Donovan

My big boy Donovan decided he needed to take a shower this morning, so I thought I would take the opportunity to type out his birth story. I don't even have it in my journal, and I don't think I've ever really shared it with anyone besides maybe my mom. It wasn't anything miraculous or totally horrifying, but I think it should be documented for his sake so I'll try to remember!

My doctor wanted to induce me at 38 weeks because Donovan was getting pretty big and I had been dilated at a 4 and 90% effaced for a while with no other signs of labor on the horizon. That really wasn't an option because Brad was going to be a few hours away at a coaching liscensing camp for about a week. So we held off until the day after Brad got back hoping I wouldn't go into labor on my own. Joyce was concerned so she and David had me stay at their house just in case I went into labor in the middle of the night (this was at a time where we only had one car and Brad had taken it with him). They provided me with a nice, relaxing weekend. I'm still grateful to them to this day! (Joyce is actually the one that got me thinking about all this, she was talking about Donovan on Sunday and remembering that week before he was born and how perfect he was when he arrived) Anyway, I didn't go into labor and Brad got home safely Sunday night just in time for us to try to get some rest before we had to get up and head to the hospital the next morning. I remember driving to the hospital, it wasn't a long drive, but I remember being really nervous and telling Brad, "I don't think I'm ready for this." His response, "It's too late now!" He's usually much better at telling it like it is than trying to make me feel better about things...but that's okay, it really is one of the things I love most about him and he's actually getting better at trying to calm my anxiety and silly fears. After we got to the hospital they asked us a bunch of questions about insurance and other things (thankfully I had started a job in July of '06 that provided insurance and I got pregnant in November of '06...we were very blessed!). The nurses were really great and we just hung out for a while and tried to get some rest before they started the pitocin. Shortly after they started the pitocen, my Doctor came over to break my water. That was an interesting and slightly disgusting experience. After that, the contractions got stronger. I was having a hard time resting and I guess I was moaning a little because Brad called in the nurse so we could see if I could get the epidural. About 15 minutes or so later, the anesthesiologist was there. I had to close my eyes and turn away so I wouldn't see the needle, but of course Brad had to tell me it was huge. It wasn't too bad and I was able to relax for a while. After a couple of hours I could start to feel my legs and being a total wuss, I pushed the button because I was terrified to feel anything! I finally got to a 10 and started pushing before the Doctor P got there. I think I pushed for a little over an hour. It really didn't feel that long. We kept them all pretty entertained. I would start to push and Brad would say something that would make me laugh so I would try to keep pushing through the giggles. Brad swore he wouldn't watch, but once he caught a glimpse of Donovan's hair, he couldn't look away. He decided it was actually pretty awesome. I don't know if she was serious, but one nurse told us we were a pretty good team. Brad was cheering me on like he would one of his players, maybe that's what she meant. I had a hard time taking it seriously so everything he said made me laugh. When he finally arrived, Brad had a huge smile on his face and I had big tears in my eyes. He was a beautiful little boy with almost black hair. He was perfect. The first picture Brad took of him was by a soccer ball...does that shock anyone? He was 8 lbs 3 oz, 21 inches long. Everything went smoothly and he completed our family for the time being. He went to his first soccer game when he was 4 days old and has been a permanent fixture at home games ever since! He was a pretty good baby and he's a great little boy, even though he tries his mommy's patience and likes to push his limits! He's still as sweet and snuggly as he's always been. He's always been a great jumper, ask anyone that held him after he was a few months old! He still jumps nonstop! He is extremely active and loves to be around other kids. He's very excited about having a little sister. Yesterday he said, "I'm excited for my sister to come. And I'm going to be so proud and I'm going to give her lots of kisses." I just hope he's past his stuffy, runny nose when she gets here so I'll feel okay with him giving her lots of kisses! We love our little Donovan and wouldn't trade him for the world! As I'm typing this, he's wearing his soccer socks and multiple pairs of underwear. At least they're not on his head anymore and he's covering his cute little bum.