A Little Background on the July 4th Birth

Originally back in October the doctor estimated that we would have Landon in early July. After several other appointments and various tests it was determined he would be due on July 20th. Therefore we scheduled a c-section for July 14th.

On Friday, July 3rd, Kari began experiencing contractions. We called the doctor several times to figure out how we would know when the best time to go to the hospital would be. We were told to write down how long in between contractions and how long each one lasted. Once they reached 5 minutes apart and lasting for about a minute for an hour, than we should go to the hospital.

The contractions continued through the night. With one phone call to the doctors office and several to my mother in law, Ruth, at approximately 6:00am we decided it was time to go to the hospital. We hurriedly made preparations; packed our bag and gathered cameras, etc. (since he was 10 days early we had not already done these things). I remembered that I left my camera at the office so before leaving campus I ran into the office to get the cameras, just in case (still believing we weren't having the baby).

Our hour drive allowed for a perfect time to see what the contractions were doing. She had been contracting for almost 24 hours, but there was no pattern. The pattern formed on the way to Round Rock. As we watched the clock the contractions were hitting 5 minutes apart and lasting for one minute. We found out our doctor was on call and we arrived at 7:30am.

We were quickly taken upstairs to labor and delivery where the nurses monitored and reported to our doctor for about 30 to 45 minutes. Before the doctor came to see us one last nurse measured her cervix; Kari was already sitting at 4cm. Now it is not uncommon for someone to be 4cm and not deliver immediately, but our doctor came in and advised we have him on July 4th. Without hesitation because of the pain and because we were ready to meet our bundle of joy, we advised the doctor to proceed.

At about 9:15am they wheeled Kari back to the ER and I waited patiently in the room for a nurse to come and get me. I had some trouble getting all my gear on and even tore one for the shoe covers (they should put arrows on those things or at least have someone help you put them on). We went back to the ER and the doctor was ready to go.

9:53am Landon Jeremy was delivered. I watched as the doctor removed him from my wife's belly. She proudly showed him off to Kari and I. I witnessed the cleaning and first diaper; in addition the weighting and measuring. The pediatrician showed Landon to Kari than handed him to me. We waited with Mommy behind the sheet as the doctor finished the procedure. Mommy immediately showered him with kisses and glowed with happiness at the sight of our baby boy.

By 10:30am we were back in our room with Landon. He doesn't cry much and loves to be wrapped tight in his blanket. He enjoys snuggling with his Mommy and we already treat him like our little prince. He makes several funny faces and even has this half smile face. There are two dimples, one on each side of his face and two little dimples under his bottom lip (which we have noticed that both my brothers have these dimples).

Kari's parents and siblings and my Pop, Donna and Brooke were in the waiting room ready to meet Landon. We took a few minutes and than Kari began vomiting. This last for about 4 hours, but she has not thrown up since. Many family and friends have already come to visit and welcome Landon to the family. Thanks to everyone who's dropped by, called us, sent us a text message, wall post or whatever other form of communication...Thanks to everyone for your love and support. We look forward to introducing each of you to Landon shortly and expect to be out of the hospital by Tuesday morning.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. This morning Landon gets a shot and circumcised. I am not looking forward to this painful experience, but believe it is necessary for our baby.

Stay tuned to Insert Title Here for more pictures and possibly some video. If you want to drop a comment, please feel free.

God Bless.