The Samuel Family

Last picture of my belly - 37 weeks

Finally, a moment to update the blog. It has been a whirlwind of a month for me. I was hospitalized for preterm labor for 8 days, then a week on bed rest, and then off of all meds and most restrictions by 36 weeks. I thought I would go into labor very quickly after going off procardia, but then I made it to 37 weeks! I had my 37 week Dr.'s appointment and was examined to find out that I was 4 cm, 100% effaced, and 0 station. It turned out that I had a small leak of amniotic fluid and would probably go into labor at any point. So, we headed to the hospital to have him break my bag of waters to get labor going. We all figured it wouldn't take long since I was already so far along. My doulas, Anne and Tabitha and sister Kim, all joined Kevin and I at the hospital. Dr. Carlson broke my bag of waters at 12:15. I began to have the same mild contractions I had been having for the past three weeks, but they started to have a pattern every 3-5 minutes apart. I walked the halls several times and for the next couple hours. They weren't strong enough at this point for me to start breathing through them. Our nurse checked me again at 2pm and I was 4 1/2 cm, 100%, and +1 station. She said that Dr. Carlson wanted her to check me again at 4pm. I continued to change positions from the ball, to swaying and walking the halls. Around 3pm, I began to have to stop, sway, and breath through the contractions. They were getting more intense. The nurse wanted to check the baby's heart rate so we came back to the room around 3:20pm. Baby looked really good and the contractions suddenly became much more intense and my legs started to get weak. I moved on to all fours on the bed leaning over the pillows. I knew I was in transition at this point because of how painful the contractions were and I felt I was not getting any breaks. I kept thinking that I had to pass gas but couldn't and at that point I knew that I was going to need to push soon. The nurse quickly paged Dr. Carlson, who came just in time for me to start pushing. I flipped over in a sitting position for Dr. Carlson to check they baby's position. At this point I started to get a little more rest in between the contractions, which I felt was a gift from God. Once the contractions began again, I started pushing. I pushed out his head and his shoulders were a little stuck because his umbilical cord was wrapped around one shoulder. With another really hard push, Austin John Samuel was born at 3:55. I feel extrememly lucky that I only had hard labor for about 30 minutes and pushed for 5 minutes. I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience. I feel blessed to have had made it to 37 weeks, that Austin was completely healthy, and I got the birth that I had hoped for. Austin weighed 7lbs 9oz and was 20 inches long. Much bigger than all of us expected.

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Anne and Tabitha for being my amazing Doulas. I would not have wanted to do it without them. Tabitha always had a calm and reassuring voice and helped me get through each contractions with massage and back pressure. Not only did she act as my doula but was there as my friend. Anne, was my motherly figure. She helped me breath, and kept me focused when I thought I couldn't do it anymore. I really felt that my Mom was there by her side. It was really special for me. Kevin was very calm, relaxed, and new what to do through the whole experience. He really supported my needs and as stubborn as I tried to be, he made sure I followed all the Dr.'s orders since going to the hospital at 34 weeks. Thank you for being more stubborn than I am! I love you with all my heart. A big thanks to Kim who flew out here to help with Lucas and was also able to attend the birth. She was my videographer, which is maybe a role she will not do again. I think it scared her away from having babies for a LONG time :)

Finally, thank you to all that helped out while I was in the hospital, on bed rest, and during labor/delivery. Meghan and Paul, Crystal and Eric....thank you so much for taking Lucas overnight when things were crazy. We are really blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family.

Now for the big move....

Gina took a rest this morning after she drank a little apple juice.

Gina felt wonderful after her shower. She was very happy with Dr. Palacio. She got cleaned up and Janet even brought her flat iron for her to straighten her hair.

We love our nurses and especially love our doctor!

Gina and Janet ordered in a lunch of Ham and Swiss Cheese, french fries and fruit smoothies. Gina is a real trooper and has been in high spirits. Really the hardest thing for her is to follow the order of bedrest!

We will keep updating this blog as regularly as we can. Please don't be bummed if we don't respond to every email, but rest assured we are reading them and will do our best to respond here on the blog.

We love you all. Thanks for your support!