The Smith Family: Jackson Charles is here!

Our incredibly punctual son arrived September 25, 2011 (his due date) at 12:07pm. Weighing in at 9lbs 8oz at 21.5" tall this "little" guy has been such a blessing. Sunday morning I woke up with contractions. By around 7:00 we decided that I was officially in labor. After getting things ready we headed to the hospital around 9:45. We got checked in and admitted. They had to put 3 IV's in me before they could get one to stay. Anyone who knows my fear of needles can only imagine how frustrating this was. We got up to the room and then shortly after got the epidural because at that point my contractions were really close together. Right before noon the nurse came in. I told her that I felt like I had to go to the bathroom and she told me that it might be the baby. She checked me and sure enough I was ready to push! Matt and I could literally not believe how fast everything went. Kendyl's labor was 22 hours start to finish so this was new to us. I began pushing at 12:00 and he was here by 12:07. It was ridiculous how fast the second labor goes. He is a beautiful, healthy baby and we are so lucky to have him. While the labor went really smooth though the recovery has been anything but smooth. Soon after having Jackson I began to have some pressure in my tailbone. I told the nurses about it but they kept saying everything was fine. By the time I was taken to the postpartum room I was in an excruciating amount of pain. They eventually called the doctor back in and she told me that blood had clotted in my uterus and it was putting pressure on my rectum. This may be too much information for some people so feel free to skip down to the pictures, but for journaling purposes I am going to share (the nice version anyway). The doctor had to get the blood clots out which was hands down the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. My hands completely cramped up and I was sweating more than I think I have ever sweat in my life. After the procedure I was pretty much out cold. They were giving me several pain medications and I was completely lethargic. Matt said that I had absolutely no color in my face from all the blood loss. Because of this they also had to test my blood...4 times. For anyone keeping track that is a total of 7 times I was stabbed!

Since then, recovery has been slow. I continue to experience difficulties and had to go to the doctor yesterday because I am still in so much pain. She told me that a hemotoma had formed and that if it doesn't go down on its own that I will have to have a surgery to get it drained (lovely right?). This explains the pressure that I had been feeling though. She also told me that I had a slight UTI which I kind of knew before I went in. So that is pretty much where we are as of now. Our parents have been a huge help and Matt has been such an amazing support. I really don't know where I would be without them all. Ultimately, I am just ready to feel normal again.

Fortunately, Jackson is a wonderful baby. He is an excellent sleeper. He only wakes up once a night and is so mellow. At first it was a bit of a challenge to get him to nurse because he was a little bit lazy, but that has been improving everyday and he is doing really well now. Since Kendyl was such an awesome baby we were certain he would be more of a challenge, but it looks like we are just lucky (so far anyway). On that note though, Kendyl continues to be wonderful. She adores Jackson and really wants to help. There is nothing that warms my heart more than when I see her do little sweet things for Jackson. At times she can get a little bit whiny when she really wants my attention, but other than that I am so impressed with what an amazing little girl and big sister she is. We are so blessed to have 2 wonderful kids!

Jackson with the dog that Kendyl brought him.

Papa and Jackson

Kendyl meeting Jackson for the first time.

I missed this little girl like crazy! You will have to excuse me in this picture. This was the morning after the whole hemorrhage incident.

Grandma and Jackson

Here is Kendyl giving all of her markers to Jackson. She has also dug up all of her old pacifiers and loads them into his seat as well.

He is really appreciative :) (yes I know his seat has pink and flowers. I was not willing to buy another one just because of this. He will never know right?)