A little (or a lot) late, but here is the story of our labor/delivery with Owen. We started it in the hospital, and just never got around to finishing it until recently. I just want to share it, especially since it was such an easy labor, and usually all you hear is horror stories!
As the cold came and holidays and due dates passed, Ashley and Jack Wursten headed out into the drizzling mid winter weather. While the conditions were clearly not perfect for their purpose, they had a mission and a goal in mind, and nothing could deter them. Heads down and frost on their breathes they walked at a brisk pace around the serene neighborhood block, Christmas lights and blow up Santa's dotting the lawns on their path. Ashley was nine months pregnant and ready to be done. And walking for hours was the best way to get that baby to bear down.
It wasn't until 3:00 in the morning of Thursday the 30th of December that Owen (their unborn child) decided to show signs of his arrival. It started with a contraction after one of many trips to the bathroom for Ashley. From then on they came every 6-7 minutes, with Jack dutifully being the timer/scribe. As the day wore on the contractions seemed to taper off. They eventually dwindled to a mere cramp every 10-20 minutes (despite their efforts of taking laps upon laps around the block through out the day) until 3 a.m. on Friday December 31st. Ashley woke from a restless slumber to a much more substantial pain. She got in the hot shower to see if it would subside, and as it did not, Jack called the hospital to let them know of their soon arrival. At the hospital, Ashley was put into a gown and checked by the nurse. Her contractions were coming strong, but she was only dilated to a 3. The nurse informed them they usually do not check in first time mothers until they are dilated to a 4 and suggested they walk around for a while to see if it would help her further along. And so once again, they walked along, for an hour and fifteen minutes until the nurse would check her again. She was still at a 3, but the contractions were stronger. The nurse decided to consult Ashley's OB who thankfully said to check her in regardless of her dilation because of how consistent and strong her contractions were. The room they were assigned was enormous. Dark and quiet and very inviting for such a situation. The nurses suggested Ashley walk more before the doctor came to break her water. They walked for about a half hour before the nurse suggested a drug that would help Ashley relax and maybe even get some rest. Boy did it do the trick. Jack sat calling family and close friends as the loopiness took hold of Ashley and she was able to sleep for 45 minutes having at least 9 full blown contractions before the drug wore off. From there, they walked some more, contractions coming with more strength. The maternity ward was set up in a way that the hallway made a perfect circle, and they did laps high school gym teachers would be impressed by, let alone the nurses at hand. Soon, Ashley's OB arrived to break her water. After doing so, she walked some more, before deciding it was the best time for the epidural. Her last two contractions before having it done were excruciating, and the first to bring tears to her eyes. The anesthesiologist suggested Ashley was further along than the 4 they had said she was during her check between walks. They checked her again and found her at a 7. By this time, Jack's parents and Owens soon to be proud grandparents were on their way from the annual family trip in Monterrey. They arrived shortly after the epidural and Stacy read while Vic ran out for some last minute things (like Phase 10 and sparkling apple cider, necessities for a long wait and an amazing New Years Eve=D). Unfortunately, after the epidural, Ashley's progress slowed. The began doses of Pitocin, and that's when Cathy, the labor nurse that aided in Owens delivery came on shift. She was amazing. Like Mother Earth in scrubs. She made both Ashley and Jack very comfortable with light conversation and a soothing voice. Eventually Owens Aunt Ashley arrived (Ashley's best friend) for the celebration of the new life. Everyone (except Ashley of course) went to the cafeteria for a quick bite then returned to play Phase 10 and watch football while Ashley rested. A lot sooner than expected, at about 5 p.m. and after a lot of Pitocin, Cathy informed Ashley she was ready to push. Everyone left the room but Jack, and everything happened a lot faster than anyone could of hoped for. Jack had to run out and get Stacy from the waiting room, then Ashley's OB arrived, joking about the beard he was growing and how it looked just like Jacks. Currently, Ashley was pushing with each contraction, but because of the epidural, she had trouble telling when they would come. Dr. Rashid decided to have her push every other contraction and it made for a great time for everyone. With Stacy on her right and Jack on her left, and each push showing Owen a little bit more. He had so much hair it was definitely the first thing out. Jokes were made about Ashley's silly tattoo on her stomach that was intended to be a pin up girl, but with the swollen belly, it was thought of as a donkey. Ashley pushed for about an hour and 20 minutes before Dr. Rashid suggested the nurses grabbed the vacuum. Thankfully Stacy was there to object in the sweetest way possible and Ashley was able to try to push one last time and the birth of their beautiful 9 pound baby was complete. An hour and a half of light hearted and enjoyable pushing and he was finally here. Perfect, healthy and more than anyone could imagine he could ever be. 2 days later than his due date, but he made a very grand entrance and is now always going to be the one who ended 2010 and began 2011<3
