Drake Joseph Wood

November 15, 2009 - 8:32 p.m. - 8 lbs. 7 oz. - 20 1/2 inches long

We are so excited to have this little guy be a part of our family. He makes us smile everyday. My water broke on Saturday Nov. 14th at 11:30 p.m. I have never been so excited in my whole life, and either has Josh. The look on his face was priceless. He did not panic, but stayed very calm and helped me get my things ready as well as his own. We got to the hospital about an hour later and they got me all hooked up on monitors. That was a LONG sleepless night. They started me on Pitocin about 2 hours into us being there. Then the contractions really started. Because I wasn't dilating at all, they were hesitant on giving me an epidural. Finally at 10:30 the next morning I got an epidural. I felt fabulous after that! Thank goodness for modern day medicine! The rest of the day went on and I progressed very slowly and then stopped and didn't progress any further. Dr. Norda was the Dr. on call for the weekend and was so awesome. He came in for another check up at 7:30 p.m. and I hadn't done a thing. He told us we could wait a couple hours and see where I was at, or I could go in for a c-section. At this point the baby was still looking good, and there were no complications. I asked him what he would do if it was his wife or daughter, and that helped our decision. They started prepping me for a c-section right away. Josh and I both were so scared. I didn't know what to expect, but I got it real quick when they wheeled me into the operating room and put me on the operating table. They made me hold my arms out to my side, put me on oxygen, gave me some more anesthetic and they started. It was amazing how fast it all went. Within 10 minutes that baby was out. Hearing him cry for the first time made the last 9 months totally worth it. They brought him to my side so I could see him. He was so beautiful. Of course I couldn't help but cry. I was so happy to have him finally here and to see that sweet little face. Josh went over with him while they cleaned him up and weighed him. Once they got me put back together, I was able to hold him for a few minutes. Dr. Norda did a fantastic job! He was so good with me, Josh and Drake.

While we were in the hospital Drake was in the NICU. He had a slight infection and they put him on antibiotics. I was pretty scared at first, but when his lab test came back the next day looking better, I felt better! He fought off that infection so quick and was able to come home with us Wednesday night when I was released from the hospital.

We have been busy with visitors and getting a hang of our new life. We have been staying at my moms and she has been so much help. I am so grateful she lives so close and is willing to help me so much. She had all of her babies c-section and so she knows how she can really help.

Josh is such an awesome dad! Drake loves him and gets a little smile on his face when he hears his voice! Josh is getting really good at changing those stinky diapers! I am so grateful I have such a good husband to go through all of this with. He was right by my side the whole time I was in labor and comforted me when I went in for surgery. He walked with me to the NICU and helped me feed Drake. He has comforted me the last few days, and been right by my side thanking me for being a good wife and mom. I am a lucky girl and Drake is a lucky little boy. He has two parents that love him so much! I had no idea how much you can love a child until you have your own. Welcome to the family Drake!

On our way to the hospital

The start of a very long labor

Proud daddy

Drake 1 hour old

Drake and Mommy

Josh with Drake in the NICU

My mom was the only other visitor allowed in the hospital due to the swine flu. She was pretty excited and absolutely loves her new grandson. My dad left out of town for work on Saturday and didn't get home until yesterday (the following saturday). We don't have any pictures of Drake and grandpa yet. My dad was so excited to get home and see him.

Love those cheeks!

Going home

Grandpa and Grandma Wood

Drake's first bath at home