Scheduled C-section: July 18
Actual Birthday: June 23!!!!
We haven't even reached his due date yet, but our son, Jay is already 3 weeks old! Jay arrived quite unexpectedly on June 23 at 10:37 pm. He weighed in at a whopping 6lb-7oz, 18 1/4" long. It was quite a dramatic birth experience that I will certainly never forget. I have to give credit to my sister-in-law, Leslie, who predicted that my child would have an unusual entrance into the world...
After a fun weekend camping with our friends, Doug & Lindsey, I started the work week off a little sleep deprived. That is not a typo, I did indeed spend the weekend in the woods when I was 35 weeks pregnant (no need to tell me, I know I am crazy). 
On Tuesday, my husband left for a short work trip to Jasper, Indiana. That same night, I had my first experience with a toddler with a stomach bug. I was up all night cleaning up puke and nursing a sick little girl. By the time morning came I was exhausted and had developed a low back ache. I chose to ignore both and decided to try and get some work done (remember, I already know I am crazy).
On Tuesday, my husband left for a short work trip to Jasper, Indiana. That same night, I had my first experience with a toddler with a stomach bug. I was up all night cleaning up puke and nursing a sick little girl. By the time morning came I was exhausted and had developed a low back ache. I chose to ignore both and decided to try and get some work done (remember, I already know I am crazy).As the afternoon approached, I started to notice my back ache increased at regular intervals. Along with a few other tell-tale signs, I started to worry that labor might be in my near future. With a little prompting, I headed to the doctor who confirmed my suspicions and sent me on to the hospital to try and stop my contractions. No one seemed very worried and I was assured that I would go home that night.... So I drove myself down to Northside hospital (again, crazy) and sweet Leslie met me down there to keep me company.
After several hours at the hospital it was becoming clear that the contractions were not going to stop. My doctor confirmed this when she walked in witht he anesthesiologist at 10pm and informed me I would be having my baby tonight! Ben would not be there in time, as the earliest flight he was able to get home wasn't until the next morning. I looked back at Leslie and asked her if she would please go with me. Thankfully, she agreed, whether she really wanted to or not. Did I forget to mention Leslie was also 9 months pregnant... with twins?! We were quite a sight!I was NOT ready for this! We hadn't even settled on a name yet. Right before I was rolled into the operating room Ben gave me his name over the phone. At 10:37pm Jay was born! Desipite my inability to control the situation, Jay came into this world right when he was supposed to. He was healthy and beautiful!
My mother-in-law relieved Leslie and stayed with me that night. Ben finally met his son the next morning, right behind my mom who flew up from Tampa.
While we are both very sad that Ben wasn't there, we are so grateful to God and all the people involved in getting my son here safely. I am forever grateful to Leslie for her support, along with my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law, Trey. They will always have a special place in my son's life.
My mother-in-law relieved Leslie and stayed with me that night. Ben finally met his son the next morning, right behind my mom who flew up from Tampa.While we are both very sad that Ben wasn't there, we are so grateful to God and all the people involved in getting my son here safely. I am forever grateful to Leslie for her support, along with my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law, Trey. They will always have a special place in my son's life.As the song goes, Time Marches On. There is no time to dwell on what should have been or what went wrong. I thank God every day for such a sweet baby, adorable toddler, wonderful husband and selfless family. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support! I am so blessed.
Love, Jessica
