December 21, 2010

Welcome Keaton Holly Gerda

We welcomed Keaton into the world yesterday morning, 12.20.10 at 5:15 am. Mom is doing great after a very successful VBAC!

It all started with consistent contractions around 9:30 pm on Sunday night. Judging by her labor with Jensen, we figured we had plenty of time to get ready and maybe get a little rest before heading to the hospital. The contractions were noticeable, but not overwhelming and Monica was going to try and catch a nap before we headed to the hospital...Keaton had other plans!
Within the hour the contractions became debilitating and we had to scurry to gather our things, our dog Bailey, and get our neighbor and friend Beth on the phone to come sleep at our house with Jensen for the night.

The ride to the hospital was straight out of a movie. Monica was having intense contractions about 2 minutes apart, and I was speeding through red lights. On the way, I had to stop for gas because we were almost out, and we had to drop Bailey off with a family member (Andy) at a Costco parking lot.

We got to the hospital and checked in at 12:15 am Monday morning. The mid-wife came in to check on Monica right away to find that she was already fully dilated!!!! It was time to push!! We could not believe that within 3 hours of the onset of labor we were about to start pushing Keaton out! And maybe too late for the epidural.

The pain that Monica endured through each and every contraction was unbelievable. I don't understand how people continue to have children in places where epidurals are not an option. I can't fathom why women who have that option deny it!! Luckily, Monica was able to get the relief she needed and we were able to rest for a while before she started to push.

The experience of a traditional birth was amazing. We were not able to experience this with Jensen because of the emergency c-section. It was truly a life changing event to witness. Cara was there with me to help Monica get through the toughest moments, and I could not have done it without her knowledge and support.

Following an hour and a half of pushing, Keaton came out and my world changed all over again. A dad and his little girl...I'm excited we've started the journey.

2 comments:

Tiffany said...

Congratulations!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Joe and Monica!!!! She's precious!