Rader Report: September 2010

It's hard to believe that one week ago in the morning before church, this was me...

...and that 9 hours after this picture was taken,

this happened...

Eva Jane ~ 7 lbs. 7 oz ~ 20 1/4 in.

Let me start from the beginning. Last Sunday, September 5, I woke up like any other morning. A little tired, but not too bad. The baby in my belly had been running laps during the night and felt like my ribs were a good place to plant its feet. But we were up and getting ready for church. I got the girls ready and Cole, too, walked out the door and headed to church to worship. During the middle of the church service, I felt a few twinges of contractions. Nothing huge and definitely no pain. Just felt my stomach tighten periodically. I spoke to a doctor friend after church just to get some questions answered. I just wanted to know what I needed to look for if I was going to go into labor on my own (I had been induced with the other 4). I had specifically prayed that God would allow me to go into labor by myself, but at this point, I didn't care if I was induced or not. The baby had run out of room and I was HUGE (refer to picture #1)! Anyway, I got my questions answered and we headed home after church. When we got home, I made lunch for the kids and Marc, but really didn't want to eat. I decided to go and relax and while doing so, I noticed that the tightenings were getting more and more regular and closer together. I gave Marc a heads-up and continued to monitor things. At about 1:45 I told Marc that I thought I was in early labor. We called his parents to come and watch the kids and headed up to the hospital - really hoping that I was indeed in labor, but not sure. We got to the hospital, checked in, went up to the labor and delivery floor to be monitored for a little bit. The nurse came in, asked me a MILLION questions and finally checked me. At 3:00, I was 3 cm. dilated. Not a lot, but it was more than at my appointment which was just 2 days prior. The nurse thought I would stay, but had to run everything by the doctor. They called her and I heard a little of their conversation. The doctor wanted me to walk for an hour and then she was going to send me home. I wasn't far enough along to stay. The nurse kindly reminded her that this was my 5th child and things could go pretty quickly. Also, I lived almost an hour away from the hospital. Was it really wise to send me home if things took off? I LOVED my nurse! She was FANTASTIC! Anyway, the doctor conceded and let me stay. They admitted me and I was brought over to my room. Since things were moving rather quickly and I was starting to have some pain with my contractions, I decided to get some fluid in me just in case I wanted an epidural. At 4:30, they checked me and I was already 8 cm. dilated. So, in 1 1/2 hours, I dilated 5 cm. Boy -- am I glad I didn't go home!!! I really wanted the epidural at this point as I was having TERRIBLE back labor. The anesthesiologist came in, poked and prodded me, gave me the drugs and.....nothing happened. The pain was still there. And stronger than ever. The nurse had me roll from side to side to see if we could get the meds to move. They didn't. At 5:30, it didn't matter. I was 10 cm. and ready to push. Five minutes later our baby was born! I heard the baby cry. Everyone oohed and aahed. And I heard, "That's a beautiful baby". But nobody told me what the baby was! Marc and I had decided that since this baby was a complete surprise, we would let it stay that way until the very end. And when I was wondering what the sex was, no one was telling me. I finally had to ask Marc! He moved the baby's leg and whispered, "It's a girl!". I was so EXCITED!!!! We had another girl! And she was just beautiful! During this whole process, Maggie was in the room with us watching everything! She was just in awe of her brand new baby sister! She couldn't get enough of her! She counted her fingers and toes and then said, "Mom, when you get home, the baby can sleep in my room!". Ummm....not just yet! This birth was a beautiful experience. Going from no contractions, to twinges, to heading up to the hospital, to labor, to having this beautiful little girl God created laying on my skin just staring into my eyes - I couldn't have asked for it to go any smoother.

Back in January when I was praying and asking God to make some changes in my life, I was completely blown away when I found out I was pregnant yet again. Excited, nervous, anxious, wondering how we were going to do it with 5 children. But now that I see her, it doesn't matter. God allowed this to happen for a reason and He is going to totally take care of everything. Now that she's here, I couldn't imagine life without her. She fits into our family beautifully. If you're wondering how Cole is managing all of this - let me just tell you that he's completely fine. He struts around this house like he's the king of the castle. Anyway, here are a few pictures of our newest and last addition (at least that's how I feel - if God changes that, well.....)!