Dash's first day

07 September 2008

Jake and I were scheduled to check into the hospital around 7:30 pm on Friday September 5, 2008 so I could get induced. We spent most of the day doing last-minute cleaning, dropping off Ella at her doggy hotel, and resting. We stopped by Costa Vida (it's like Cafe Rio) next to the hospital for dinner and had some extra time so we wandered around Super Target until it was time to check in. After we got to Sky Ridge they showed us to our room which felt more like a hotel room than a hospital room - it was exciting and nerve-wracking to know I would be in that room when the baby was born. We got settled in and they put an IV in my arm, they took all my vitals and we filled out some paperwork. They examined me and I hadn't progressed very far but the baby was dropped low and head down.

Around 10 pm they gave me medication to help get the process going. At 2 am they gave me another capsule and at 6 am they prepared me for the 3rd (after which I would get Petosin to help my labor start) but I had already started having some contractions so they decided I didn't need that 3rd capsule or IV medication. My contractions got stronger and stronger and by 9 am they were so strong I was holding onto the bed and Jake was rubbing my back with each one. They okayed me for my epidural and WOW, I started feeling great about 10 minutes after the shot... I think I momentarily fell in love with the anesthesiologist and I told Jake to immediately go out and buy him some roses. Jake and I both fell fast asleep for a couple hours and by the time we woke the nurse told us I was ready to start pushing! Jake's family had just arrived at the hospital after driving from Provo so they came in and gave us hugs really quick. Jake and his dad gave me a wonderful blessing to help all go well. At that point I wasn't feeling the contractions hardly at all so I was excited and feeling strong and confident. I pushed for 4 contractions and then out he came! The doctor pulled out his head and shoulders and Jake got to pull him out the rest of the way! He also got to cut the umbilical cord and then placed Dash on my chest. All I could see was the top of his slimy head but it was the cutest slimy head I'd ever seen.

Dash Leinelo Reni was born at 11:24 am, at 6 lbs 10 oz. and 19 inches long. He has his daddy's lips and chin and his mommy's eyes and long feet. His middle name (pronounced LAY-EH-NELO) is a combination of his mommy's middle name (Leigh) and his Great Great Grandpa's name (Nello) who was very very dear to Jake's father.

We love him so much and we're just so grateful for the blessing and miracle of having the opportunity to raise him.