Spencer's Birth Story

I am posting this mostly for myself to be able to read back and remember when the details are less clear, but hope that those that are interested will also enjoy the tale.
Here is the story of the long awaited arrival of Spencer Stephen Black...
August 11, my due date, came and went. We tried to stay busy and keep our minds off the impending event but I had really had it by the end. It was hot and I was miserable which means Josh was equally as miserable. On Thursday (40 weeks, 2 days) I decided that we were going to hike to the waterfall at Mt. Rose. If nature was not going to run its course than I was determined to help it along. I caught some very funny glances from others on the trail but the hike didn't seem to do the trick. The following morning (40 weeks, 3 days) we went to see Dr. Jacobs for a scheduled appointment. Prior to the appointment, Josh found me crying in the closet because even my maternity clothes were getting too small and I couldn't find anything to wear. Dr. Jacobs checked to see if I was making any progress and I was still only about 1 1/2 cm dilated (1 cm the week before), but he did note that the baby was very low (thanks to the hike the day before). The topic turned to induction. I had heard horror stories of women going 42 weeks before their OB would induce so I was cringing to hear what he had in mind. To my pleasant surprise, he agreed to induce me the following Tuesday (at 41 weeks) because he was going to be out of town for the weekend. I was relieved to have an end in sight. Before leaving the office I had to have a nonstress test to make sure that the baby was still doing alright despite being overdue. Everything looked good and we planned to meet at 7:15 am on Tuesday morning at St. Mary's hospital. Josh and I kept busy the rest of the day getting last minute details in order. Saturday morning I awoke and started with my morning cup of decaf. It left me with an empty feeling in my stomach so I made a piece of toast (always a cure for me). But the feeling did not go away. We decided to head down to the California Ave. farmers market to pick up some fresh produce and attempt to pass the day. On the way home I was feeling increasingly awful and my back had started to hurt. I basically laid around all day as the pain got more intense. I was thinking that this could be it but I wasn't having any regular contractions so I wasn't sure. We tried to settle down and watch a movie after dinner but I was up pacing the house to deal with the pain. Finally I decided, with the urging of one of my nurse friends, to call labor and delivery and talk to one of the nurses. I really did not want to go to the hospital only to be sent home. The nurse reassured me and told me to wait until the contractions became regular. I decided to go to bed but first I took a shower because I had a feeling we might be close. I awoke at 1 am with severe back pain. I got out of bed and walked into the living room. There was a contraction...and another...and another...Oh shoot, I better see how far apart they are. My contractions were coming every 2 to 3 minutes. I went into the bedroom and awoke Josh. He took one look at me and knew it was time to grab our bags and go. Of course I would go into labor when my OB, whom I absolutely adore, is out of town! The car ride seemed to last a century despite being only about 10 minutes. After getting a little Black-Brown confusion sorted out, we were settled into our room by 2:45 am. Nora, my nurse, came to check me. I was relieved when she announced that I was 4 cm and 100% effaced...yay I don't have to go home! I got hooked up to the monitor and my pain was justified with contractions that were coming so quickly I wasn't getting much rest between. Even worse, the back pain continued and that was constant so there really was no relief even between contractions. I remember feeling very anxious and I couldn't stop shaking. A dose of Fentanyl was offered and I gladly accepted...after that I felt a bit better and much less anxious. Josh started making calls to the family around 4:30 am. Dr. Mock finally arrived around 5 am to place the epidural. He was a bit of a nut job and had been duty for 22 hours of his 24 hour shift and seemed to have been espressoing for most of it, but at that point I didn't care. He talked the entire time he was doing the procedure and I remember wondering if he was actually concentrating on the needle he was inserting near my spinal cord. In the end, the epidural took and within a few minutes I had no pain, none at all, it was fabulous! My parents arrived as the anesthesiologist was finishing up. They had called Corinne and Devin and they were on the way from Oakland--how wonderful that it was a Sunday so they could make it. Nora checked me again after the epidural was in and I had progressed to 6 cm. Change of shift came and Nora went home and Rebecca took over. Rebecca had a very calm personality and I liked her from the very beginning. Corinne and Devin arrived around 8:30 and hung out in the room. Josh had put together music for the birth so that was playing in the background and it did wonders for making me feel more at ease. We just hung out and talked at this point. I wasn't in any pain but the contractions continued and we would watch them on the monitor. The epidural took a bit too well and I was numb all the way to my feet instead of mid thighs--this was uncomfortable for me because I couldn't move but I would take it that way any day instead of the alternative. Dr. Jack, the on-call doctor, arrived to check me and break my water. I was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor in place of my own. He was a younger guy, very calm and down to earth. After my water broke I quickly progressed to 8 and then 10 cm. When the time came to push I was nervous because I still couldn't feel anything despite the epidural being turned down. Dr. Jack decided to go ahead and let me try. After 30 minutes of the greatest workout of my life Spencer Stephen finally arrived at 11:31 am. Josh and my mom helped me through the pushing while dad, Corinne, and Devin waited outside. After what felt like an eternity, Spencer finally was delivered to me after being cleaned up and weighed. 6 lbs 15 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. What an amazing feeling! I just stared at him and then at Josh and back and forth again and again. Dad and the others came back to the room and we announced the name that we had been holding out on for so long. Spencer for Spencer's Hotsprings (the place Josh spoke about taking me when we first met and still have not actually made it) and Stephen of course after my dad. And just like that after nine months of anticipation and the longest 40th week of pregnancy, the labor was done and our baby boy was here!

Just Me and Dada

Jamison and Josh have been having many more days home alone since our work schedules havn't been jiving very well. Even though Jamison fusses a little when I leave, they always have a great time together and then when I come home he says things like, "no, I do it with dada."

Summer Fun

We went to another Aces game this week and Jamison had a blast. He got to play with Archie, the mascot, and he even signed a baseball for him. Jamison was also very interested in watching the game so we actually got to enjoy ourselves as well. Yesterday we went to Sand Harbor for the first time this year. It was overcast, but actually perfect for Jamison because he was able to play the entire time without getting too hot. We didn't get any pics, but will go again soon and try to do better. I scared a couple of people in my bikini--he he! Jamison is talking more and more about the arrival of his little brother. He likes to go through his clothes and tell us about what he is going to show brother. He says, "show brother my shoot", "show brother my choo choo," etc...It is really cute. He is going to be a good big brother. We are getting ready for the baby to come and can't wait to have some time off together. We have been working opposite schedules for a couple of months now and have been lucky to have 1 day a week off together, so it will be a nice 6 weeks for Josh, and 12 for me. I have decided to take the fall off from school as well so it will be a complete break, yeah! Except the whole not sleeping with an infant part! Here are a few recent pics.

Playing shoot with Papa.

I love Archie!

Archie signing Jamison's baseball. Now a collector's item.

Whoa, getting pretty weird looking! I love this belly, will be sad when it goes away.

Welcome Back Summer

Well, the rainy days have finally subsided, and not that we didn't enjoy it, but it feels nice to be with the warm temps again. I have to say that I was lucky for the cool down because when it hit the 90s in May, I was getting a little worried about the long summer due to my current state of heat intolerance. We had a busy week. Corinne and Devin got married and had a wonderful party at my parent's house. It was beautiful. There was a white tent with lights and Chinese lanterns. My parent's yard was so lush because of all the rain. Jamison amazed everyone with his baseball skills the entire party. I don't have any pics but will get them and post soon. School is back in swing and otherwise we have just been busy entertaining Jamison--more like he entertains us. Here are a couple photos of the latest...

Every toddler should dress himself.

Jamison most recently told me that his brother is going to come out of his butt.

Playing baseball with Uncle Devin. Jamison can actually hit it now, it is quite extraordinary for his age.

Bump Update

For all of you that have asked, here is a recent picture of my growing belly. We have been documenting the growth week to week and it is clear that I really popped at 26 weeks. The discomforts of pregnancy are starting to be noticed, but generally I have felt really good. I will be 30 weeks this coming week.

"I Do It Self"

Need I Say More?

Sesame Street Live!

Last night we treated Jamison to a surprise and took him to see Sesame Street Live Elmo's Green Thumb. Jamison was basically in shock the entire time--he just stared wide-eyed and chewed on his blanket. We met our friends there, so Jamison got to hang out with his buddy Clayton. Here are a few pics (it was hard to get anything to turn out) and I will try to post a little video.

Jamison has watched this clip like 100 times today. He thinks it is funny when Elmo falls down.

In other news, I finished my last final today! Yeah! I have four weeks off from school. Don't expect any more posts because I have a huge list of stuff to get done in my time off. I think nesting is setting in a bit because I have the desire to clean the baseboards and pull out all the furniture and vacuum behind it. I also plan on going through all of our baby stuff, making inventory, then registering for gifts and deciding on a time to have a shower. Not a real shower, I am not into baby games and sandwiches with the crust cut off. I am going to have a coed BBQ with badminton and hamburgers, gifts will be accepted.

The Reno Aces

Well, as you all know Jamison is an innate baseball lover. So, we were pleased to have a AAA team move to Reno. Last week we took Jamison to his first baseball game. As we were standing outside the stadium waiting for Josh to get the tickets, Jamison started squealing "Elmo, Elmo." Well it turns out that the Aces' mascot, Archie, is a big red something and Jamison fell in love with him. I was surprised because Jamison is normally afflicted with extreme shyness around those that he doesn't know, but I guess the big red suit made him feel at ease. He gave Archie a hug, gave him five, and basically talked about him the entire game. I have no clue how the game went, because we were out of our seats either playing with Archie or looking for him the entire game. Jamison calls him "Charchie" and has been talking about him ever since. At half time, Archie got out and danced on the field and ran the bases and Jamison was delighted by the whole thing. Here are a couple of photos from the game. Unfortunately we didn't get any of Jamison with Archie, we will have to do that next time.

Spring is here...well, kind of

So we are enjoying our typical Reno spring. One day it is 70 degrees and we are out in the yard and washing the cars and the next day you wake up to snow on the ground. Try explaining this to a 2-year-old that asks to go "side" the second he wakes up. Josh and I did squeeze in a day of spring skiing last week before the resorts close. I have been so wrapped up with school, that not much else is getting done around here which explains the lack of blog posts. Josh decided to put his truck up for sale, I had serious doubts he would find any interest, but wouldn't you know the one guy that called on it ended up buying it. We went one whole day without two cars and realized that wasn't going to work for long, so Josh found his same truck with four doors and everyone is happy. We officially each have a vehicle that can fit 2 car seats now which will make life much easier in the near future. I saw my OB this week for my 23 week checkup and everything went well. I have gained 9 pounds so far, which seems like a lot but it is still on the low side of the spectrum. My belly measured 23 cm which he said is right where it should be. I officially look like I have swallowed a big cantaloupe. I am happy to finally look pregnant rather than people just looking at me like I ate too much for lunch. The baby has also been kicking away which is a reassuring feeling. When I lay down at night and rest my belly on Josh's back, he kicks and kicks. Anyway, that is a pretty dull family update but that is what we have been up to. Here are a few pics of the last couple of weeks.

The pictures just don't seem to do it justice, but here is a view of 22 weeks.

One cool dude!

We had a beautiful day up at Alpine Meadows.

The park has been one of our main destinations this spring. Jamison goes down the biggest slide all by himself.

What a difference a year makes. Last summer Jamison really wanted to blow bubbles but he couldn't really do it and it was a source of serious frustration. He is now a bubble blowing champ.

The Star of Our Show

Jamison has been such a delight lately. He is talking up a storm, stays pretty busy on his own, and is finding new things to keep him even busier every day. The weather has started to warm up so we have been spending a considerable amount of time "side." His daredevil side is definitely coming out--recently he has started climbing everything and doing somersaults off the couch (unassisted). His fav phrase of the week is "whole thing" which in fact means he must have the whole thing rather than just a piece of an apple, brownie, etc. We have been keeping busy with music class, library toddler time, and swimming. Jamison also has some very important chores around the house that include putting the soap in, closing the door, and starting the dishwasher, helping doing laundry, and feeding Molly. His feelings about being a big brother change daily, and when asked sometimes he will simply say "no" and others he will laugh or give his snuff of approval.

Jamison is very much into his horse now. He climbs on all by himself, makes sound effects, and even insists on having his feet in the stirrups. In the background you can see "jump off." This is constructed every morning and does not get put away until Jamison is in bed. Welcome to a toddler's house...

Josh and I both caught Jamison doing this for the first time out of the corner of our eyes the other morning before we had even had our morning coffee. Now we have to help, which he hates, because he wants to start with his head on the couch rather than the floor.

Among other things, Jamison has become very particular about what he wears. Basically if it doesn't have a truck on it or is swimming apparel his does not want to wear it. He picked out this stylish, all gray outfit the other day. I was just happy that it was comprised of pants and a long sleeve shirt to suit the weather a little better than swim trunks.

Jamison has a lovely head of hair right now that we are hoping will continue to grow out. It has such nice texture and is so cute when it is long. This was his cool mohawk after his bath the other night.

It's a Boy!

Well, we went to the doctor today to find out if this baby is going to be another bruiser or a princess and the verdict is in, it's a boy! I had a feeling all along that it was a boy, but Josh was leaning toward girl. When we saw the image, before the tech could say anything, Josh says, "oh no, is that a third leg?" He was right. The ultrasound was amazing. We got to see the heart, brain, kidneys, intestines, stomach, eyes, lips, etc... I see my doctor again next week so he can read the films because the tech cannot offer any information, but I think everything looked good. Two arms, a big head, frog-like legs--what else could you ask for? I took pics of the pics so they are not great but I hope you can get the idea.

My growing belly at 15 weeks. Yes, those are leggings I am wearing.

Now you know where they got the idea for movies of what aliens should look like. The bony structures glow white, doesn't he look a bit like Spiderman.

Before we got the news it was a boy, we saw this picture. He is flexing, we should have known.

Finally, there are the goods, sticking straight up and hard to miss. I guess I am destined to be the queen of this castle. Wish me luck.

Jamison is thrilled about the news. He is going to be such a great big brother.

What is new with us?

Well, I am sorry for the absence of posts lately but I am caught up again in a whirlwind of school, work, doctor appointments, and a busy 2-year-old. Jamison has been so fun lately. He is talking so much that he very rarely ever cries because he is now able to communicate, which I admit, is really nice. Since he turned 2 he has been struck with this terrible shyness around strangers and even friends, so we have been getting him out more to story time at the library, the swimming pool, and music class. The first time we went to the library this week he was glued to my lap, but the second time he stood up in front and danced and followed along so I was happy. We also went to see a friend of mine and her new baby and Jamison played well with her 3-year-old and even shared. Next step...potty training. I went to the doctor this week and everything looked good. I am going to have my detailed ultrasound on March 3rd where we will learn the sex of the baby and also get to look at all the organs and make sure it is developing correctly. We are excited. It seems like it has been going so fast. I didn't really want to find out the sex, but Josh does, and it will be nice for planning purposes. Here are some random photos of what we have been up to lately.
Jamison thought this one up all on his own, really! I was in the bedroom putting laundry away and as I came down the hall he says, "mama watch." We played "jump off" all week.

If anyone was wondering, me at 13 weeks. Yes, the pants are getting a bit tight.

Josh took Molly to the back country last week and they both had a blast!

Jamison is now obsessed with watching You Tube videos. I think it makes him fell big like daddy.

Cute man!

In other news...

We have been enjoying some unusually warm weather for January, therefore not any new snow pics to post. I was hoping to get some of Jamison sledding, so we will keep our fingers crossed for snow in the near future. I don't have any pictures to post from Christmas--Josh videotaped the whole thing, but I guess we didn't get any photos--moments like this remind me we are still rookie parents.
I start back to school this week. It has been nice having 5 weeks off, but I am ready to get started again. I was going to take only 2 classes because 3 was a little overwhelming in the fall, but now that it is my last semester sans baby, I decided it would be better to knock out three. Wish me luck, I will need it.
Here are a few more new photos.

Jamison was so proud of the block tower he built!

These are Jamison's birthday gifts from Gigi and Papa. The nerf gun was of course a big hit and he loved the Spiderman swim trunks so much, he insisted on having them on over his pants.

Jamison got a helmet from daddy for his birthday because he loves to ride in his new bike trailer. We are hoping he likes it so much that he wants to wear it daily and cut down on the number of head injuries that we experience around here.

Jamison insisted that I buy him this Gerber Lil' Entree at the grocery store. But he is smart, he wouldn't eat it--he knows good food.

Silly boys, stuck their tongues out at the camera.

Jamison's 2nd Birthday

Well, it's official, Jamison is a big boy! We have entered the wonderful age of two and it was like a light switch turned on--the tantrums started, the shyness kicked in, his affinity for me has grown even more, and he even wants to pick out his own outfits. It makes our days more interesting to say the least. We had a wonderful party for Jamison at Jump Man Jump (an 8000 square foot warehouse with bouncy houses). He had a blast and so did everyone else. His cousins Brooke and Conrad were able to come up from Sacramento and he loved that! We had a hard time getting good pics (also a trait of 2-year-olds we've found) but here are a few that turned out.
Opening up presents--Jamison has become a pro with his birthday being so close to Christmas.

Gigi took him down the big slide!

He played ball for the longest time and ran all around on the springy floor--his cheeks just got redder and redder.

He wanted to play with Brooke and Conrad the entire time.