Well we’ve been home four days now and are adjusting to having two children. George’s sister was here one day and stayed up all night feeding Ian so we could rest. Isn’t she awesome? George’s mom came for a couple of days as well and did the same thing for us. We greatly appreciated the rest. George invited some friends over for my birthday last night and cooked dinner for us. It was nice to have everyone over and it was a great birthday. Everyone has been so helpful-friends have watched Ethan for us and have taken him places, some have brought their kids over to play with him and we’ve been getting meals from church-we are so spoiled!

We went to the hospital Tuesday night for medication in preparation for induction the next day. I am not fond of needles but I do okay except for IV’s. They were very kind but of course I cried. A guy came to do regular blood work and did a very bad job which made me very upset (basically doing a 360 with a needle in my skin). Other than that, the nurses were great. I got to take a shower and walk around in the morning before I was given the Pitocin. Keri was able to come down from Baltimore, George’s sister arrived, and my friends Kristine and Marilyn came too. The contractions started immediately once I was given the medication. I labored in a rocking chair for a while and then bam, it became difficult and I asked for some pain meds. Whatever they gave me was helpful, made me feel drunk. My team of helpers were great because I was feeling the contractions in my legs and they took turns massaging my legs. The epidural guy came and they kicked everyone out except for he and the nurse and since I was half drunk, it turned out well. No problems getting it to work. Labor went very fast after that. I think I only benefited from the epidural for an hour or so before I started feeling the need to push. I pushed for 25 minutes and Ian was born. Everyone was able to stay in the room for the delivery which was nice. I had my own cheerleading squad. My doctor made it just in time and the nurse was awesome. I think I got the Pitocin at almost 7am and Ian was delivered at 12:36pm. He was 8lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long. One pound less than Ethan. This delivery experience was completely the opposite from last time and we are so relieved. No hurricanes, no back labor, the epidural worked, no spinal headache, I could go on. Ian took the bottle immediately and is eating well. My doctor is awesome and prescribed Ambian at night so the nurses fed him all night while we slept. God answered our prayers and we are so blessed. Thanks to George, Keri, Marilyn, Shanna, and Kristine!

I had my last OB appt. today. He hasn’t dropped any and I’m still only 1 cent. dialated. The cervix is still way back (which I can attest to in how extremely uncomfortable the exam was). I go in to the hospital tomorrow evening at 6:30 for some medication to soften the cervix and then bright and early on Wednesday morning I get the evil Pitocin medication. A few friends plan to be there to help on Wednesday in addition to my sister-in-law. There’s a chance Keri may be able to fly down for a day to be there as well if the medical school will let her leave. It’s going to be a party and I’m having sign ups for drinks and snacks. People may wonder why I don’t mind having visitors to the blessed event. For one, I am very demanding and I know poor George cannot handle me alone. Also, I know from experiencing a friend’s delivery about five years or so ago that it is a neat experience to be a part of a child’s birth so if my friends want to be a part of Ian’s birth they will have a special connection with him from day one. Plus we need a photographer and someone to bring George food (just don’t let me know about it because last time I was furious when George got to eat Carrabbas carryout while I was suffering through back labor unmedicated). I think the doctor will limit how many of people are actually there for the delivery so I think everyone will have to fight it out in the waiting room:)

Some of my girlfriends took me out to dinner last night for my last night out. We went to one of my favorites: Bonefish Grill. I ate way too much but it was yummy. It was so sweet of them to treat me to dinner and the conversation was fun. They also prayed for me and Ian and for a safe delivery on Wednesday. Thanks girls!