Announcing Andrew Robert: born July 9, 2003

[amyinNC]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to say my baby arrived last week. He's 7 lbs 15 ounces. He was born at 11:50 am, after 2 hours of active labor and 25 minutes of pushing. Now, don't hate me yet, I think I had a full week of early labor... I kept trying to increase the intensity of the contractions (which were 5-15 minutes apart for many days) - by walking, sex, evening primrose oil, you name it - to no avail. They didn't hurt, but I was really getting tired (they were strong enough to wake me up).

We finally went to the hospital Wednesday morning - and the midwife broke my water. I didn't think I could do it... but I was able to pull off natural childbirth. I don't remember the pain, only the intensity of the pushing stage. The whirlpool tub at the hospital was amazing. I did end up with a sizable tear, since Andrew had his hands up around his mouth as he was pushed out (very quickly due to his heartbeat slowing down near the end).

All in all, it was marvelous. In my opinion, pain is completely unrelated to your satisfaction with the birth. My husband says he remembers me being in pain very clearly - but 30 minutes after I was already planning our second baby. I highly recommend a doula - and I also did a home study course of hypnosis for childbirth (hypnobabies). It really helped me prepare and think positive about the birth (despite the bombardment of horror stories from well meaning girlfriends).

I'll try to get a picture posted one of the these days. Maybe this link to shutterfly photos will work? http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b326db59a4ef

Thanks to everyone on the board for so many great ideas and suggestions. My husband finally realizes that all my preparation and research has paid off (which is priceless)! I was getting tired of hearing "we don't need that!".

Amy
Andrew, born July 9, 2003

[blnony]

A Huge Congrats to you!! The link worked, and he is so adorable.
I'm glad you all are doing so well.

[jojo2324]

Congratulations!! Those are gorgeous photos. :D

[mamahill]

WOW! Congratulations Amy and welcome Andrew! He looks gorgeous - love the pictures. Here's to a speedy recovery and lots of sleep to all of you!

[houseof3boys]

Amy he is a cutie! I love b/w photos too.

Natural childbirth is so worth it. You got off easy though...I pushed for 2 hours au naturel!

Hope the tear heals well for you. I had a big tear too (8 lbs 3 oz for my little bundle of joy) and I'm still not the same. Thursday is my 6 week post partum check-up so we'll see how things are.

Congratulations!!!!

[Marisa6826]

Oh Amy, he's beautiful! And he still has those little hands up! :)

I look forward to reading about your adventures in Mommyhood.

BTW - those black and white photos are wonderful!

Congratulations

-m

[Andrea S]

Congrats Amy and welcome baby Andrew (love the name :) ) He is a cutie.

Andrea
mom to Andrew 8/14/02

[MartiesMom2B]

Amy:

Those pics were beautiful. Congratulations.

Welcome to the world little Andrew!

Hugs,
Sonia
Proud Mommy to Martie 4/6/03

[August Mom]

Congratulations! Welcome to the world, Andrew.

[chrissyhowie]

Congratulations to you and your family! Such beautiful pictures too! Welcome, little Andrew!