it's a ... BOY!

Clark Bentley Skousen - Born 9/10/11 - 2:42 pm - 7 lbs. 15 oz. - 20 inches

On Saturday morning we went to the hospital at 7:00 am and they started my IV of pitocin. It wasn't too long before my mild contractions were really moving. The plan was to have the midwife, Ellen, come in around 1:30 pm to break my water and start the epidural. By 12:30 pm I was pretty sure I needed that to happen now, not in one hour. Sure enough, they checked me and I was already at a 7 and things were moving fast with the contractions happening every two minutes. I kept asking Brad to text Kellie to "come, come" because I could tell it was picking up. Brad helped me work through the contractions and Kellie arrived just a few minutes later. I got the epidural and the urge to push was instant, like I was going to burst if I didn't get that baby out.

They broke my water and I was ready to start pushing. I was working with all of my might, it was so hard, and I could not get the baby out because the head was turned the wrong way and the heart rate was low every time I pushed (which was why they wanted to induce me in the first place). Ellen said if I couldn't get him out in the next push they needed to have the vacuum assistance to get him out. The thought running through my head was "Ok, I want to see you RIGHT NOW baby, are you a boy or girl!? PUSHHHHHH" but I didn't make it happen on that push so they brought in the vacuum and had him out within two more pushes. The cord was wrapped tightly around his neck making his heart rate drop with every push. They took a few seconds to unwrap the cord and lift him up and Brad said "BOY". They laid him right on me and we watched him wiggle and cry, amazed, while they wiped him off.

Kellie said Brad's face was total surprise as he realized the baby was a boy. That moment of meeting a new baby is unlike anything else I've experienced. This little baby that I already love completely yet I can't believe I'm actually seeing and holding. I was so grateful to have that little ball of purple here and healthy, breathing on his own, and perfect.

Things I want to remember:

Clark was born on my Grandpa Charles' birthday. I love that connection.

Pam, my first nurse, giving me the sweetest hug because she had to leave to help with transport of another patient.

Being so happy to feel intense contractions because, finally! they were actually happening and the baby would be arriving soon. Bring them on! (Then bring on the epidural.)

How much I needed everyone to coach me when I was pushing so I could tune in on their voices.

Feeling so overwhelmed with happiness to meet our baby boy and my heart nearly bursting grinch-style to make room for him. I could hardly wait for Jane to get there so we could all be together.

How every nurse that helped me was so kind, can you believe how people are willing to take care of a stranger? When I could hardly do a thing for myself, they would carry me, empty my catheter, clean me, stitch me, change pads and ice packs. I am so, so grateful. Every nurse would wince on my behalf and say something along the lines of 'bless your heart' because I was looking so severe (the vacuum forced the baby to come out a lil'bit too fast). One nurse said, "Sweetie, with how you're looking, I would take the narcotic." But another blessing, within three days it has improved so much I don't even need IB profen. (Edit: still need IB profen.)

It took us over 24 hours to settle on his name, Clark Bentley. Mostly because we couldn't get time to really talk together. Clark has been on our list all along, we love how it sounds and how it fits with our names. Bentley is a family name, Brad's paternal grandpa is Max Bentley Skousen, his mother was Maggie Bentley. As soon as we settled on it a huge "that's it" smile went across Brad's face. He has been so worried about names, pouring over the name books and websites, and Clark feels just right.

When Jane met Clark she kept repeating "Hi baby, hi baby, how doin baby?" She was so sweet with him. As Jane was leaving the hospital that first night she said, "Love you Mama" and added "Love you baby". It nearly melted me (I'm a puddle quite often the past few days), she already knows he is part of our family.

Its crazy how tired you are that next day, you realize all of the random muscles that are sore (my neck?) and my voice was scratchy. I stayed two nights at the hospital this time around but I'm so happy to be home now.

My Mom has been here for over a week now and its been a tremendous help to us, Jane is always thrilled, and I can take it easy (and even post on the blog) while she is being looked after. Brad's Mom comes this weekend and so the reality of two is going to take some time to hit me. We'll just take it slow.

Happy Birthday Clark! It's time to go shopping for some boy clothes!