An Experience Part 1

This pregnancy was tough on me. I was physically exhausted the entire time and it isn't just because I have 4 other little ones to care for (although I am sure that plays a big part). I had major headaches, problems walking, cramping, etc. I tried really hard to keep up and still be a fun mom, but I know I wasn't. I constantly told my kids things would be better once the baby came, I had long lists of things that needed to be done, I worried that my body was giving out on me. All the while my sweet little baby kicked and grew inside of me, a feeling that is more new to me since this is the first time my placenta wasn't in front.

As the last few months approached things just continued to get worse. I continued to have painful cramping, but not consistent enough to be contractions. They would find something wrong with me and give me medicine and I would have a few days reprieve and something else would happen. On Tuesday the 20th of November I finally went into Labor and Delivery to try and see why I was cramping so badly. It turns out I was very dehydrated and had crystals in my urine- indicating kidney stones breaking up. I believe I finally passed them that day because the cramping finally subsided. Unfortunately I ended up with a bad rash for the next two days.

By Wednesday I was feeling awful again. I had the chills, low grade fever, and was really weak. I spent all of Thanksgiving weekend in bed. I just wanted so bad to have this baby so I could feel better. I wanted to get rid of the excruciating headache and be able to take care of my family again.
I woke Monday morning with the determination to find out what was wrong with me. I had my highest fever yet the night before and was still so incredibly weak, even after being in bed for 4 days! My doctor wanted me to go into Labor & Delivery right away and that is where I spent the next 5 days.

After waiting 2 days for my doctor feel confident that I did indeed have preeclampsia, despite my low blood pressure, I had my beautiful son. Timothy James (TJ) Sant, named after his grandfather's, was born on November 28, 2012 at 10:15 AM weighing 6lbs 7 oz and 19 inches long.

After they broke my water I progressed faster than they expected. My epidural was barely in when I felt a lot of pressure and was in a fair amount of pain. Turns out I didn't have time for my epidural to work all the way because he was ready to come into this world. I had to sit there for about 5 minutes in pain, not pushing (though that is all my body wanted to do), while we waited for my doctor to come. After 1 push he was out and I feel instantly in love. It never ceases to amaze me how strong the spirit is when a baby comes into the world. I know that Heavenly Father helped me bond to him instantly as I wasn't able to hold him much for the next 2 days. I will never forget him lying under the warmer while I laid in the hospital bed staring at him. It was just me and him and I called to him and he moved like he recognized my voice. Tears streamed down my face and I knew that he was now apart of my family and I would always love him.

I think I have a picture like this with all of our kids.

I know I don't look great, but I had been in the hospital for 2 1/2 days at this point.

Not sure what to think.

Seems like yesterday that Addy was holding the twins.

My precious little guy.

On our way home.