 2 inches of snow that accumulated throughout the night. With the driveway free of snow, we were ready to take on the "hectic" week before Christmas.
We rushed out the door to make it to our 8:30 am appointment at the antenatal office at Cottonwood Hospital for another non-stress test. This test determines how much amniotic fluid is present around the baby as well as monitors the baby's heart rate and any uterine contractions. Our fluid level was measured at a 5.5 when typically they would want to see a 10. The nurse contacted Dr. Ronald Larkin to find out what he wanted us to do given our current situation. He decided he'd like to measure the fluids for himself. Around 9:30am we made our way across the hospital to find ourselves in his office doing the same test. He obtained the same results and gave us 2 options. Option #1 was to have Alicia go on bed rest for a week and increase her fluid level. This is what she did 2 weeks before and the result was an incresed fluid level. Option #2 was to induce labor on on Wednesday (Dec 21st). Alicia and I looked at each other and decided we wanted to just get things rolling. With a rush of adrenaline, we said that we would like to be induced. He left the room to go make a phone call to set things up with Labor and Delivery. When he came back into the room he said, "I am glad you are both sitting down for this. In fact, I may need to go get some smelling salts. How would you feel if we induce right now?"
We looked at each other and that rush of adrenaline quickly turned to hyperventalation! Alicia asked if we could drive home so she could take a shower and pick up our bags that we had previously packed. He said, "No!" He wanted to get things started right away with the anticipation that it would take at least 12 hours.
We rushed out the door to make it to our 8:30 am appointment at the antenatal office at Cottonwood Hospital for another non-stress test. This test determines how much amniotic fluid is present around the baby as well as monitors the baby's heart rate and any uterine contractions. Our fluid level was measured at a 5.5 when typically they would want to see a 10. The nurse contacted Dr. Ronald Larkin to find out what he wanted us to do given our current situation. He decided he'd like to measure the fluids for himself. Around 9:30am we made our way across the hospital to find ourselves in his office doing the same test. He obtained the same results and gave us 2 options. Option #1 was to have Alicia go on bed rest for a week and increase her fluid level. This is what she did 2 weeks before and the result was an incresed fluid level. Option #2 was to induce labor on on Wednesday (Dec 21st). Alicia and I looked at each other and decided we wanted to just get things rolling. With a rush of adrenaline, we said that we would like to be induced. He left the room to go make a phone call to set things up with Labor and Delivery. When he came back into the room he said, "I am glad you are both sitting down for this. In fact, I may need to go get some smelling salts. How would you feel if we induce right now?"
We looked at each other and that rush of adrenaline quickly turned to hyperventalation! Alicia asked if we could drive home so she could take a shower and pick up our bags that we had previously packed. He said, "No!" He wanted to get things started right away with the anticipation that it would take at least 12 hours.
So, around 10:15am we made it back across the hospital to Labor and Delivery in the Women's Center. By 10:30am, Alicia and I were in room 109 making "the phone calls."
With the IV, epidural, and petocin dripping - we were out of the starting gates. Initially, it was slow going at first. At 10:30am when Alicia started to be induced, she was dialated to a 1 and at 2:30pm she was still only dialated to a 3.
Throughout the labor, the anticipation was growing as we watched the monitors to see the frequency and intensity of Alicia's contractions. The wonderful effects of the epidural required me to actually have to look at a monitor to see the contractions as opposed to the alternative without the epidural. Thank goodness for modern medicine! Also, it was exciting to see Ashton's heart rate accelerate through the contractions. Heart rate acceleration is a sign of a healthy baby during contractions.
Around 3 pm, there was a nursing change and about an hour later the new nurse came into the room and checked on us. At that point, Alicia was dialated to a 10 and was ready to go. It didn't seem like she had to push for very long. I am sure she would agree with me when I say time flies when you are having fun. Dr. Larkin was called back into the room and exactly 5 o'clock (and 52 seconds), our little miracle took his first breaths in this world as his cry was heard throughout the room.
Throughout the labor, the anticipation was growing as we watched the monitors to see the frequency and intensity of Alicia's contractions. The wonderful effects of the epidural required me to actually have to look at a monitor to see the contractions as opposed to the alternative without the epidural. Thank goodness for modern medicine! Also, it was exciting to see Ashton's heart rate accelerate through the contractions. Heart rate acceleration is a sign of a healthy baby during contractions.
Around 3 pm, there was a nursing change and about an hour later the new nurse came into the room and checked on us. At that point, Alicia was dialated to a 10 and was ready to go. It didn't seem like she had to push for very long. I am sure she would agree with me when I say time flies when you are having fun. Dr. Larkin was called back into the room and exactly 5 o'clock (and 52 seconds), our little miracle took his first breaths in this world as his cry was heard throughout the room.
Special Delivery:
7 pounds 9 ounces and 19 inches longDelivery Day: 
Just a few happy people:
Going Home:
For those of you wondering how Chico is responding to the new addition, this pretty much sums it up:
Our hidden spy camera caught the entire delivery on tape!
Thank you very much Santa. 
Happy Holidays!
2 comments:
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L !!!
He is so cute! and you Alicia look amazing! (you're not so bad yourself Brian!)
We can't tell you how happy we are for the two of you!
Congratulations!
Bob & Janet
Tears came to my eyes as I scrolled through those first few pictures at the hospital and at home. What an amazing time! It goes fast so enjoy every moment even those at 2am! We love you guys and are so happy to finally have Ashton here.
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