That morning, Adam and I made our way to Candler Hospital in Savannah at the (way too early) time of 4:00 a.m. We were scheduled to be at the hospital by 4:30 a.m. so that we could get everything squared away and get the induction started. We arrived at the hospital and were told that we may have to wait a little while longer than anticipated. They had babies coming out of the wood work and were quickly running out of beds. Luckily, we were checked in and put into a Labor & Delivery room. I was already dilated just over 2 cm when we arrived, so they slowly started the pitocin at about 6:30 a.m. As with Jackson, I was very excited, yet calm about the whole experience. I absolutely LOVE giving birth and for some reason a great sense of peace always seems to take over. I like to relax and take in every minute of what's going on around me. As I lay there in labor, I turned the t.v. to TLC and proceeded to watch several episodes of "A Baby Story", I found it quite amusing, and strangely comforting, to watch other people having babies while I was in labor. ;-) As always, Adam was getting things in order and cracking wise jokes. He's the perfect "birth" companion. We were both calm, yet anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby boy! After about an hour on the Pitocin, the contractions started to get very strong. They were MUCH stronger than they ever were while I was in labor with Jackson. I was doing my best to breathe through them and really focusing on not making much noise. As they got stronger, I felt him suddeniy drop and shift and my water broke on it's own. After that, they decided that my body was ready and taking over, so they slowed the pitocin. In the middle of one of the contractions, as I was sitting on the edge of the bed, gripping the side rail for dear life and doing my breathing, I felt a hand come across my back. I turned around and there was my wonderful OB, Dr. McIntosh. I told her that I was doing well, but thought it was time for the epidural. By the time that I received the epidural, I was already at 8 cm and thought maybe I should have just pushed on through and gone without. I know that natural vs. epidural is a hot topic of debate, but I chose an epidural with Jackson and had a great experience with no complications. I was able to have skin-to-skin contact with him the moment that he was born and nurse him right away. I liked the fact that because I was not delirious with pain, I was able to really focus and take in every aspect of his birth. It wasn't a big blur in my mind, I was very present and able to truly capture those precious memories. So, I decided to go the same route with Jude.
After being on all fours and trying different positions to get him to progress on his own, it was finally time to push. Adam, My Mama and my Mother-in-law stayed in the room. With Jackson I wanted it to be only Adam and I in the room, which I loved. But, I decided that I would let my Mama and MIL in on the action this time. As a Mama of two boys, I can only hope that my daughter-in-law allows me to experience the birth of one of my grandbabies! These are the things that boy Mamas think of, people. ;-) Anywho, because Jude was almost a pound bigger than Jackson, and I was told when I had Jackson that I probably couldn't deliver a baby much bigger than him without complications, he was having a hard time getting out. Every time I would have a contraction, his heart rate would drop pretty drastically. Although Dr. Mac remained calm, I could tell that she had a sense of urgency about her. Every time I would push, her eyes would stay glued to the fetal heart rate monitor. She just kept saying "Come on, Jude. Come on, Buddy. You can do it." Finally, she looked at me and said "This is it. We have to get him out with this push." And, with one last (determined) push, Jude Adam McCullough was born! Although things got a bit hairy for a few moments, altogether I only labored for just over 5 hours and pushed for 11 minutes. Once again I felt blessed with another wonderful labor and delivery. As soon as he arrived, he let out a loud cry and was given the highest score on the chart, so I knew that he was just fine! We were ecstatic to welcome another beautiful, healthy baby boy.
The hospital was absolutely wonderful, supportive and very accommodating of this breastfeeding Mama. They laid him on my chest the moment he was born ( just as they had with Jackson) and he remained there, having skin-to-skin contact and nursing for the next hour or so. Then, they took him over, while in the same room to get his length and weight and returned him right back to me. He nursed like a champ right away. And, I am proud to say that he will soon be 7 months old and up until about 2 weeks ago, had nothing but breast milk. He has now started solids and is loving it! He's an eating machine! ;-)
The rest of our hospital stay was wonderful. I know that many people don't like hospitals or choose the home birth route but, call me strange, I love the hospital! I absolutely loved the following two days of just me, my husband and our new baby. Confined to one small room, soaking up every precious moment. As a busy, working Mama of a then four year old, moments like that are far and few between. Of course, we missed Jackson like crazy. But, it was so nice to be in this little bubble, just the three of us, bonding. Not to mention that the hospital staff is there, doting all over you, making you feel super special, and waiting on you hand and foot. Those first few days in the hospital, with both of my boys, will always be some of my fondest.
Here are a few special pictures from our precious Jude's "Birth Day" and the days following....
Checked in and ready to get started!
When they told us it was time to push....excited!
Welcome to the world, Jude Adam McCullough.
Jackson meeting his little brother for the first time. He was smitten and remains so, 6 months later.
Daddy & his boys. These guys are my heart!
Precious! He looked up at me and said "I like your baby, Mama."
With Grandaddy- 3 generations of McCullough men.
Papa Dykes and Uncle Zach
Great "Big Pa" and "Big Ma" Taylor
Family of 4!
Not this best picture of Jude, but we LOVE Dr. McIntosh!
Ready to go home!
Finally HOME.
Professional Pictures taken in the hospital- One day old.
Professional Pictures taken at home- 2 weeks old.
I had to include this one. Jackson can't wait to teach you all about super heroes!
We love you very much, Jude. You are the perfect addition to our family and we thank the Lord that he chose us to raise another beautiful son. What an honor.
All our love,
Mommy & Daddy
" For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14
