It's a Boy!!!

The early hours

Close to the end

Mason arrives

Proud mommy finally gets to hold her son

Sorry for taking so long to update, but hey, I just had a baby! And, if you haven't heard the news, it's a boy.
Mason Dael Trydal was born on November 28 at 6:23 pm. He is absolutely perfect and Chris and I are completely in love.
It all began last Monday, November 27, at 2:15 pm. I was supposed to call the hospital at 7 am that morning to be induced (our little bundle of joy just wouldn't make the journey without some help). When I called that morning the hospital was really busy so I had to wait for them to call me back. Of course I wasn't at all surprised seeing as how many times this birth had been delayed already. Mom and I were just about to go out to do some shopping when the phone rang at noon. They were ready for me. So, mom and I headed to the hospital and Chris would meet us there at 2.
It took awhile for us to check in, get into a room and get set to go. First step was for the baby monitors to come on. Then at 2:15, Dr. Muir (the doctor on my team) inserted the prostaglandin gel. I had to lay down for the first hour while they monitored the baby and me. When the hour was up, I still hadn't felt anything. I was sure it wasn't going to work and I was going to have to wait until the next morning for the next insertion of gel. Well, no sooner did the hour pass and the contractions began. Not too bad at first, but within this hour they got pretty intense. Chris and I began walking the hospital to relieve some of the pressure. I also spent many hours rolling on the birthing ball (in and out of the shower). By about 9 or so, Chris and I decided that he probably wouldn't be going to work the next day. So, he left to make sub plans and get some needed things from home. I stayed and continued laboring. The contractions got much stronger and before trying to go to sleep, I began my long journey into the world of drugs. Because I was only 1 cm dilated and the baby was still very high, they gave me some morphine. This was supposed to help me sleep but I was way too uncomfortable and continued to try to find some relief through walking and the ball.

Early on Tuesday morning the doctor came in to examine me. After nearly 17 hours of what I thought was good labor, I was still only 3 cm and the head still wasn't dropping. So, Dr. Barreth (the doctor that was now on call) broke my water. Now the fun began as what I thought were tough contractions, were nothing compared to this. A few hours later, I still hadn't progressed so the doctor started me on an oxytocin drip to help things get going. At this point, I had to stay in bed and be monitored and it was really hard to control the pain. Although I didn't think I would, I begged for an epidural. I had be using some laughing gas (are you counting the types of drugs I've now tried???) and was getting a little loopy. I kept telling the anesthesiologist how much I loved him. Again, a few hours later, I was more comfortable and finally progressing a little; 6 cm and the head was at 0 station. We were very excited as we thought we would be having a baby soon. However, at about 5 o'clock, Dr. Barreth checked me again and there was absolutely no progress. They had the drip maxed out, my epidural wasn't working very well and it had been topped up twice. I was very uncomfortable and exhausted. The baby's heart rate was starting to drop and the choice was made for us, it was going to be a c-section after all.
We were supposed to go in half an hour, but of course, an emergency came up and we got bumped for another hour (this baby just didn't want to come). Finally, just before 6, I was wheeled to the operating room. Most of this time is a complete blur for me. I remember that I was so drugged up that I was cracking jokes (completely annoying Chris who was alert and seeing some things that I couldn't!). I asked the doctors where the Grey's Anatomy theme music was, when they were struggling to get Mason out (which took 8 pulls and forceps) I thought it would be nice to comment that at least they wouldn't have to go the gym that night! I didn't feel a thing and at 6:23 pm, Mason Dael Trydal entered this world. I do remember hearing him cry and then it all went down hill. The exhaustion took over, I started getting sick and the next thing I knew, it was 2 hours later and I was waking up in recovery (I guess I had passed out).

When I finally got back to our room in maternity, Grandma Jo, Grandpa Dave, Grandma Tannis Auntie Erin, and cousin Reese were already there. I was so happy to see everyone, especially Chris and our new son. The nurses got me set up and I was quickly passed Mason. Two hours after his birth, I finally got to hold my son for the first time. Wow! This was the moment you always hear about.

So, on Saturday we were discharged and we are finally now home beginning our new life as a family. I will keep you posted on our happenings as often as I can. Chris and I are so in love in Mason and life just couldn't be any better.

Love Jenn