Stennson...

Stennson is a week old today! It's been a joy getting to know this sweet boy! Life as 4th born is definitely different. I've been so thankful for the help from Matt and our families that's allowed me to feel like I've had some good moments just enjoying him! So far he has been a dream baby. His entrance into this world was fast, painful and emotional. He has been calm, quiet and so very sweet!

Last Tuesday night I started having a few contractions while Matt and I were on a date. I had been to the doctor that day and she was pretty convinced I'd go into labor that night. I was hopeful she was right because she was working that night. I was dialated to a 5+ at my appt. and he was very low. Sure enough she was right :). We headed down to the hospital and she broke my water around 10:30. Because of some side effects I had from the epidural after delievering Monreau and McLleyton I decieded I would try to deliever with out one. My biggest hesitation and concern was remembering Monreau's birth, she was born "face presentation" - or face, not head first. I had some fear something could go wrong again and I would not be able to push without an epidual like I had with her when I had one. My doctor was super confident and encouraging that I could do it and this delivery would be fast and the baby was in the correct position. Overall, she was right! Once my contractions really kicked in around 12am it was fast. However, when it came time to push we realized that as he dropped he had gone into the same position as Monreau- face first. I will admit that mentally this seemed a bit overwhelming to me in the midst of all the pain. I was so thankful to have in that moment an amazing doctor who knew how to get me to refocus and work through it. Matt was also pretty amazing and loving :). I had a big fear that I wouldn't be able to push him out in that position without the medication. With Monreau I pushed for over 2 hours, the thought of that in that moment seemed like too much. I also knew that my doctor could not do anything to help deliver him, it was definitely intense! Thankfully, after 25 minutes he was born! It was definitely hard on both of us! Yes, my tail bone broke again- this time I got to feel it!! But, he was healthy and in that moment of seeing him it is true that you almost immediately forget! I will always remember the moment Matt said "It's a boy" and feeling him place on my chest. It was incredible and so emotional! Because of all the pressure on his face he was pretty bruised for the first 24 hours, but like Monreau he healed very quickly. It is incredibly humbling when I look at the four children we've been given. To have two girls and then two boys is such an amazing blessing!

Stennson's first week has been great. I've been in quite a bit of pain, but it's been a blessing to have help. He has been amazing. I already feel like he's getting on a good schedule and last night he slept great, giving me two 4 hour stretches and going right back to sleep after eating. He is a very calm baby, even in the midst of a lot of busyness :). I am madly in love with this little guy!! We are blessed!