Our new baby was due to be born in early December. I was busy enough with the renovations to our new house that I didn't mind the baby's later arrival. Still though, I was surprised that it was the 18th of December before contractions began with some regularity, around 1:00 p.m. Since they were milder than anything I experienced with the labor for John David, I was still hesitant to declare that this was it. I was even able to lie down and rest for a while. A few hours later, I went for a walk through the neighborhood with my mom. It was a beautiful day, a clear and cool Saturday one week before Christmas. David and I watched some of the movie of John David's first days.
This labor can actually be divided into the typical early, active, and transition stages. Around 7:00 p.m. I needed to focus more on my position and visualize why I was going through all this (I started having back pain). I thought about being with the new baby in front of the Christmas tree. I was relaxing pretty well, sitting on the floor with David's arms and legs wrapped around me, supporting me. Around 8:30, he thought I should be on my feet. We went into the kitchen, and I sucked on a few spoons of honey. By 9:30, I was shaking and having serious doubts about my progress and ability to continue. I mentioned something about pushing and David had me out of the door by 10:00. The car ride to the hospital was not too bad. I thought about the work the contractions were doing and that soon I could be holding my baby in my arms (rather than my belly).
Somehow I made it out of the car, through registration and mandatory fetal monitoring. I found out I was 7-8 cm dilated with a bulging bag of waters. That was such a relief. I made it to a labor bed within 30 minutes of the baby's birth. I was on my knees leaning forward against the back of the raised bed when I finally asked my midwife if I could push. She checked me and could feel the baby's head. I pushed three times and my baby boy was born, at 11:51 p.m.
This peaceful baby weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz., was 20.5 inches long, and had a 14 inch head circumference. In size and looks, he is so much John David. In his own sweet way though, he has inspired my awe.
My heart's new love, Elliot James Gidcumb is almost four days old. He is wonderful, but before I tell of his journey into our world, let me express some respect and appreciation for my first love, David Gidcumb.
I am so grateful for the support David gave me through the labor for our new baby. Even though this second delivery was shorter and less intense overall, I needed David this time just as much as with John David's birth. He was my rock. I leaned on him when I felt I had nothing left, when my doubt literally left me shaking. His steadfastness and sweetness got us through another wonderful and memorable birth. He is a great man, and I am so honored that he is my husband.
Thank you, David.