I’m a momma!

Okay, okay, it has been almost a month since Wesley’s arrival and you all have been bugging me for photos!  I’ve taken a bunch of portraits but haven’t had much time to look at them on the computer, etc…  This little dude gets ALL of my free time!!

I thought I would share with you how our little man came into our lives…. On the night of 7/12/12 I had a feeling before we went to bed that it might be the night.  I told Carl that we should really try to get some sleep just in case.  Something just felt different.  I awoke at around 3am with cramping and knew it was the day!  I took a bath and tried to relax while Carl began gathering the bags and packing the car.  Both my mom and my sister have had very quick births and I was hoping for the same.  The day proved that easy and quick labors don’t necessarily run in the family!

We arrived at Valley Birthplace at around 9am.  I was certain that I would be far along and close to meeting our baby.  Jade, our midwife, quickly informed me that I was only about 4cm dilated.  My immediate response was “that’s it?!?!”  I spent the next 12+ hours laboring in the comfortable/ hotel-like room that they provide as well as the hot tub that they have for expecting moms.  The tub along with Carl’s back rubs, verbal support and relaxing music made things very manageable.  Labor was certainly tough but also very exciting.  I knew that with each pain I was that much closer to meeting our baby.  That was a huge motivation!

My mom and mother in law held lounged in the adjacent waiting room/ kitchen (all day!).  They had magazines and lots of food.  Between contractions I would come out to say hello… until things got too intense.  Later I learned that they were a nervous wreck being just a door away from all of the commotion.  I overheard my mom tell another mom to not go to the place if their child was ever in labor.  It was too stressful!  Haha!

Choosing a birth center to give birth as opposed to a hospital was something that Carl & I considered thoroughly.  We weighed the pros and cons.  A birth center is certainly not for everyone.  I realize and respect that.  Some people looked at us as if I was planning to give birth in a barn or a corn field.  Thankfully, I’m more than used to being a black sheep so it wasn’t such a big deal.  With my healthy pregnancy I really wanted to have a natural, drug free birth in an environment that supported that approach. Valley Birthplace made me feel comfortable from day 1 and helped us to feel very secure in our decision.

Now I can’t compare the experience of a hospital birth to that of a birth center, but have to say that although I was in a lot of intense pain I felt both relaxed and comfortable at Valley Birthplace.  Jade, Melicia & Barbara, the midwives at Valley Birthplace, were all there at some point and really helped me to feel that things were progressing normally (though in my mind slowly!).  They constantly assured me that I was doing great and that this was normal.  Jade was with us the entire time and towards the end, nurse Melinda arrived also.  Both women were amazingly supportive and I couldn’t have done it without their gentle guidance, reassurance and coaching.

Without too many more unnecessary or gory details…. Wesley Harry Franke, was born at 9:19pm after 18 hours of labor.  He was 7lbs 8oz and 20 inches long.  Only 2 weeks later he weighed 9lbs 1oz!  At a month old now, he is super chunky!  We love it.  🙂

These weeks with Wesley have been a JOY!!  Yes, I am sleep deprived and have a tad of cabin fever but I am loving every moment with him.  I have to say that both labor and parenthood have been more difficult BUT also more amazing than I had thought.  Wesley is more than we could have ever dreamed of.  I can still barely believe he is here.  Thanks to everyone for all the love and support.  We appreciate it so much!!

Btw, be sure to check out Carl’s version of the events here:  http://www.philadesigns.com/2012/07/22/wesley-harry-franke/

Oh, and okay… here are a few pictures as well..  😉

Carl & I between contractions!  I’m in the tub…  My face is so red!

Carl, Wesley & I with midwives, Barbara & Jade

Our boy… he sure slept a lot those first 2 weeks!

We gave Wesley the middle name, Harry, in honor of my dad.  My dad never had a more proud title than that of Pop Pop Harry.  He was amazing with babies… especially his grand-babies!  I know he would be overjoyed to be here with us and to meet his newest grandson.  Though I believe that he is here with us somehow, I certainly wish so much so that I could see him in person holding Wesley.  We will be sure to share lots of Pop Pop Harry stories with Wesley as he grows up.  There sure are lots of them!

My sister has started a line of crocheted hats and accessories!  Luckily for us, Wesley gets to be the model!  I love this adorable cowboy hat and boots that she made!  If you are interested in any hats or boots, etc..  let me know.  She may have an etsy shop set up soon!

Speaking of my sister’s crochet skills…..  This blanket was started by my grandmother years ago.  Very unfortunately, she now suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and isn’t able to truly be with us to celebrate the arrival of her newest great-grandbaby.  I know she would be overjoyed.  She was an unbelievably amazing grandmother to us!!!  The best.  Anyway, the blanket was started by her and then my sister figured out the pattern and finished it as a gift for Wesley.  We love it!!

On the left is Wesley’s signature pose.  He was born with his hand up near his face and is constantly hanging out that way!

Wesley and his wonderful daddy!

I am amazed every day watching Carl and Wesley together.  Carl is an awesome pop already and I look forward to so many moments together as a family in the future!