Introducing Ashton Trex Taylor!!

On December 27, 2011 at 3:18am, we welcomed into the world Ashton Trex Taylor!  He's absolutely perfect and we couldn't be any happier to have him in our lives.  The story of his grand entrance went something like this...


The lead up to Christmas was busy as usual.  I was working up until the 23rd, Jeff worked on Christmas eve and then he and I spent a quiet Christmas in Cleveland given Baby T's pending arrival.  We went to church Christmas morning, came home, opened gifts, took some last minute belly pics (see previous post), watched movies and had a yummy dinner of ham and lobster mac and cheese. All in all, a very relaxing day.  Little did we know it would be our last day as a twosome...


At 10am the next morning, my water broke (fortunately while I was at home).  I called my Dr. and she told us to come into the hospital as soon as we were able.  The only challenge was that my car (with the car seat already installed) was in the shop and Jeff had an appointment to have an oil change for his car that morning.  We decided to stick to our original plan as I wasn't having any major contractions yet.  So, Jeff went on his way to deal with the cars and I decided to rest in bed, shower and oh yes, do my nails (I now see that this is slightly crazy/funny!?!)     


I also called my mom, who incidentally was already on her way driving out to Cleveland in anticipation of Baby T's arrival (what can I say, drive and he will come!).  In hindsight, I wish I had waited until we were at the hospital bc I'm sure the next 7 hours of her trip were harried knowing that I was going into labor.


In any event, we arrived at the hospital at 2pm on the 26th December.  Unfortunately, I was only 1cm dilated and told that I 'looked too comfortable' to be in active labor yet.  I attributed my calm demeanor to all of my prenatal yoga and thought positively that I was going to be one of those lucky women who breathed her way calmly and coolly through delivery, coming out a bit tired, but overall fairly unruffled.  Yes, I was that naive and blissfully optimistic. :)


There was talk of Pitocin to induce my contractions but I wanted to see how things would progress naturally.  So we kicked on the iPod, turned down the lights and I tried to relax while sitting on the birthing ball to get things moving.  After 3 hours though and very little progress, I was strongly urged to start Pitocin.  I ultimately agreed and things began to get intense VERY quickly. 

I was still holding out on pain meds as I didn't want to be confined to the bed for any longer than necessary.  I began walking the halls to try and speed things up and also distract myself.  The pain was getting worse though and I knew I was starting to reach my breaking point when I told Jeff to get 'his sweaty hand off me' (it was the pain talking! :D).  So, after about 12 hours, and at 6cm dilated, I decided I had had enough and opted for some pain relief (via an epidural).  OMG - heaven!  Why didn't I do that sooner?


Several hours later, I was told I was ready to push.  So, we cranked up the music, and I began pushing.  After 2 hours of pushing, at 3:18am, the little man made his way to into the world with Led Zeppelin piping in the background (don't ask me what song).  He weighed 6lbs 12oz and measured 20 1/4 inches long.

What a wonderful day!  It will definitely go down as one of the most memorable and best days of my life...after only 2 wks with Ashton, I can't remember what we ever did without him.  I'm so thankful that Jeff and my mom were by my side during such a special event - we are truly blessed!  

University Hospital, Cleveland, OH

First family photo

Proud papa

Grammy's in love. :)

  

Whew....I'm spent!

Sleeping beauty

Aunt Erin flew in to meet her new nephew and see us at the hospital!

Mommy's little peanut

Love that face!

Heading home outfit - thanks, Aunt Anna, for my hat and booties.

Leaving the hospital with our new baby boy

Love,

K & J