When does this story actually begin? 9 months ago of course? We won't go back that far, but here's a few shots recap:
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| 12 wks |
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| 12 wks |
20 wks
20 wks:
It's been an interesting nine month journey being pregnant with this boy. The packing, moving, unpacking, and adjusting to the life on a farm. Everything has worked out and his entrance into this world is no exception.
Here's the story: Wednesday was to be a busy day-I had my 39 week appointment, Grandma Payne and Elizabeth were coming in from TX around 1 pm-so we planned just enough time to run a few errands before they got in. Tuesday John told me he unexpectedly had the morning off and wanted to go with me. I was thrilled-kind of like a last date before baby arrived?
Wednesday morning came and I hurried to get everything together and the kids off to their various locations for playdates/babysitting. I'd had contractions off and on (especially when I walked up stairs) all morning (which wasn't unusual) but I didn't find myself very hungry, even a bit nauseated at times which I thought was quite odd. I'd had the thought to get my bag together just in case and quickly dismissed it with a chuckle. My kids come on their due dates and I still had a week and a half.
An hour later I sat in the Dr's office with news that I was dilated to a 5, and things were progressing which meant baby boy was on his way and would enter sometime later that day, reality quickly settled in. We ran next door and quickly registered at the hospital, then off to get medication and to pick up family at the airport. The timing was perfect!
Names were discussed for the first time on the way home and we even learned a few family names from Elle to consider. Then we had just enough time to pick up the kids, get the bags packed and then jump back in the car and head back north to the hospital. We checked in at 3:30 and by then contractions were about 3-4 min apart, with the intensity growing.
Not sure how many details to share so maybe we just say-an hour and a half later at 4:56 pm Cooper Krause Payne came...a little quicker than he should've, he even got there before my dr. Unfortunately he sported war wounds in the form of a big bruise on his face that would be gone by the next morning. He was 7 lbs 14.7 oz (the exact same as Tyler) and 20 inches long. To me he looks quite similar to Tyler's baby pictures, with the exception of the blonde hair that covers his head, and he's got big hands and feet. He's a quiet little baby that mostly squeaks to let us know when he's unhappy.
One of the best parts of the whole experience was...not necessarily going natural, but the moment he was born they handed him to me and I was able to hold him. Not just for a minute but for like an hour. It was awesome! I don't remember doing that with any of my other kids. I got to hold them, but it was different. He didn't scream, he just sat there and cuddled with me. Nothing else that was or wasn't going on mattered at that point.
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| Helga was 1st on the scene |
Grandma & Aunt Elle soon arrived with the family who were so excited and couldn't wait to meet Cooper.
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| Grandma Payne |
Proud siblings
Welcome Cooper!
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| We are Family! |
