HE IS HERE! HE IS HERE! Owen Lucas Drisko graced us with his presence on 5/13/2010 at 4:11pm. He weighted 7lbs and 12oz and was 20 " long! He weighed the exact amount his sister weighed. :)
The night before I COULD NOT sleep!!! This was pretty common though with me recently, but still frustrating especially since I had to work in the morning. Finally at 4am I got up (gave up) and came out to the couch so I wouldn't bother Sam tossing and turning. I started having very strong, but very irregular contractions. At about 6am I decided I couldn't go to work and given some incidents the previous day I decided to make an appt to see my doctor when his office opened up just to make sure my water had not broken the day before. I started tracking my contraction on my IPhone to see if any pattern was establishing.
Luckily my mom was off work that day and came over to watch Olivia while Sam and I went to the doctor. When we got there he said I was dilated almost 3 and was probably in early labor. My water had not broken, but after some further testing he determined that I was leaking amniotic fluid from somewhere and needed to have baby TODAY!! :) :) I checked in the hospital at noon and was disappointed when they told me I couldn't eat anything (I was hungry). A rule that I later became to appreciate, but I'm sure I would have vomited during some of those contractions. I called my mom and my aunt Jan who was going to watch Olivia while the baby was being born. I told them we would keep them posted, but no reason to rush up here quite yet. I was given Pitocin (which is awful stuff by the way). I was so relieved when I finally got my epidural! At 2pm the doctor checked me and said I was dilated around 5 and it would probably be around 6pm when I would be ready. At 2:40 they checked me and the nurse told me it would probably be about an HOUR! YIKES... rapid, slightly panicked phone calls to my mom and my aunt to get Olivia passed off and get up here NOW! After that I kept feeling the urge to push, but I held off telling anyone until my mom arrived and then it was time! Dr. Weber got there and about 15 minutes later he was here. (4 pushes!) My epidural was pretty weak (per my choice), but it defiantly hurt a little more than with Olivia, so I'm glad it went quick. Everything went smoothly and we announced the much anticipated name.. Owen Lucas Drisko. Owen is just a name we really liked and thought went well with Olivia. Lucas is my mom's maiden name and a name I have always liked. It also went well with Owen. We are so blessed to have two happy healthy children and I thank God daily for these two gifts he has given me and entrusted in me to raise.
As many of you know I was very fearful of what this experience would be like and mean for Olivia. I have to say she has exceeded my expectations as far as embracing this whole experience. It hasn't been without some moments, but for the most part she tells me she loves her brother, wants to give him kisses and helps me burb him. :) She for the most part though is pretty indifferent to him (which for now is fine with me!) and really likes his stuff like his swing, bouncy seat and clothes. Also I have noticed a lot more pretend play from her. She puts her dolly in the swing, brings her milk and takes her picture. It is really cute. Although, now that Sam has gone back to work and the flow of visitors has slowed down there is a few more tears as he requires a lot of my time and you can only do so much while breastfeeding. I need to get better at being mobile while breastfeeding.
Owen is doing great. He is much more mellow than Olivia EVER was. He is sleeping well, but only if held or on his belly. This time I have just embraced this rather than fighting it like I did with Olivia. I know it isn't what is "recommended" but Olivia slept on her belly and I'm guessing he will too. I try to still lay him on his back when he is really really passed out, but usually he wakes up within minutes and cries. He is feeding well and at his doctor's appt on Friday had already gained back 3oz from his discharge weight of 7lbs 6oz. I may try to go to the breastfeeding support group Thursday at Clarian North to get him weighted again since he doesn't have another doctor's appt until the later part of June.
As for now we are adjusting to our new schedule. I am so happy to be off for the summer and actually Owen will be 3 months before I have to go back to work. Perfect timing for someone who works in the schools to have a baby! I had to go back at 8 weeks with Olivia and it was just too soon. I don't know I ever would have been completely ready, but another month will be so nice. Sam has gone back to work and I just try to have a game plan for the evenings. I try to get everyone fed before he leaves, naptime shortly after lunch and then lots of playing outside, walks and visiting in the evenings. Like my blog says.. we are learning as we go!
