Many of you have been asking me to share my birth story. I thought I would do just that! I looked back through my old entries and I saw that I had posted one when Ethan was born too. It was so fun reading the details of that special day. I want to be sure to jot down the memories now before anything fades.
On Oct 24, 2014 (an official due date of Dec 1, 2014), I awoke at 5:30am to my water breaking in bed (or so I thought - but wasn't too sure). I started having contractions about 20 minutes apart so I assumed they were just Braxton Hicks contractions. I actually cleaned everything up and went back to bed until about 9:00am. I was still experiencing the contractions every 15-20 minutes so I decided to call the OBGYN to see if they thought my water had indeed broken or not. I was advised to immediately go into labor/delivery. Freaking out, I started frantically packing my hospital bag and an overnight bag for Ethan. I jumped in the shower, got ready, threw a load of laundry in the washer, straightened up the house, dropped Ethan of Grandma's house and we headed to the hospital. We actually didn't get to the hospital until 11:30am. I am immediately checked into triage where they run some tests and tell me "You are having a baby today!" Umm....what?!?!?!
So at this point we start contacting the rest of our family to let them know that we are indeed having a baby 5-6 weeks early! Ethan stayed back with his Aunt Lauren and Mom came to the hospital to support me!
I get checked into my labor/delivery room around 1:30pm along with my super awesome, amazingly supportive mom and husband!! They are seriously the best cheerleaders and support team during labor. I was given some Pitocen to help speed up the delivery process since Brooks had not really dropped much. Once that was given, my labor began to progress very quickly. Around 4-5cm dilated, I got an epidural to help with the pain -- holy cow -- the pain. I almost forgot what it felt like and then quickly remembered!!! The epidural was GREAT and relieved most (but not all) of the pain. With Ethan, I honestly didn't feel much pain at all. Unfortunately, this go-around with proven a little tougher. Nevertheless, at 8:41pm Brooks Matthew Robbe was born at 5lbs 11 ounces and 18.5 inches long.
Since Brooks was a premature delivery, the NICU nurses were ready and waiting for his arrival. We weren't sure whether or not he would be whisked away or if I would be able to snuggle with him. Everything was unknown. We didn't even know if Matt would be able to cut the cord. All that that worrying was for no reason - Brooks was born healthy! Matt cut the cord and I got to have him wrapped up on my chest for a while!! It was an emotional, beautiful and surreal experience. Seriously, the flood of emotions that come right after the delivery are incredible. Tears filled the room and smiles were plastered all over. We were so happy he was here and that he was healthy. Brooks was still taken to the NICU for observation and Daddy followed.
The next day Grandma brought our sweet little Ethan by the hospital to visit his new little brother for the first time. Talk about an amazing, emotional and unforgettable experience. Ethan has been anticipating this moment (as much as a 2 year old can) for a while now. He sat on the chair and held Brooks in his arms. He was so gentle and spoke so softly to him. He admired Brooks and pointed out all his different features. "Mommy, he has 2 eyes and 2 hands. Oh, look mommy...feet." He has adjusted well to his new role as a big brother. I knew he would! He has such a soft and kind heart - and his sweet spirit really glows now that he is a brother.
Grandma got to snuggle with Brooks. Aunt Lauren and Micah too!! Did I mention that my dad and brother were in China when Brooks was born? They were finishing up another service project and actually made it to the hospital prior to him being discharged. I was so happy they were able to make it too!
Matt and I feel so very blessed to have my family so close. It was such a comfort knowing that Ethan was spending time with his family. Knowing that he was having a blast with them really helped to put us at ease. It allowed Matt and I have to also have special alone/bonding time with Brooks. I will never forget those trips down to the NICU with Matt. Sitting there, weeping and thanking God for this beautiful miracle boy - who surprised the heck out of us!! Brooks looks so much like his Daddy!! Dark hair, olive skin....but still has the newborn baby blue eyes. He also has the Robbe stamp...the dimple in the chin. Just like Daddy! He is absolutely beautiful and we couldn't be happier or filled with more joy. We know that each child is a gift from God and we will treasure this gift!
So on with parenthood we continue. A mother of two precious and awesome little boys!! Brooks is the most calm mannered baby. I haven't heard a full cry out of him. I don't even know if I would recognize his cry at this point - I haven't heard it enough to know! I guess that is a good thing. He sleeps so well and has adjusted into our family perfectly. This next year is going to be so fun - I can't wait to watch it all unfold.
Until next time. xo
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