Happy 4 Months Tyler!

I can't believe we have had Tyler in our lives for four months and it has been the best four months of my life. To recap the day, Tyler was born the day after his due date. I was four centimeters on my due date so I asked my OB, Dr. Ketchum, if she could induce me. I was feeling a lot of pressure and back aches, but no contractions. Being a labor nurse, I had a feeling that Tyler was in the wrong position because of the back pains. I also wanted to be induced because it was the only time that mother could take a week off of work and Dr. Ketchum was on call. The induction started at 8:15 am when I started to receive Pitocin. I was feeling good contractions, but I thought that I could handle it. ( I did pass 8 kidney stones during my pregnancy.) I wanted to have a non-medicated birth, but I did not totally dismiss the thought of an epidural. Dr. Ketchum then broke my bag of water at 12pm and then the party began. I felt pain like I had never thought I would. I had horrible back labor. I was up moving on the birthing ball, and rocking, and practicing my breathing. I was doing everything I was supposed to and I had to keep telling myself that I could do it, but my mind kept saying get an epidural. Eric was also the best coach and companion. Well, all the hard work pain off. With in 30 minutes I felt a lot of pressure and like I had to push. I had my nurse come back in and I was 7 cm. With in a half an hour I was 9.5 cm. I could not help the urge to push, but we had to wait for Dr. Ketchum to arrive. Once she did I pushed for 20 minutes, then Tyler was born at 1:45 pm. There were some minor complications. ( ha, ha). Tyler came out facing up, he had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and it was a short cord at that, and his shoulders were a little stuck so my nurse had to apply suprapubic pressure to get his shoulders to come out. He was a little pale, but healthy. And, I did it without pain meds. It was the best day of my life.

Today, Tyler is a healthy, sweet boy. At four months, he does not cry unless he needs something. He smiles at everyone and lets everyone hold him. He sleeps, 5-6 hour stretches and only wakes up to eat, then goes right back to sleep. He does not want to sit unless he is tired. He only wants to stand. He loves to talk and spit and drool. He would rather hold mommy's fingers then hold his toys. His favorite toy is a small stuffed zebra. He loves to be held and kissed. He loves to lay next to mommy and daddy in their nice bed and stare at them. He does not like to sleep on his back which is hard when they tell you to only place them on their back. He is a champ at peeing on his clothes every morning. He hardly spits up. He hates his swing. He is a big wiggle worm. He has been trying to crawl since he was born. He loves to grab your nose, mouth, and hair. He loves to look at himself in the mirror. He is the best baby a mother could ask for.