Becket Roger Lockhart: The Birth

For some reason I love to write out my children's birth stories years later.  If we have anymore I will try do it while I'm in the hospital or something.  Then again, I may not.  I am full of the best intentions and lack follow through.

For those of you reading two years ago you may have remember that Chris was out of the state for the last two months of my pregnancy.  He was taking an Army leadership course and graduation was on Becket's due date September 26th.  My mom flew up to New York a few days before my due date and stayed a week.  All of my kids prior had been three to four days late so I felt like it was likely I would have the baby while she was there.

Muma arrived!

I had an appoint that day and was four centimeters dilated. She said I would likely have the baby in the next 24 hours.  And sure enough I did.  After the appointment I was having contractions, light and manageable.  We went home to wait it out.  I napped while Mom took the kids for a walk.  

Chris graduated from his course and hit the road.  He did take a detour to DC on his way home.  We were texting here and there as he drove home and overall he made pretty good time.  He showed up at the house around midnight chatted briefly and headed to bed.  I got in the bath and timed the contractions I was having.  They were still weak but closer together.

Waiting for Chris to get home...so a dressed up!

About 1:30 am there was a significant change.  All the prior contractions felt like Braxton Hicks these were stronger (not terrible just stronger) and about five minutes apart. Chris didn't get any sleep.  We told my mom we were leaving and headed to the hospital.

Unlike my other pregnancies, I had zero pain between contractions this time.  For a solid five minutes, maybe more I was able to talk, walk, and breathe without a problem for a pregnant lady.  So in the labor and delivery room I was telling the nurses at the nurses station that I was a little bummed because I'm use to coming in and 30 minutes later having a baby.  It didn't appear that was going to be the case this time. 

It was about 2:30 am and I was taken into the delivery room.  The nurse was a lovely lady, but super chatty and seemed to be taking her time with the normal procedures.  I went the bathroom to change.  As I was walking to the bed I had a contraction that was painful and I knew we had just entered the last phase of labor.  

I was check and only 7 cm dilated.  I was bummed since Amelia was 9 on her first check and Simon was 8.  Though it was still better than Owen's 4.  There was that.

The nurse tried getting the monitor on my belly and I smacked her hand away.  My belly was more sore than normal, apparently.  I reacted.  It's not usually like me.  The doctor offered to break my water and I agreed.  Contractions got worse, and within minutes I was able to push.  

The doctor directed me to push more efficiently and I did.  I pushed five or six times and he began to crown.  It was a circle of fire!  All I could think was this next contraction was going to be the last because OMG Becky, that was terrible.  And sure enough it was!  At 3:20 am the doctor put him on my belly and waited to cut the cord like I asked.  He waited there gleefully because he could not wait to weigh Becket.  He said his biggest vaginal delivery was 10 lbs 6 oz.  I was like, dude I broke that record...that was the weight of my smallest kid.

Chris was quiet, supportive, and tired.  I know I had just delivered a baby...but he had been up for nearly 24 hours.  We admired Becket and they did all the measurements in the room.  Becket Roger Lockhart was 11 lbs 6 oz and 22 inches long.  It was after 4 o'clock and Chris was trying really hard to stay awake.  I told him to take a nap since I couldn't.

Becuase, I felt it should be documented

Eventually we were moved to a maternity room where we both slept.  Around 9:00 Chris headed to the house to pick up my mom and the kids.  The stay was relaxed.

I promise, Chris smiles sometimes...

I could have stayed an extra day (and I would have) but I wanted to get home and visit with my mom before she headed back to NC.

I would like to add that I LOVE the newborn stage.  After having a baby I want to have another one because I know that the new born stage is so fleeting.  It took 24 hours for me to recover from the "circle of fire" that I experienced with Becket.

Welcome to the world Becket...2 years later.  We are so glad you're here!

He's wearing a diaper!!!!

Owen's birth story.
Amelia's birth story.
Simon's birth story.