GCM II

I have waited entirely too long to put this on "paper", and even though I will never forget this day, I want to remember all the little details that are starting to blur..
At my 39 week appointment Dr. Freeman suggested inducing but would start the night before with some medication (Cervadil) to help dilate me. This entire pregnancy I felt strongly about not being induced, even if it meant going to 41, 42 weeks. But, he had a few reasons for wanting to do so and, obviously, I trust him or he wouldn't be my OBGYN.
First was the gestational diabetes. There is always a concern in true gestational diabetics that their babies will arrive into this world larger than average causing complications during pregnancy. Christopher arrived only 3 days early at 6 lbs 5 ounces...soooo I have no reason to believe that he would have gained some 2-3 pounds in those 3 days. one more reason to seriously question that diagnosis
Second was my progress, or lack thereof. 37,38, & 39 week appointments I had zero dilation and not much effacement.
And lastly, Dr. Freeman's words to me were "You have just run out of room!" My fundal measurement had actually decreased by an inch.
So I went in for my last appointment on a Friday and they scheduled me to be induced that next Tuesday, going in Monday for the Cervadil.

Monday May 27th.
We checked in at 6:00pm, I changed into a gown and the on-call doctor arrived to give me the medication. Dr Freeman mentioned that it will sometimes also start labor contractions, which was my great hope! The nurse said she would check on me constantly  periodically through the night and they would come back Tuesday morning and give me the Pitocin to induce labor around 6:30-7am. The Cervadil did bring on stronger contractions through the night, but nothing too severe so I figured I'd end up being induced.

Tuesday May 28, 2013.
They showed up at 5:30am ready to fill my IV with 3 bags of fluid and then start the Pitocin (what happened to 6:30-7?! I had grand plans to re-shower, apply fresh make-up, etc. to look my best for "labor day"). Dr. Freeman checked me and found I was a little bit more effaced but still only 1 centimeter dilated, if that.
5:30am- IV filled with 3 bags of fluid and then the Pitocin
7:30am- Dr. Freeman broke my water
10:30am- At this point the contractions began to get much more severe but I was still not yet dilated enough to receive an epidural. Chris and my mom were trying to comfort me with cold washcloths, rubbing my back, etc. and one minute I welcomed it and the next I didn't. The nurse suggested pain medication, which I agreed to. BAD IDEA.
I should have known better...anything stronger than Tylenol and I am sick as a dog. Always.
Long story short, I got sick 3 times over the next 6 hours. I was honestly really scared that I was going to feel out of it during the "pushing" part of labor so they ended up giving me whatever anti-nausea meds I needed (this was a lot of medicine for someone who, again, usually takes Tylenol at the most)!
12:00pm- I received the epidural. Complete relief. I spent the next 4 hours in and out of sleep. My mom was in there the entire time, and my dad and Jayne came in for a few minutes also.
4:00pm- 10 cm! Finally!
I started pushing shortly after that and continued for just under an hour and a half. I'm not lying when I tell you it felt like about 10 minutes. Honestly, that was the easiest part for me. Call me naive and crazy, and I'm sure it was all the adrenaline (especially because my epidural had worn off so much, the only thing numb was my right leg!) but I was ready to go. Ready to meet this baby. Ready to find out if we were having a little boy or girl.
5:32pm- HE'S HERE!
All I remember is Chris crying and myself laughing. Like an idiot! :) I just couldn't contain my excitement!
I know I don't have to tell all you mamas and daddies out there what a magical moment it is.
There is nothing in life that will possibly compare to the minute that our baby boy came into this world!

6 lbs 5 oz

19-3/4" long

13.5 head circumference

The first time they laid Christopher on my chest.

Daddy & baby

(GCM I & GCM II)

I was so swollen from all the fluid they pump into you! Up until that point I didn't have a problem with swelling, fortunately, but the day after Christopher was born I could barely get my shoes on!


We stayed in the hospital Tuesday night and Wednesday night and arrived home around 1pm on Thursday. Brookwood Women's Center was amazing. Our experience there was wonderful (except one night nurse) and I would highly recommend it to anyone searching for an OB.

It was my intention to take pictures of every single hospital visitor, but considering we had 20 visitors the day after GCM II was born I realized I couldn't keep up! Chris and I were overwhelmed with love and blessings through each visit/call/text, and we sincerely thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts! We are so fortunate to have an amazing support system in our family and friends.


Welcome to the world baby boy! Your daddy and I hope and pray that we can raise you to be strong in your beliefs, brave enough to stick up for those that need help, kind to everyone you meet, loving, and filled with Jesus' spirit. May you never know a day that you don't feel loved by us.