September 21, 2015 is the 3rd best day of my life.
1- Obviously when I married the love of my life. 2. The birth of our twin boys, and 3 would be when my sweet Hayes was born and made everything bad good in my life.
Monday September 21 I had a non stress test scheduled at the hospital with my high risk dr. This was nothing new. I started doing stress tests twice a week at 24 weeks pregnant so this was just another day. I had figured that we might be closer to having this baby because my blood pressure had been high for a month or so. I had my hospital bag packed for a few weeks now and contemplated packing it in the car before heading down for my 2:20 appointment.
Cam met me at the hospital. Like always. He had only missed 2 out of my 100 appointments with this baby. "What if they tell us we are having our baby today!" Cam liked to joke like that. I told him it wouldn't be possible and they would at least give us until tomorrow! They did an ultrasound before the test and found he had only gained maybe a pound in the 2.5 weeks since my last appointment. My blood pressure and stress test didn't help the situation either. My blood pressure was something crazy like 150/110? and I had a few contractions on the monitor during the test.
"Are you ready to have this baby tonight?!" I started freaking out. Of course that didn't help my blood pressure either. They admitted me immediately to labor and delivery.
This was by far nothing like the delivery of the twins. Everything I was expecting for a c section again was completely different this time.
We checked in to labor and delivery at 4 pm. Cam was still in his work clothes, and I still had all my "hospital gear" at home. The nurse said he had a few hours until our Dr came so he went home and got everything. While he was gone they did my IV. 3 TIMES. Ok I know I had like 8 different IV's with the twins, but sometimes any attempts after the first time are just brutal. He got back at 7 and our Dr was on his way down to the hospital. We were meeting our baby in less than an hour.
I couldn't wrap my head around what was about to happen. Flash backs to when they were rushing me into the OR, getting our babies out and telling us one didn't make it after a few hours were heart breaking. A little part of me had to prepare myself for that again. But after pushing those negative thoughts aside, and a priesthood blessing by my amazing husband, I had so much determination and confidence in myself that I could do this. Again.
When they said it was time I was waiting for them to wheel me into the OR on a bed, but apparently the OR was just down the hall so I walked. Walking into the OR with the giant doors opening and everyone welcoming you isn't something you think is just 'normal.' I sat up on the table and they did my spinal. I was squeezing Cam's hands SO tight because I thought it would be like the last spinal with the twins, sharp shooting pains down my left leg like I was being electrocuted. But the only pain I felt was a little prick and then they laid me down. It was great.
With Cam by my side, and feeling tugging on my stomach it was only minutes until we would meet our babe that we had longed to meet for so long. While I was laying there I could only help but think of our 3 boys saying their last goodbyes to each other. Carter & Benson promising their brother that they would always watch out for him and be there when they needed them the most. It was when I heard my baby's first cry that I could feel all our boys with me. It was a feeling that could never be explained. It was pure heaven.
Our sweet Hayes Benson Pearson was born at 8:09 PM weighing in at 5 lbs 5oz and 17 in long.
He is identical to his older brothers and perfect in every way.
We were so blessed that he didn't have to go to the NICU, he didn't have jaundice and was breathing great. After hearing the cord was wrapped around his neck twice, it was just another answer to our prayers and help from his loving older brothers that made the whole delivery perfect. Every fear I had was made calm. Every worry I had was gone. We finally had a baby here - healthy, happy, and alive!
Our first night as a family of 5, Cam & I looked at each other and just cried. The feelings were so overwhelming. We were SO happy. It was like everything we had gone through and felt over the last year had lead up to this moment and it was surreal that it was here. We find ourselves just staring at him, looking deep in his eyes and wondering how we got so lucky. I ask him everyday about his older brothers. I know they are looking out for him and are with him all the time.
I love being a mom. I love Cam and the priesthood he holds to bless our family. I love that being a mom means learning new things especially patience. I love my boys. But mostly..
I love US.
