Our weekly appointment with the OBGYN was scheduled for 9:30am that same morning. I was hoping to make it to the Doctor's office so that they could evaluate me and see if this was the real deal. I didn't want to make a trip to the hospital and have them tell me it was false labor and send me home. We finally got out of bed about 7am and took showers and got ready for the day - well with quite a bit of pains that almost took me down to floor. As I said I would do if labor began and I had time, I showered, got my makeup on, and straightened my hair. I didn't want to go in there a mess because I knew that I would already be a mess afterwards. I am a clean freak and wanted to be fresh and clean before I arrived at the hospital.
We were on the way to our appointment and I called my mom to tell her about the pains. I mentioned we were on our way to see the Doctor and explained my morning to her. One of the last things I said to her was, "If they don't admit me to the hospital today, I am going to die!" At that point she knew it was the big day. So, we made it to see the Doctor and asked how I was doing. Again, I explained everything to him. He did his exam and then looked at me and said, "Did you bring your things?" I replied, "Yes I did, I brought everything just in case." He looked at me and smiled, "You're 3cm dilated, so why don't you head over to the hospital now." I started crying because I couldn't believe it was time. Brian and I arrived at the hospital (after we ran home real quick to grab a few things we left behind) and they started their evaluations to see if they should admit me. Sometime later, they brought in paperwork and had me sign in because they were going to keep me. I would try to explain what we were feeling at that time, but there were so many thoughts and emotions flying around, it would be impossible. Brian, my mother, father, and sister were all in the room watching, waiting, and coaching me through each contraction as each one got progressively worse. Finally one of my amazing Doctor's came into the room and asked if I wanted them to break my water because I was almost at 4cm, but things were slowing. About an hour later, she came back, broke my water and I got what was called a "cocktail shot," something to help me relax between contractions. I felt instantly drunk and it felt good to relax before the next one hit. My coaches were doing great and without them, I don't know what I would have done. Brian never left my side, he was the best at getting me to relax. My mother and sister coached me through breathing, and dad sat on the couch as it was hard for him to see me endure all the pain I was in.
Brian said I never opened my eyes the entire time we were there. I have a phobia of hospitals and I was in extreme pain, so the easiest thing to do was keep my eyes shut and imagine that I was on a white sandy, sunny beach in the Bahama's listening to the waves crash as I was in my bikini drinking an ice cold blue moon with a slice of orange. The time came for the decision of whether or not to get and epidural or have another cocktail shot. I thought long and hard through this question and came to the conclusion that I wanted to go all natural and declined the epidural. Oh yes, I shocked myself and everyone else. I remember thinking to myself that maybe I had made the worst decision ever. The next thing I know, the nurse said, "It's time to push!" All that went through my head at that time was "Holy Crap! Brian and I are about to have a baby!" I was scared out of my mind. I'm guessing it was around 6pm or so, because after the worse cramps of my life, I was told to hold my legs, take a deep breath and push for ten seconds. I had to do this three times per contraction. At this time, my contractions slowed A LOT. So, when I did get a contraction, I would try to exceed the three pushes per contraction, and try to do four or five. By the time the pushing came, I didn't seem to have a lot of pain anymore, I was so worn out and tired, I just wanted him out. Pain was the last thing on my mind. After much coaching and Brian by my side, everyone's hard work paid off.
At 7:20pm on November 16, 2009, Bryson Ty Cravalho was born. Weighing in at 6lbs, 9oz & measuring 19 1/2 inches in length, our son was here, FINALLY!!! Our little son, so amazing, so small, beautiful, perfect, and everything else parents, grandparents, and a sister could say about their little guy - he was here, happy and healthy. Holding him and looking at him for the first time was the most memorable moment for Brian and I. We cried, smiled, stared, kissed his cute little face, and were beyond happy and thankful to have him in our hands.
Bryson was due on my birthday, November 18. We are so happy that he has his very own day, just shortly after his dads birthday and before moms. Brian's birthday is November 5th, Bryson is the 16th, and I am the 18th! That makes us a family of Scorpio's! Watch out world!
Brian and I are the happiest mommy and daddy! All of his grandparents and both Aunties are thrilled as Brian and I never planned on having children. Let me tell you, a baby is the most precious gift anyone could ever receive. We love him more than anything in the world. Brian is the most loving, caring person I have ever known. He is my other half, I am such a lucky girl to have been so lucky to end up with the person of my dreams. I love my family in such a way that I can not explain. Brian, my son, and Niko are my life. This is what life is all about. I never knew I could love anyone as much as I love Brian and Bryson - and Niko of course! I have so much love for my family and friends, but to describe the love I have for my family, it would be impossible.
I am thankful, very thankful for everything that I have been given in my life. Thank you everyone for all that you have done for us. The grandma's have bought us everything and more and have been there for us through any questions or problems that we have had. We thank each and every person. We love you!
