Thurston's Birth October 12, 2013 plus video at 10 days

We became parents - October 12 - 2013!

WOW! Parenthood is amazing... nothing else matters. That's so weird how your life can switch like that.

Around 7:30 am. Steph massaging my back. Brisket at my feet.

Here's the story of Thurston's arrival: LABOR and DELIVERY.

I figure I'll need to tell it all so if you don't like details... you don't have to read. You can just look at the pictures :).

Around 8:30 am on Saturday. Chris massaging my back. 

Friday, October 11 - I left work at 5:30, my coworkers, Natalie and Sterlynn, both made the comment "Maybe we won't see you on Monday". I thought they could be right. My due date was Monday, Oct 14th so it could be any day or another two weeks. When I got home I felt a little odd, went to the bathroom and there was the first clue. I had passed the mucus plug ... Chris loved this term and used it through out the pregnancy. What's funny was that until this moment neither of really knew what it was. The term is very descriptive. Chris googled it and found that this stage means labor could be in 2 hours or in 2 weeks. So we figured it was time to get some errands done and headed out for the evening.

Mel and I staring at the new little boy.

We went to Home Goods and bought a nightstand for Mr. T's room. Also on the agenda was the grocery store, Lowes and dinner. Anthony's pizza at Maitland Pkwy and Forest city was the perfect choice. Delish!! My friend Mel was hoping to make it to the birth... she called out of the blue while we were eating! I recommended waiting until morning to come.  After dinner I still wanted to get groceries but Chris refused - he said I was in no state to grocery shop. Probably because I had to pause a few times when leaving the pizza joint. Still - I could have got some milk and eggs!

We headed home - no lowes, no grocery store. We both crawled into bed at 9pm thinking if this is it, we'll need our rest. Chris slept sound all night long. Me - I had contractions or surges as we call them. Every 7 minutes like clock work, my uterus would tighten for about 30-40 seconds. No big deal but I only slept in 7 minute increments.

Steph, Thurston and I taking a breather after delivery.

Saturday, October 12 at 6am - I woke up Chris from a sound sleep and let him know that today is definitely the day! It's time to check our lists and pack our bags. I also texted Steph our Doula in training, neighbor, and great friend, to tell her - it's for real!!! She came to my bedside within minutes and we made a plan. She came back with my favorite foods: a watermelon, tea, avocado, and nuts.
I called the birthing center and let them know we were getting closer. Michelle, the midwife and owner of Heart 2 Heart Birthing Center. She said come in once the surges are every 3 minutes for 90 seconds.
At 8:30am - Mel walked in the door from her 2.5 drive from Punta Gorda, FL.
By 9:30am - The surges were every 2 to 3 minutes but lasting for a minute.
I let Chris know it was time to go!
By 10:30 - We made it to the Birthing Center. I was 5cm at that time.

Chris putting on his first diaper.

At the Birthing Center we tried all sorts of positions to ease the discomfort of the surges; all four, we walked outside, got in the hot tub, sat on the rocking chair, sat on the toilet. Standing and swaying with my eyes shut was the best escape.
By 1:20 - I was at 9cm and the the midwife said it was time. We went to the bed and crawled up on the ridiculously high bed. That was tough for a girl in active labor.
Mel was on video.
Steph was on support.
Chris was next to me holding my hand. Poor guy. I just about broke his hand!

The midwife was in the receiving position.

Tony's Deli - Mediterranean Food - First Meal as parents

The birthing assistant was to the right of me with hot compresses that were used periodically to save my perineum from tearing.
It took about 15 or 20 good pushes to get Thurston out.
At 1:50pm - Thurston Bennett Brown was born in Sanford, FL. Chris cut the cord. We all reveled in the beauty of our new addition.

Mel, Chris, Me, Thurston and Steph

At 6:45pm - We left the Birthing Center.
By 9pm - We were in our own beds with our sweet baby boy.

A non-medical intervention birth is not for everyone. It was hard. I don't know if I'll have another baby (especially anytime soon). I am so thankful that I had the support of my husband. He attended every appt. He was supportive of the decision to change from an OBGYN at 7 months to a non-conventional birthing center option. He helped us plan for the day. He was by my side the entire labor and delivery. Just as important, he was willing to accept the help and support of our friend Steph.
I was so thankful to have Steph throughout the pregnancy. She researched so many healthy alternatives. She kept me hydrated with amazing morning smoothies and kept me calm as we approached D day. She was excited about the natural birth, which in turn, helped me to be excited rather than nervous or scared.
I was so lucky that Mel is such a great friend. Her random call on a Friday night and her determination to be at the birth was so wonderful. I was so glad to see her positive face during labor and for her to be at the birth of our child.
I wouldn't have wanted Thurston's Birthday to happen any other way. I'm so happy to have Mr. T. safely come into our lives. Chris and I are so blessed with the gift of parenthood.

Video of Thurston at 10 days old: