Friday, August 18, 2006

He's Here!!!

Tyler Scott VanDewater arrived at 2:20 a.m. on his due date 8/17/06!! I went into labor at 11:30 p.m. on the 16th with contractions about 6 minutes apart. We called Tracy, my midwife, at midnight and told her I didn't think this train was stopping. Little did we know that it was going to go warp speed. By the time we left for the birth center about an hour later I was having contractions I had to stop for and breath through about every 4 minutes. We got to the birth center around 1:30 a.m. and my midwife quickly welcomed me (as I was in the middle of a contraction) and rushed away to another Mom who was also giving birth that night. I got in the tub a few minutes later and starting having incredibly intense contractions. We did most of the process on our own other than a nurse who came in for a few minutes here and there. About 35 minutes later I felt the need to push and my water broke. Three pushes later I birthed his head - looked up at the nurse and said "his head's out, now what" at which point she left the room and Tracy came rushing in right after. The next push got his body out and Tracy quickly removed the cord from around his neck and handed him to me. Labor and delivery lasted a total of 3 hours. Amazing!

He needed just a little oxygen right after birth, but otherwise he was perfect and doing great. He weighs 7 lbs 15 oz and is 20 inches long with dark hair. We can't tell what color his eyes are for sure - he doesn't like to open them very far. He loves to suck and we're working on the breast feeding. I am hoping my milk comes in tomorrow so I can get that worry behind me.

Matthew is doing ok with the new brother. I think he is feeling some insecurity about not having my undivided attention and is acting out a bit - especially with Daddy. Hopefully we'll figure out how to meet his needs. I'm sure he'll get a little better when I am back on my feet.

Overall I'm feeling great - just the normal post delivery discomforts. I'm so thankful to have him here and be able to see his sweet little face!! I'm having lots of fun getting to know him. Love truly does multiply!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Joan and Steve!!! And welcome to little Tyler Scott! I'm glad everything went well and am amazed at how quickly! Wow! Can't wait to see pic's of the sweet little guy. Hope you are up and around and feeling good soon and that little Matthew gets used to his new family quickly- it is quite an adjustment for that first and only child to see someone else come in and get that attention that used to be all theirs. Josh had a terrible first month with Zach's arrival, but quickly grew to love and watch out for his little bro.

Lisa Stucky said...

I am so happy for you, my dear friend! I am so sorry I am not there to hold that little one!!! I'm praying that nursing goes much better this time. I love you, Joanie!

Anonymous said...

We are so blessed from our Heavenly Father! What a wonderous gift He has given you, Tyler Scott! We are so happy for you both and Matthew too. He will love having a brother, maybe not today...or tomorrow, but soon! We look forward to seeing photos when you get a chance. Take care and much love to you all from all of us!