The World of Whit
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Sat, Nov 15, 2008 8:58 PM
The Birth of Whit
Well, it sure has taken me a long time to find the time to sit down and write this one. Three months have passed, but it still seems vivid in my mind-the big day! Sorry, this is probably going to get long.
August 1 (Whit's due date) came and went. That day, I actually had my weekly check-up. Dr. Fulton walked in and told me that they were going to induce me on the following Wednesday (August 6). You might remember reading about us going to the hospital that night because I thought my water had broken. Didn't happen, they sent us home.
We had some major storms that weekend. A lot of people were without power, but we were lucky enough that ours stayed on. Or so I thought. Sunday afternoon, the skies were starting to clear up and boom - our power goes out. The estimated time for them to come back on - midnight on Monday. Ugh! I was past my due date, fat, and miserable! Now, I had no power in August and it was HOT!
Monday morning, Clay got up and went to work. I decided to sleep in. I didn't get to sleep very long; I woke up at 9:30 with one heck of a contraction. Five minutes later, another huge one came. Keep in mind, I am still without power. The contractions kept coming, so I did what the doctor told me to do - I took a couple of Tylenol and soaked in a warm bath. It did not help. They were still coming pretty regular by now. I timed them for about an hour when I decided to call the doctors office. The nurse said she would speak with the doctor and call me back. In the meantime, I knew in my heart that they were going to tell me to go to the hospital, so I called Clay to tell him to come on home to get me. Just as I hung up with him, my cell phone died! I mean, dead. Keep in mind, I still had no power. No way to charge the stupid thing and we have no home phone. CRAP! I tried charging it in the car and it just wouldnt charge. I knew the doctor's office would be calling me back to tell me what to do, and they were not going to be able to reach me. Ok, this is not surprising that this is the way it would happen to me. Everything has to be difficult in my life.
I got dressed and actually walked next door to my neighbor's house (in between contractions). I was lucky that she was even home, because usually she is not. She was kind enough to let me use her phone to call the doctor's office, who, by the way, had been trying to call my cell phone. Of course, they told me to straight to the hospital. Ok, this was it!
Clay made it home. I had pretty much put everything in the car that I could. We made it to the hospital in great time, and got checked in. Meanwhile, the contractions kept on coming. They were pretty bad by now. Of course, everyone in the family was alerted and our parents were there before we knew it.
I still remember lying there in the bed, all the monitors hooked up, everyone sitting around in the room chatting and carrying on, and when the contraction came - silence! They knew how bad they were hurting me and so everyone was gracious enough to stop talking and give me a little peace until they passed. Just so you know, I had no pain medications at this point. I laid there all day with my contractions five minutes or three minutes apart and just suffered throught it. I know what you are thinking, "poor you, boo hoo." You have to know this about me, I do not like pain. I am a wuss. I am a big baby. And those hurt like H E double hockey sticks! But, once the contraction had passed, I was fine. I just went right back into the conversation. I found out later that that wasn't the time I should have visitors in the room. Oh well, I wanted them there. (It was my parents, Clay's parents, and Corley and his girlfriend Shelby).
Oh yeah, all during this time they were checking to see if was dilated. That was progressing very slowly. By five o'clock, I was only dilated at around 3 centimeters (you have to get to ten to have a baby). It had been close to seven hours and I had only dilated 3 centimeters. That is not good folks. They consulted with Dr. Fulton and she decided to go ahead and give me pain meds and sedate me. She was not optimistic that we would have a baby that night. She decided to sedate me and we would induce the next morning. I think by this point we were all a little frustrated. I had "suffered" all day and now I have to wait until the next morning to have him. Ugh again!
You know, even while I was sedated, I remember everyone in the room talking and the contractions kept coming. And they still hurt, just not quite as bad. Finally, around seven-thirty they decided to check me again to see if I had dilated anymore. Guess what? I was at eight centimeters!!! Dr. Fulton was called in. Her words were, "folks, we are going to have a baby tonight!" Ok, this was it. This is when I started to get nervous.
They ordered the epidural right away and he was in to give it to me in the next few minutes. Thank God for inventing epidurals! It was administered and before I knew it, I couldn't feel a thing from the waist down. I was feelin good! The nurses scrambled to get everything set up and covered up. I could not believe how quickly they got everything together.
Dr. Fulton came in to break my water and we were off! I had to make a quick decision as to whom I wanted in the room during the birth. At this point, I was feeling so good, everyone could have stayed - the moms, the dads, the brothers, the girlfriends - everybody. But in the end, I knew Clay should be there, and both our mothers would really appreciate being there too. Some might think that is a little strange, but they stood over to the side out of the way.
Everything was ready, and apparently I was ready, because at eight-thiry I started pushing. Now this is where it gets interesting. I had my legs up in the air, not in stirrups, but in the hands of Clay and the nurse. Weird. This is definately not how they have done it in the movies I have seen. Dr. Fulton told me to push. Just when I thought I was pushing, she would tell me that I wasn't pushing. The problem was, I couldn't feel a thing! I couldn't even feel to push! Ok, I liked not feeling anything, but this couldn't be good. She had to explain to me HOW to push. Like you were pushing on your bowels. Ok, so I tried that. I guess I did ok, because she told me to keep doing it. I had no pain. The hardest part was concentrating on WHERE to push.
It is so funny to think back about that hour that I actually pushed. I remember Dr. Fulton talking about how hot she was. We actually had to open the door and pull the curtain to let some cool air in - for her. I got a little cold. She was getting very frustrated because the nurse was getting on her nerves. I was as calm as can be. She was practically yelling at me to push. I didn't hardly make a peep. My mother told me later that she expected me to be a screaming demon. It really didn't phase me like I thought it would. I assumed that I would be all stressed out and in a lot of pain. It really was not that bad. If it were not for the epidural, it probably wouldn't have been so easy for me. The funny thing was, at one point in between contractions I looked over at the mothers and asked them if they were ok. They were being so quiet and had a look of amazement on their face. Dr. Fulton was quick to tell me to quit asking them how they were doing and to concentrate on getting that baby out! Hilarious! We just had a great ole time!
So, I pushed for an hour. This process took so long, because every time his head would come right to the edge, it would go back in. He had a very big head! I found out later that at one point during the labor, Dr. Fulton looked over at the mother's and mouthed, "He's so big!" We later discussed that she had no idea that he was going to be so big and that I probably should have had a C-section. Ok, so we decide this AFTER I had him and was "split" all the way. Gee, thanks! Yeah, it took her 20 minutes to "sew" everything back together. IT IS A GOOD THING I DIDN'T FEEL ALL OF THAT!!! Otherwise, I think Whit would be an only child!
At 9:38, Whit came into the world. He had a quiet little cry, even for such a big boy! We all were amazed at how big he actually was! He was taken and weighed. 9 pounds 9.5 ounces read the scales. Ok, he is a chunk! They got him somewhat cleaned up and he was laid on me for a few seconds before he was whisked away into the hall for everyone to see. Daddy took him to the nursery so they could get him taken care of, while mommy was left to be taken care of.
It was hard to believe, it was all over. A little while later, Whitman Kennedy was brought in to get some love from his mother. The family came in and we all sat and admired this new life that God had given us.Comments:Add a comment:
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Sat, Aug 2, 2008 7:24 PM
More eventful days!
I had to call Clay at work around 3:15 yesterday to tell him that he might want to be heading home. I had timed VERY strong (maybe the strongest yet) contractions every 5 minutes for 35 minutes. I just knew that the hour of 5 minute contractions was upon me! This is what I had been told to look for. And apparently, it was here! Not quite. After I got off the phone with him, they slowed to every 15 minutes.
On the eve of Whit's due date , I was restless. I don't know why. I just could not sleep. I stayed up watching TV until around midnight and decided to head to bed. Well, Whit had other things in mind for me. For the next 2 hours HE was restless and couldn't sleep. He kicked and nudged and pushed on my bladder, sending me to the restroom about every 5 minutes. Around 2am, I had an experience that I had never had before. Lots of water. I will spare you the ugly details. This is it! My water broke! I called the after hours number of Dr.'s office and they soon called me back with the Doctor on-call on the other line. Yeah, Dr. Ball (I say that sarcastically). He was thrilled (again, sarcastically) to be on the phone at 2 o'clock in the morning. I can't say that I blame him. I described what happened, and he instructed me to go on the the hospital.
Everything was packed, we just loaded everything in the car and headed out. We arrived at the hospital and got checked in, hooked up, "checked", and monitored. Looks like my water didn't break after all! What!?! Then what was all that water?? Everything tested negative for amniotic fluid. They could not find any trace of it.
*On the way to the hospital, I told Clay, "Knowing my luck, they are going to say, 'Oh, your water didn't break, you were just peeing on yourself.'" THAT is basically what they told me, without actually saying that. Ugh! All I can say for myself is, I am new at this, and I have no idea what to expect!
It does turn out, though, that I was a little dilated and thinned about 80%. So, I am close. Keep in mind, I still am scheduled to be induced on Wed. morning. They released us from the hospital around 5am. Needless to say, I slept until 2pm today. I had not slept since the night before.
So, "the waiting game" continues. The nurse that was assigned to me was very sweet. It was the same girl that I had last time I went on June 1. I am hoping she will be there on Wed. when I go. We have sort of "bonded" by now.
Comments:Lora: Something you will always remember... priceless. What an adventure kids are, even before they are here. ;)Ann: Am praying for you. Love you, aunt annAdd a comment:
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Fri, Aug 1, 2008 9:26 PM
Wanna see something funny? Look up at the "Stats" section. "0 days till due date" looks pretty weird.
Clay and I went to the Dr. this morning. She walked in the room and the first thing she said was, "Well, we are going to induce this coming Wednesday morning." I had to ask if she was serious. She is dead serious. It is all set up, I have to report to St. Dominic's at 5:30am Wednesday, August 6. She also told me that I needed to be mentally preparing myself for a possible C-section. You know, I am a "real" person. And sometimes, well most of the time, I appreciate my doctor being "real." She was definitely real and to the point today!
Ok, so I am not sure which is more nerve-wracking - not knowing what day Baby Whit will arrive, or actually knowing what day Baby Whit will arrive. Either way, he will enter our world on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. After 40 loooong weeks (10 months!), this is hard to believe. Everyone was right, the time has flown by. This week, unfortunately, has slowed to a snails-pace. And I positive that the next 5 days will go even slower.
Comments:Celeste: Well, Whit seems to be a patient little booger. :) That just might serve him well in life. I am praying for you guys and precious little Whit.Elizabeth: This 'having a baby thing' is truly an adventure, isn't it?! We can't wait to meet baby Whit on Wednesday (or before)! Get plenty of rest these last few days.Jennifer: Either way, you will be fine. The c-section is not a big deal at all. If I could ease your mind at all...been there 6 times and would gladly do it again. I could give you some helpful tips if you want, just let me know.Add a comment:
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Fri, Jul 25, 2008 2:45 PM
Here is the latest:
I seriously think Baby Whit will be making his appearance any day now! Last night, I started having heavier contractions and, might I say, very close together. They have continued up until now. I went to the Doctor this morning. We have found that he has dropped. She examined me and I am not dilated (which doesn't mean anything-I could dilate within 5 hours), but my cervix has started thinning. Plus, his heart rate has dropped. This is a sign that he starting to get ready. Dr. Fulton does not expect that I will go much longer. The bad thing? She is NOT on call this weekend! You do not know how stressed this makes me. The good thing? She IS back on call starting Monday! Baby Whit, can you please hold out until then? I have this major phobia of another Doctor delivering my child. Strange, I know.
I have notified all the proper people at work, and I don't think I will be returning to the office on Monday.
Clay and I are ready. Our bags are packed. The room is ready. We are going to take it easy this weekend and just hang out. Just pray that God will take away my anxieties and that I will have a smooth and uneventful birth.
Yea! Baby Whit is coming!Comments:Aunt Susan: Uncle LA and I are thinking about you. Good luck with Whit's delivery. I will be home in August to see my little nephew!Jennifer: We will pray for you, Clay, Whit and your medical personnel.Add a comment:
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Tue, Jul 15, 2008 4:30 PM
17 days to go! But who's counting, right? He will come when he is good and ready. Or not! In 2 days, on our 4 year anniversary, July 17, I will start my 38 week of pregnancy. Whit, on the other hand, has settled in. He has not turned yet! His head is still "nicely" nestled under my ribcage. I go back to the doctor on Friday morning. I am hoping she makes me feel better by telling me some good news. I read in my book that the baby should be turned by now. Wrong! This just does not sound good at all. I read about how they can "turn" the baby on the outside of my stomach. Somehow, this just doesn't sound like a fun thing. Oh, and how when you are in labor, they can turn him from the inside. Uh, no, that definately does NOT sound like fun.
Ok, so I am not going to stress about this too! I have enough stress just thinking about the actual labor part. I know, I know, it is all worth it. I just fear the unknown. There are so many different cenarios.
I understand that most of you reading this have actually been through this and experienced some form of childbirth. BUT. I don't think that people realize what a wuss I really am. I mean, big time. There, I said it. Now it is out in the open. So when/if you come to the hospital, and you hear loud screams coming from behind the labor and delivery doors. You will know it is me!Comments:Lauren: Melissa, you are going to do fine!! I can't believe your due date is just a few days away!! I know you are excited. We are coming into town this weekend, so maybe we can get together (if you're not having a baby!!!)Add a comment:
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Tue, Jun 3, 2008 2:43 PM
Well, it has been an eventful weekend in the Cook home(s). We closed on our house this past Friday, May 30! Yea! Both sets of parents came up Saturday and helped us start demo on the yucky wallpaper, etc. I never knew how much went into preparation just to paint. We won't get as much done as I had hoped, but it will be ok. We be officially moved in this Saturday (hopefully).
Sunday morning, I slipped and fell in the shower. I have a swollen and bruised knee, shin, and ankle. With this being the 3rd time I have fallen while being pregnant, I will say that I am no "grace."
With a fall, a cookout for our Sunday School Class and working on the house, I guess it was just a little too much for Baby Whit. He decided that he wanted to send Mommy and Daddy to the labor and delivery unit at St. Dominic's early Monday morning. I arrived at 2:15am having contractions. I was administered an IV of fluids and sedated to try to stop them. I do believe that Baby Whit was trying to run a marathon! The ultrasound a few hours later showed that he was trying to burrow himself into my pelvis. Why? No clue. Luckily, I was not dilated and the contractions were not "regular", so there was not a huge need for concern.
I was sent home and was told to take it easy (but I could still go to work-ugh), and to count my contractions. I have to call the doctor if I have more than 5 in an hour, or if they become regular. Let's hope that Baby Whit decides to stay in his nice little home for at least a few more weeks!Comments:Aunt Susan: Hello Grace! Seriously, Melissa, please be careful and take care of yourself...no more falling. I am glad you are going to St. Dominic to have the baby. I know they will take excellent care of you and baby Whit. Glad to hear that you and Clay are getting in your new home soon. Sounds like it will be just in time for Whit. I love reading your scrapbook and look forward to more updates.
Living it up in Isla Mujeres,
Aunt SusanAdd a comment:
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Tue, May 20, 2008 10:48 PM
I had my 29 week ultrasound last Thursday morning. Everything is going well. They are pleased that I still have not gained much weight-only 4 pounds since last month! I do believe, though, that things are going to take off from here; especially since I stil have 2 1/2 months to go!
Here is a funny story for ya:
I was instructed to drink a very sugary liquid the morning of this last appointment. The doctor's office conducted a glucose tolerance test. I drank the liquid, as instructed. Let me just say, that it tasted like a extremely sweet orange gatorade. Not long after I drank it, I started to feel nauseous and queezy. All I wanted to do was throw up. They took my blood and found that my reaction to the sugar was what they would like to see. So, thank goodness, I show no signs of developing gestational diabetes. Looks, like I am in the clear. I commented on how sick I felt after drinking their sweet juice. The nurse said, "Well, at least you didn't have to take the 3 hour test and drink the whole bottle." I immediately said, "You mean I didn't have to drink the whole bottle!?!" The nurse gasped and was shocked to hear that I accidentally drank the whole thing, when I was only supposed to drink half! Oh well, even though I did drink the whole thing, my glucose levels were just fine. Lucky me. I went home and immediately threw up!!Comments:Add a comment:
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Mon, Apr 21, 2008 2:09 PM
I had a doctor's appointment this morning at Dr. Fulton's. I am happy to say that so far I have only gained 10 pounds! We are scheduled in 3 weeks to have an ultrasound. This one will show us all of the organs and will be very detailed. I am looking forward to it. In the meantime, check out the previous ultrasound photos!
Comments:nancy: Hey 10lbs that's Great MelissaAdd a comment:
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