Our newest Hatracker -- Timothy Benjamin Sloan. And his Hatrack name is "Superstation," which shouldn't be too tough a leap for most of you. He won't be posting for a couple days or so at least, probably, but he's already registered.
So the story. As many of you know, we were past our due-date, and were scheduled for Mama to be induced on Wednesday morning. Well, while Superstation showed far more patience than his parents overall, the last few hours were apparently more than he was willing to wait, so he didn't.
Mama started having pretty hard contractions about 7:30 last night, and as soon as she hit 5 minutes apart (maybe 8:15?), we called the hospital and told them the situation. The nurse there said, "Well, if you want to come in now, you can." We think she figured we were rookie parents who didn't realize that five minutes apart meant there was lots of time left.
So we gathered everything we were taking that wasn't already in the car (Crystal City and coffee, basically), and headed out to the hospital. We got to the labor and delivery area at about 9:15, and they said that they were waiting for a couple rooms to be cleaned, so we should wait in the waiting room. Didn't have much choice, so we waited. After 20-25 minutes, I wandered back over there and asked if they knew how much longer it would be. "We're just waiting for a clean room."
"Um, we're kind of at the point where we'll take a dirty one."
"No, afraid not. It'll only be a short while longer."
Well, after only 5 or so minutes, they took us to "triage" -- not because they had to figure out what to do with us, but because that's the only room that was clean and empty, so we went there and Mama lay on the bed. They hooked up baby monitors (incorrectly, but a different nurse fixed that later), and lo and behold, Mama was having contractions, and they were really close together! So, the nurse checked the cervix.
Dilated to 8 cm. "Well, we'd better get you a room!"
So down the hall to the labor and delivery room, now clean, and reconnect Mama to the machines. Water hasn't broken yet, so they decide to break it. Whoosh. Lots of water. Lots and lots of water. And clear, so that's good.
The really bad part -- she was far enough along that it was too late for an epidural. Mama not so happy 'bout that. Breathing is forgotten, pain is paramount. (I, however, almost have feeling back in my right hand.) They didn't even get an I.V. in. Not much later, Mama says "I think the baby's coming out now." Nurse looks -- sure enough, he's crowning. Better get the doc.
Doctor comes in, lights, camera, action. Mirror is set up so Mama can see. "Ok, push!" One push -- long though it may have been -- and the head is out. One more, and out comes Timothy. A little bit of bruising on his face because he came out so quickly, and a little tearing for Mama, but this is normal they say.
7 pounds, 15 ounces. 20 inches long. Healthy, though not so happy, and feet are normal. As far as we know, so is everything else. He doesn't quite have Mooselet's eyelashes (unless they grow in quickly), but he has Grandpa Yak's cleft chin, far more pronounced than Papa's.
We are all well and healthy, and we thank you for the thoughts, wishes, and prayers. I believe there were some AIM messages sent -- those we didn't see, unfortunately, because the internet connection went down here at home. Grandma, knowing that we'd want it up when I got home, called the help line to get it fixed. First instructions for all help desks? Of course. Reboot the computer. So whoever did IM us, let us know what you said, please.
Again, thank you all for sharing our happy times. We'll post pictures when we can. I'm off to return to the hospital now, and Mooselet will meet his new little brother.
--Pop
[ November 21, 2003, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: Papa Moose ]
Posts: 6213 | Registered: May 2001
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posted
Congratz to the whole Moose & Squirrel family!!
I normaly don't do this but...
(oh, make sure Superstation gives back Grandpa's cleft chin. He need that to hold his denture's in.)
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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So are the Moose's Hatrack's first family or what? Every member has a screen name and they all post (or will soon post). Very cool.
Posts: 3423 | Registered: Aug 2001
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(And sympathies to Mama from my wife, whose epidurals did not work, and who had induced labor--which caused stronger-than-normal contractions. )
Posts: 2473 | Registered: Jan 2000
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Congratulations! I loved zgator's comment of "let the sleepless nights begin" - I am sure you remember how to type with one arm, Papa? Posts: 5609 | Registered: Jan 2003
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Congratulations!!! I'm glad everything went fairly smoothly, but I'm sorry Squirrel had to go through all that pain. Welcome to the (Hatrack) world Superstation. I'll bet Mooselet would be happy to show you around the place!
Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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I've given up on this whole "putting off a landmark thing" being as I miss my ID, and where better to make my landmark 2000th post than in Superstation's announcement thread! YAY BABY!!!
^_^ I hope he grows up to be healthy, happy, and just as good a father as his own.
Posts: 4816 | Registered: Apr 2003
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quote:I am sure you remember how to type with one arm, Papa?
Hehehe, I've most parents a one up in that department, go right-handed dvorak!
I'm so happy for you two! A wonderful family of four! Wow! :: happily awaites for futher updates :: Satyagraha
Posts: 1986 | Registered: Apr 2001
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I'm so happy for you and your family. With the rest of Hatrack, I have been anxiously following your threads, and it's very exciting that little Superstation is here.
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