Running Through Time: May 2012

Cally's birth was a bit difficult and with that as part of the medical history, both my doctor and I were a bit concerned about what Hunter's delivery may be like. With a history of vacuum assisted delivery, shoulder dystocia and relatively large size baby, we opted to have an ultrasound done to see how big Hunter may be to make sure we wouldn't run into the same problems with him. At my 37 week ultrasound, he measured 9 lbs 3 oz and although this is only an estimation and it can be up to 2-3 lbs off, his potential size became a concern. The doctor suggested considering a csection and I was mortified. I never thought I would have to do that but after a really weighing out the risks and benefits Zane and I decided that a csection was the best and safest option for me and Hunter. So with that said, we scheduled the c-section for Friday, May 18th and I began to mentally prepare myself.

A planned c-section definitely has its perks, especially since knowing when the baby is coming helps you plan and prepare. So now that we knew Hunter will be here on the 18th, I called Mary and she flew out on Wednesday the 16th to be here to take care of Cally. I picked her up in San Diego on Wednesday evening and planned our Thursday out so I could finish up all I needed to do before going in on Friday to have Hunter. But even with all that planning, Hunter had a plan of his own.

We went to bed late Wednesday night but I could not sleep. I tossed and turned until midnight or so and as I finally began to nod off, I felt my water break. I was a bit in shock and unsure if my water had indeed broken so I woke Zane up, laughing, and told him about what had happened. At this point, I had no contractions and was in no pain at all so I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't want to go to the hospital for nothing but then again I knew if my water had broken that I needed to. Luckily my bags were packed so we grabbed our things and headed out. On the 15 minute car ride to the hospital I began to have contractions and knew that this was it. Although not extremely painful yet, I knew they were the real thing, much different than braxton hicks.

We arrived at the hospital and headed up to the labor and delivery floor where I was hooked up to monitors and IV's. When I first arrived I was dilated to 4 cm but within the hour of being there my contractions had increased greatly, were regular and getting stronger and stronger and I was in active labor. When they checked me again I was already 5 cm dilated so they decided that it was time for the c-section.

Soon I was being wheeled into the OR and getting the oh so lovely spinal block. Zane came in shortly after and within a few minutes Hunter was out. Hunter Zane Running was born at 4:51am, weighed 8 lbs 15 oz, and is 21inches long. It was all very quick and surreal but just as wonderful to hear that first cry. I was so anxious to see him and it felt like forever before they could bring him to me but I could hear everything and was so happy to know that he was doing so great. Soon after they laid him on my chest for a few moments and I got to see my little guy. It was amazing. Zane got to hold him while they closed me up and moved me to my room.

First bath!

We are so thrilled to finally have our son with us and love him so much already. He's an amazing little guy and we can't wait to show him the world. Welcome to our family Hunter! We love you!

Big sister Cally woke up the following day to the news that Hunter was finally here. She was so excited to see him and so interested in him! She was super sweet and couldn't wait to hold him and love on him.

Nan and Hunter

I feel so blessed to have the family that we have. I am so truly lucky and never thought I could feel so much love! My life is just wonderful and I couldn't be happier!

Pismo Beach is one of the only places where there are sand dunes and beaches where you can drive on and camp. Zane has been wanting to go for a while now and so he took a few days off of work and we headed up north to have one last camping trip before Hunter arrives. I'm now 37 weeks pregnant and we considered not going since it's 4 1/2 hours away but I've been feeling fine and thought a camping trip would be a blast. We spent 4 nights camping at the beach and had a great time. Zane got to ride his dirtbike and Cally had a blast on the sandbuggy. I even went for a ride too! It was really fun!

An old friend of mine lives in the area and we had the opportunity to reunite after 12 long years! Jessica and I met in junior high school and have been friends since but the last time I saw her was at my high school graduation! It was so great to see her and catch up. We got to meet eachother's family and spend some time together reminiscing. After a long 12 years, it was like time had never been a factor and we were back to our old selves.