Introducing.......

Reilly David Ledebuhr

November 2, 2009 - 6:29 P.M.

6 lbs. 9 ozs., 19"

He is finally here! Much to our surprise, our little guy came almost 2 weeks early to be with us :) Here's a little rundown of how he came to be with us...

Monday started like any other day. I got up and went into work like always. By around 7th block (1:45) I started to feel some cramps while teaching. The best I can explain them is like menstrual cramps. I told one of the para's and we joked that maybe I was in labor. By the end of the day the cramping became more consistent and a little stronger. They were about 10 minutes apart, but I wasn't really timing them. Eric and I had an appointment that evening at 4:30 with my midwife, so I figured I'd just tell her how I was feeling and see if anything was going on. I must say I'm lucky Eric was there. He hasn't been attending many of the appointments lately because work has been keeping him too busy. I must have had a feeling that morning, because I called him at about 7:15 am to remind him I had an appointment and see if he could make it. Moving along... I was fighting contractions on the drive to La Crosse, but still must have been in denial that this was labor. By the time I saw the midwife I was getting very uncomfortable. I told the nurse my pain level was a 3-4. When my midwife came in she asked if I wanted to be "checked." I said I thought it might be a good idea - just to get a baseline. She got ready, checked me, and then looked at us. "You're not going to go home tonight." What?! I don't have a bag packed. We don't have anyone to let the dog out. I don't have my classroom ready. Oh my gosh - not going home?!?!? I was already dilated to 5 cm. She walked us through the clinic halls and up to labor and delivery. Was this really happening?

Once we were in labor and delivery they had to hook me up for at least 20 minutes to get some vital signs. I really didn't want this. I wanted to walk around, not be stuck in a bed. That was probably the longest 2o minutes of my life. The pain increased and became SO uncomfortable. In the meantime, Eric and I called my mom at work and told her I was in active labor. She was going to try to get off work and make it for the delivery. We made a few other calls and Eric's sister stopped by our house to let Lucy out and gather some essentials for us and our baby! Finally the 20 minutes passed and the midwife on call came in. I told her how awful I was feeling and she asked if I wanted to be checked again. I said YES!! I was at 8 cm. I changed 3 cm in literally 45 minutes. Apparently it's average for women to change a centimeter an hour. Not this girl! At that time I felt the urge to push. That was about 6 pm. Exactly 29 minutes later we welcomed a beautiful baby boy! I figure from start to finish my labor was 4 1/2 hours. It was overwhelming. I couldn't believe my normal morning turned into the day I became a mother.

Speaking of mothers...my mother is absolutely incredible. Our original plan was that I would call her when I went into labor and she would be there with me laboring at home until I could no longer stand the pain. She missed the entire birth! Funny how baby's have their own plan. She was wonderful in the hospital helping me get nursing on track and getting things for us. We were also visited in the hospital by Eric's sister, parents, and friend Dusty. On Tuesday my dad stopped by and we had a great visit. We got out of the hospital ASAP on Tuesday night and were home by 10 pm.

Since being home Reilly's had his first appointment with the pediatrician. He is a healthy and perfect baby! I've gotten plenty of sleep. Part of this credit goes to Reilly for being wonder-baby and part goes to my mom for being wonder-mom. She's done laundry, cooking, dishes, cleaning, bathing, etc. etc. etc. I have felt no stress and am sad she will be leaving tomorrow! Luckily I have other visitors lined up and I can't wait to see Lindsay this weekend (and maybe Heidi!)

Sorry for the long post, but I could go on and on about this amazing first 3 days. We are so lucky and happy to have a new member in our little family! :)