B-Day

Categories: Old Posts

I want to keep sort of an ongoing post as to what’s happening.  I will be changing and modifying the post as I need to, and it will be the same spot I do the “live blogging” of the birth.  We weren’t going to, at first, but upon talking about it we figured we’d want a place where both us and our child could look back and see exactly what happened.

And so, here I go:

Aug 07, 10:30 AM

Since our OB (Dr. Rupe of the Women’s Group – hey, that rhymes really well!) is going out of town middle-of-next-week, we had originally scheduled an induction for Monday, August 11th.  She wanted to be the one who delivered us, and we were willing to be flexible as to the induction (sooner rather than later due to her trip).  So, we scheduled the induction for the 11th.  Yesterday (Aug 6), the doctor calls us and tells us there’s been an opening (God only knows how it got there) for the OB, and we’re more than welcome to come in tonight (Aug 7th) for an induction on the 8th.

We had originally had our due date pinned down on the 8th, so this is super exciting, as it allows us to deliver on one of the coolest birthdays (08/08/08).  It’s a once in a lifetype opportunity, and we plan on taking it.

Aug 07, 4:30 PM

We saw our OB for the last time before the baby comes.  She told us to head straight to admitting. So, we went to the patient registration and got checked in.

Aug 07, 5:30 PM

We got taken up to Room 225 in Williamson County Medical Center.  They are sort of surprised to see us, and no one really knows what’s going on.  Joy.

Aug 07, 6:05 PM

The nurses came in and hooked holly up to all of the funny machinery.  Believe me, she’s not happy about it.

And she wasn’t happy when they put the IV in either.  To quote Holly it “hurt like Heck”.

But not as much as the Cervadil did.  It’s (basically) a shoestring you put on your cervix.  It softens it and helps it prepare for labor.  And she said it hurts.

But she has it in and she’s on the IV meds, whatever they are.  Her blood pressure cuff is huge – it’s almost the size of her forearm!  Basically, she’s very unconfortable, but doing very well.

Aug 07, 7:20 PM

Watching “The Daily Show” on the hospital TV.  We’re all just busying ourselves at the moment because we really can’t do anything until tomorrow morning.  I’m going to go get her dinner later, but otherwise we’re just gonna chill here.  Not much happening otherwise.

Holly's Resting

Holly's Resting

Aug 07, 9:10 PM

We had takeout Cracker Barrel – Holly’s last meal before she is cut off from any sustinance that could… well, actually sustain her.  She’ll be on a strict diet of ice chips, water, and the occasional popcicle for good behavior (maybe) until the baby comes.  And let me tell you – I never want to be hooked up to an IV while having to use the restroom. The good news: we can stretch an IV about 15 feet, but you run the risk of clotheslining a nurse.  Basically, it’s a pain.  All in all, however, she’s in good spirits, if not a little bored. But the end will be worth every means to get there.

Aug 07, 11:18 PM

Nurses came in and got Holly’s bed ready for the night.  We found out we have an early start tomorrow.  They’ll be in at 4 AM to take the Cervadil out of Holly and then again at 5 to start the Pitocin.  That being said, i’m turning in – I want to be alert enough to help her out AND blog about it.  I can sometimes barely chew gum and talk when i’m tired… so goodnight.

Aug 08, 5:04 AM

Got to get a bit of rest before all the fun started.  At 4 the nurse came in and started unhooking IV’s and machinery from Holly so she could get a shower.  I helped her in and out of the shower, got her re-dressed, then watched as she was hooked up to 1…2… 3 different IV’s.  One has saline solution for hydration, one has glucose to keep her sustained while she’s in labor, and one is the Pitocin – the miracle medicine that keeps contractions strong, steady, and going.  There will be a total of 4 IV’s (the 4th is an antibiotic), but they don’t seem to bother her at the moment.

Total dilation: a fingertip width (and that’s something considering we’ve been 0 for the past 5 weeks!)

Aug 08, 8:24 AM

Paperwork time!  We had to answer about a million questions (some two or three times), mostly about the baby and the epidural.  We got the morning nurse, so she wanted to know everything that was going on.  Otherwise, she’s about ready to have her doctor break the water and get the show on the road.

Aug 08, 10:30 AM

Dr. Rupe came in and checked on Holly.  She told us then that her water was about to be broken, so I sat next to her and held her hand while it happened.  A quick gush of fluids later and we were in the no-turning-back zone!  The contractions are getting stronger and sharper, but that happens when you get your water broken.

Total dilation: …unsure.  More than the last time we checked, obviously!

PS: We also got our first happy baby day gift!  This huge mylar balloon stork:

Huge freakin' stork!

Huge freakin' stork!

Aug 08, 1:53 PM

Wow, it’s been a busy morning.  Around 11:30 Dr. Rupe came into the room to check Holly.  She had been dialating a bit more and was now ready to have her water broken.  Holly had heard the horror stories, and wasn’t looking foward to this part, but before she realized it, it was already done – mostly painless.  About a half an hour later the contractions started getting worse and Holly knew it was time for Epidural.

She called in a nurse, but since there are other babies being born (it IS 08/08/08 after all) they had to call an OR nurse in to administer the Epidural.  About 15 minutes in, the Epidural was inserted and Holly could immediately feel a difference.  She had been struggling for a half hour prior because the water breaking had made the contractions a lot worse.

We’ve really not been able to do much since she’s bedridden with the Epidural.  Lots of games of Uno and checking the comments below to see what people are saying.  I was even a little aprehensive to continue the post once I’d started it, but seeing everyone’s comments really makes Holly feel better and smile a bit, so she’s encouraged me to keep on.

It’s now 1:56 and Holly is asleep with an oxygen mask on.  It’s a little creepy to see her lying in bed with all manner of tubes, IV’s, and masks on, but I know it’s for the baby’s benefit, so it’s a bit easier to stand.

They’ve given us an expected time of 7:30 tonight.  If all goes well, we’ll have the baby then.

Aug 08, 4:50 PM

Slight problem. Lucas apparently doesn’t like the stronger contractions necessary in order to deliver.  We’ve been put on and taken off the Pitocin a few times now, and every time the medicine gets in her system and starts to do its job, after every contraction Lucas’ heart-rate drops.  Since it’s a continual thing, it’s something to do with the contractions. Also, she’s been stuck at 3cm for about 3 hours with no progress.

Basically, we’ve decided to give it one more try (the Pitocin) and then we suit up for a C-section.

There’s nothing really to worry about risk-wise to the baby at the moment.  If the heart-rate drops and stays down we’ll be rushed to the OR to operate, but we’ll get to schedule it if it looks like it’s dropping the same as it has been.

It’ll be an in and out procedure, and the only downside will be a higher time of recovery for Holly.

Pray, think, send us good juju – whatever it is you think or believe, we’ll appreciate any positive energy you send us.

Aug 08, 5:10 PM

Doctor came back in.  It’s C-section time.  We’re heading back now.  Pray for us.

Aug 08, 6:55 PM

The C-section was a complete success.  Lucas Cole Canter was born at 5:45 PM on 08/08/08, 7lbs 7oz, and 20.5 inches long. Holly is in the room doing fantastic (if not a little nauseated from the anesthesia).  I’ll be putting pictures up a bit later, but I wanted to let you guys know what was going on so you could stop worrying.  Everything is fantastic.

Aug 08, 8:57 PM

Baby Lucas

Baby Lucas

Baby Lucas

Baby Lucas

Baby Lucas

Baby Lucas

Aug 09, 8:36 AM

Baby Lucas and Mitch

Baby Lucas and Mitch

More pictures can be found at my Flickr page.

Special Twitter Love

Thanks to everyone who sent encouraging messages to my twitter account.  Just for you, here is a compilation of those tweets!

Eden Spodek EdenSpodek @studionashvegas I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow and Friday. My little one was born 090998. Not quite as cool as 080808.
CoryHolder CoryHolder @studionashvegas I had this exact statement last week! Nice!
Sleepydad sleepydad @studionashvegas ditto @c_johnson ’s remark. Get a gooood night’s sleep.then. Again, you know the oldest induction method?
Thomas Beckett tbeckett @studionashvegas Hope y’all have a safe natural childbirth – right on your due date!
Thomas Beckett tbeckett @studionashvegas We had a wonderful dinner out the night before our first was born. We didn’t know that at the time. Have a great dinner.
Christopher Johnson c_johnson @studionashvegas congrats! May I recommend going to bed early too?
Neal Jansons thePuck @studionashvegas congrats (I hope!)
Tanya sobbee @studionashvegas yay you’re getting your triple 8 baby :)
Mary? maryyesterday @studionashvegas Oh Yah! That’s very exciting and such a cool birthday to have! :)
Laura Deaton LMDeaton @studionashvegas Congratulations! And, what a great birthday!!
ZenOfJazz ZenOfJazz @studionashvegas Good luck on that upcoming “product launch”…
msholin msholin @studionashvegas What a fantastic birth date! Down side…will be a LEO…fasten your seat belts as my mother and family would tell you
Kathy Evans Kateva @studionashvegas awesome…. easy to remember birthday!
carla franke pixelchic @studionashvegas Good luck to you and your wife!
Robyn dzinerchic @studionashvegas I am so excited for you and nashvogue!
Jett Loe thefilmtalk @studionashvegas Best of luck to you and yours! :)
joshua goggans goggans @studionashvegas congrats on the new house, man!
Ben Wilkins btwilkins @studionashvegas Good luck Mitch! I’ll say a prayer for you guys!
Aprille E eileen53 @studionashvegas good luck!
Barbara Gavin BLG @StudioNashVegas – Good luck and have *fun*
Kathy Evans Kateva @studionashvegas won’t be long now… keep us posted.
erin chapin RandomChick Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas Yay! it shouldn’t be too long now!
ZenOfJazz ZenOfJazz @studionashvegas Congrats. Drop everything and help her with that project she’s about to launch!
Rick Stilwell RickCaffeinated @studionashvegas – good luck, Godspeed, and be sure to NOT twitter too much if your wife says, “stop”. :)
Randall Foster RandallFoster @studionashvegas “PUSH!!!… ”
Nicholas Young nicholaswyoung @studionashvegas hope everything works out well for you and @nashvogue
joshua goggans goggans @studionashvegas good luck with everything you guys are in our prayers!
Brad Blackman BradBlackman @studionashvegas wishing you guys the best of luck bringing that kiddo into the world!
tw3nty3ight tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas Awesome
MatthewsChick MatthewsChick @studionashvegas its going great miss you this time…
tw3nty3ight tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas thats awesome!!!!!
tw3nty3ight tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas and your wife isn’t going to kill you? lol
tw3nty3ight tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas OMG Congrats and good luck!!!! I will mention you!!!
erin chapin RandomChick Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas so excited for you both! just keep thinking “epidural” and it’ll be cake!
Justin Davis jwd2a @studionashvegas saw a coupon for $5 off diapers in this week’s publix ad and thought of you – make sure to check it out!
CJ Sorg cjsorg @studionashvegas Hope you come out of there with an extra person this time!
steve musicbizwiz Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas: good luck!
Aaron Webb webboy @studionashvegas good luck man!
Melissa spxds @studionashvegas Good luck!!!!!
Andre Natta acnatta @studionashvegas best wishes!
CJ Sorg cjsorg @studionashvegas born on 8-8-8, that’s just great.
CJ Sorg cjsorg @studionashvegas Whoo-hoo! Three’s a crowd!
Scott Wagner sawagner30 @studionashvegas Congrats
Christine Christyxcore Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas congrats!
Jett Loe thefilmtalk @studionashvegas Mitch Jr.???? :)
Aaron Webb webboy @studionashvegas that’s great! Congrats!
Brandice brandice @studionashvegas Congrats on the baby boy!! And on 08/08/08 too! :)
Chris Watkins capstinence @studionashvegas: Congrats, man! That’s awesome!
Doctor Anonymous doctoranonymous @studionashvegas Congrats!
Rob Williams TupeloRob @studionashvegas CONGRATULATIONS PAPA!
stevegrossman stevegrossman @studionashvegas Definitely praying
CJ Sorg cjsorg @studionashvegas viva studionashvegas! Hope the family is 1 soon and safely!
erin chapin RandomChick Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Lewis Howes lewishowes @studionashvegas your family is in my prayers
steve musicbizwiz Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas : hang in there.
Sleepydad sleepydad @studionashvegas keeping you all in our thoughts
Ike Pigott ikepigott @studionashvegas – Good luck man… you’re in our prayers.
Rick Kenney tehduh @studionashvegas, @maryyesterday and I are pulling for you guys.
Kristen Teffeteller kristent @studionashvegas Congrats in advance! The blog update is a wonderful idea.
Chris Ennis dotrage @studionashvegas good luck to your you and especially your wife!
joshua goggans goggans @studionashvegas congrats to you two… being a parents rocks!!!
Dave Barger lalunablanca @studionashvegas Wow Yay! Congrats and cheers to you all and Lucas. (did this pregnancy last years?)
Nathan Ketsdever DCmusicfusion @studionashvegas how do you like this template & design @disruptology ? http://disruptology.com/
Mandy52 Mandy52 @studionashvegas So this means you got your wish and he was born on 8/8/08?? I thought about you guys all day long!
erin chapin RandomChick Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas he is absolutely beautiful! so glad he and mom are well.
stevegrossman stevegrossman @studionashvegas Congrats to you all
Allen Fuller allenfuller @studionashvegas Congratulations!!! Melanie and I are so happy for you and Holly. Can’t wait to meet Lucas, Mr. 08/08/08!
stevematthews stevematthews @studionashvegas congrats Mitch… And welcome to little Lucas! Great name… like it a lot.
Daniele Rossi danielerossi @studionashvegas congratulations!
Connie Crosby conniecrosby @studionashvegas Congrats, Mitch and Holly. What a beautiful baby. I love the photos http://www.studionashvegas….
Greg Schwartz gregschwartz @studionashvegas Congrats. Welcome to the world, Lucas!
Nico imnico @studionashvegas oooh he’s here! I haven’t checked your blog since this morning. Congrats!! :D
tw3nty3ight tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas Congrats!
Argon52 Argon52 @studionashvegas congrats!
Josh guitarlifestyle @studionashvegas Congratulations!
Sleepydad sleepydad @studionashvegas congratulations!
steve musicbizwiz Icon_red_lock @studionashvegas : mazel tov!
Jim Reams jimreams @studionashvegas Welcome to Dadhood. It’s the best thing ever.
Nicholas Young nicholaswyoung @studionashvegas congrats. just left goodness on the blog.
Kate O'Neill kateo @studionashvegas Congrats!
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