Judson's Birth Story

Judson Carr Letterneau has arrived!

We are an official family of 4...parents of two beautiful children!  Here is Jud's birth story.  I will try to be as modest as possible but, let's face it, child birth is just not pretty...

At about 1:30 I woke up and noticed that I was leaking water.  I didn't think that it was my "water breaking' because in the movies you always see a puddle of water of the floor when that happens.  So James and I didn't know what to think of it but the water was still coming so we called the Dr.  Keep in mind, I was feeling no pain at this point.  My Dr. said that it was in fact my water breaking and that they usually like to get the baby out within 24 hours of that happening.  So, we waited at home for another 3 hours for my parents to arrive.  Since I was not feeling contractions, there was no big rush the Dr. said. 

We arrived at the hospital at about 5:00 am and they confirmed that I was in labor.  My contractions were getting stronger but not progressing as fast as they wanted so I was given protussin to speed things along.  Then the contractions staring coming strong and quick and PAINFUL.  I got my epidural and started feeling much much better quickly. For the next several hours we just relaxed, watched a few episodes of Army Wives on our I-touch, and chatted.

At this point, they thought the baby would be coming at about 5:30 or 6.  I wanted to see Ava and so I asked for her and my family to come by after lunch.  They arrived at about 2 and I got some good time with them and with Ava bug!  While they were there, the nurse kept checking me to see how I was dilating and she basically said that the baby was right there and I could push whenever I wanted.  I spent another few minutes with my family and waited for my Dr. to arrive.  Then it was time to push out the baby!

 It only took a few big pushes and about 5 minutes before the little guy arrived.  On that last push I was closing my eyes and giving it all I had and then I heard the nurse say, "Open your eyes and look at your baby"  Oh man, that was cool.  He looked just perfect and we spent the next hour just looking at him and getting all his info recorded.  He was born at 3:26 and weighed 6lbs 14 oz, 18 inches long. 

My family and Ava came in about an hour later and met their newest family member. 

 We stayed that night and the next night before heading home

 The first night home was a little rough.  Everyone talks about labor but no one ever told me how hard and painful recovery is.  Sitting, standing, laying, it all hurts!  Not being able to hold Ava and play with her on the ground was killing me.  I walked in the door and just wanted everything to be as it was (just with a baby) but it wasn't and I was very emotional.  Thank God that Ava was a PERFECT little angel.  She was helpful, understanding, and very lovey with James and I.

The first and next morning were great.  James is running around like a crazy man trying to take care of all of us.  He is doing an amazing job of it!  

During this pregnancy and during these last few days, I have felt very very blessed that James and I have been able to experience bringing a child into our family through adoption as well as biologically.  Both are so miraculous.  I have been amazed at how different but how similar it is.  The love I have for my two beautiful children is the bottom line...they are both so precious and we celebrate their unique stories and how they came into our family. 

 Thank you for your prayers as we adjust.  Mama's main issue is Ava.  I just love that girl so much and I can't stand not being able to give the attention that I normally can.  I know that soon, this will be our new normal but for now, it feels very foreign.  James needs extra engery and encouragement as he doesn't have a moment of down time. Thanks guys...love you all!