When we found out that our little guy's due date was set for June 14, a day AFTER his sisters' dance recital - we were prepared for the possibility of missing their performance.
As fate would have it, Conrad was the perfect gentleman. He waited until after the recital. Not only that, he was punctual and kept things short and sweet.
After one false alarm last week (where the contractions felt constant but then went away), I'm really glad that we decided to call the doctor. If I would have waited an hour (like I did previously), I'm pretty sure Ryan would have been delivering baby boy on the side of the road. You would think after having two other babies, I would be able to differentiate a real contraction vs a Braxton Hicks. Apparently not.
Timeline of events:
1:45 - Had real contractions, debated whether or not they were real
2:30 - Called the doctor and the babysitters (Ryan's parents) - while waiting, we showered and packed last minute bags
3:15 - Left our house for the hospital
3:45 - Arrived at the hospital. Moved to the same delivery room as both previous babies! Asked for an epidural immediately.
4:00 - Nurse said there was no time for an epidural (secretly start freaking out)
4:24 - Conrad arrived into the world in the same room as his sister
Conrad arrived weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces measuring at 19 3/4 inches tall with TONS of hair. Perfect in every way. He's got momma's nose, dad's toes, and great grandma's chubby cheeks!
With this being possibly my last baby (still trying to convince him on the fourth, Ryan's not biting), I was trying to take every moment in. Here were quotes from that night:
Me: OMG Ryan. Did you just fart? I can't believe you farted when I'm having contractions and am in labor!
Ryan: I just woke up, I didn't know you were having contractions.
On the way to the hospital:
Ryan: Can I turn on the radio?
Me: No.
Ryan: How are you feeling?
Me: Shut up.
Ryan: Your contractions are 3 minutes a part. I've been timing.
Me: Don't you think I know this? I can feel them.
Truck sensor dinging.
Me: If you tell me to put my seat belt on, I will smack you. Are you going to turn? You're going to miss the turn.
Ryan (rolling his eyes): You just worry about having the baby.
At the hospital before baby's arrival:
Me: Go get the camera out of the car!
Ryan: Okay. (leaves the room)
Nurse to Ryan: You better hustle. Hope you got your jogging shoes on.
Ryan: (Sprints to the parking lot.)
I am sorry and not sorry 🙂 Ah memories.
Ansley and Aubrey arrived later that morning. Ansley (four) was super emotional because she really wanted to hold Conrad and really missed her mom. Aubrey didn't have a care in the world, except that she wanted to poke Conrad. You could tell they were super excited for the new addition to the family!
Here are both sets of grandparents with all of our kids (still can't believe that's plural):
The pediatrician said that Conrad was a "boring baby" which is a good thing because that meant he checked out perfect!
All in all, Conrad is as handsome as can be! We're finding out that he loves to be held and cradled - and loves to eat.
Let the craziness begin ... (feeling blessed).
Sharon Walruff
You have a beautiful family neighbor! Hope to see you at maybe August book club and maybe bring Conrad.