Kaje Thomas Nef

The end of our summer was filled with play dates for the kids while mommy went to first three doctors appointments a week.  And then came the day when my blood pressure was to high.  I went to the hospital and they kept me in the hospital over night.  My blood looked good.  We were able to bring my blood pressures down, but my urine test came back over 300: meaning I was preclampsic.  My blood pressure should not have come down, but it did.  My doctor wasn't sure what to do with me.  What he didn't know is that I had a blessing.  I had been promised that I would carry to full term.  I was also told I would be healed.  And I was.  So what to do with me?  Daily tests to make sure baby and I are still fine--until I hit 37 weeks.  But why wait until I have serious problems once the baby is good to go--especially with my history.  So when I went to see my doctor the day after Labor Day, the doctor checked me.  I was no where close to having this baby on my own despite all my braxton hicks.  So I went to the hospital that night.  He let me take Tuesday off from my daily non-stress test.  And we started the process of having this baby.
That night they gave me cervidal.  And the next morning they started me on pit.  I spent all day progressing to a 2.  Usually Todd is right by my side from the time I go into the hospital until baby is born and then as much as he can afterwards too.  But with all the others things we've been through this summer (his company not paying us for July, his hours being cut back, needing to pay the deductible on our car.)  I hated him to miss a day of work to watch me go to a 2.  So he worked--all in town, and my mom sat with me.  When alone, it gets a little scary, but my mom kept me good company.  This time around I got to do a few things I've never gotten to do before.  I got to sit on the labor ball.  I got to walk around a little.  I got to eat broth and jello!!  I loved it.
At 10 pm they took me off the pit.  I guess it hits it's peak of effectiveness at 12 hours.  Usually I'm high risk enough we push through until we have a baby, but since I was in no immediate danger--They gave me a sleeping pill and more cervidal.  I was a 4.5 when I woke up and I had a great night sleep.  I also got to eat a late dinner and breakfast.  Plus before they started me back up, I took a shower.  It was so nice!!  At a 4.5 I was uncomfortable, but I didn't hurt enough for an epidural.  But I know if I waited to long, I wouldn't get one.  So I asked about it.  They had just broken my water, so it was a great time to give me an epidural.  Then I didn't feel a whole lot for a few hours.  At this point, I knew I couldn't tell Todd as I got close until we were only a few minutes out--so he stopped working and joined me.
My mom was prepared to leave when Todd showed up.  But after consulting with Todd discreetly--he agreed and we invited my mom to join us if she'd like.
My nurse came in to check my blood sugars every hour to make sure I didn't crash--and she'd spend about half an hour in my room.  10 minutes after she left, I was ready for my bolster.  I told myself I could wait until she came back in my room.  15 minutes later I changed my mind.  I was in too much pain for having had an epideral. So I called my nurse.  She gave me my bolster--but then she checked me.  9 and 3/4!!  If I could have pushed this baby out as quickly as my others--my doctor might have missed it.
But the cord was wrapped around his neck and shoulders.  They realized this was going on by his monitor--so they were ready.  I would push and the cord would pull him back.  So we pushed all the way through two contractions and in-between them--and finally he was born!!
I tell people he was my easiest labor and my hardest delivery.  But really we are talking 8 minutes of pushing instead of 4.  I can't complain--and I've been laughed at a little for that even by me :).
Todd has always wanted to catch his baby--so I told Dr Smith.  And when it came time--Todd put on gloves and was ready.  My mom took his normal job of holding my leg for me (I don't fit in stirrups well).  Thank goodness my mom was there because there were a lot of baby's born September 5th.  Our doctor got the head out without tearing.  We learned good doctors do more than just catch.  Then he coached Todd how to pull up on the shoulders and now down.  And Todd was the first one to get to hold our son.  They put him up on my tummy and gave him oxygen.  Todd held him up for me when they were done weighing him.  I wish I was up to taking that picture.  You could tell how proud this pappa was of his newest little boy!!
September 5, 2013 at 2:50 pm Kaje Thomas Nef was born.  7lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long.  I think he would have been bigger than his brother if he'd been given the next two weeks.  He was my longest labor at 40 hours.  And he has the record for the least amount of time in the ob ward: just 24 hours!!  We were so excited to be able to take home our healthy little boy!!
If you want to know more about his name: I have already posted that, but he is named after Devin A Nef, Michael J Nef and Darrel J Nef.  To make sure our little AJ didn't feel left out in this clan of K's we throw a K after Karla Nef and an E for Emil Nef.  We then named him after Uncle Thomas Tingey.  Uncle Tom was the first Tingey to make Todd feel like family.  He has been an example of love and service to us.  We love to stop at his house in Boise, ID on our way to and from Rigby, ID and Richland, WA.
All in all, it was a great experience.  And as I type this I have a little boy laying on my chest.  I love the way his new born fuzzy hair feels.  I love that little bit of weight of my chest.  I love the squeeky crys.  I am enjoying him!!  I have a lot to be grateful for.  And we are so grateful you insisted on coming to our family Kaje.