Yes, Yes I am a blogging slacker.

If you had an adorable new baby to snuggle all day, you would be too. :)  So let's start with the arrival of our newest family member Quinton Thomas Nickels.  He wasn't technically due until Jan 11, which would have made for a fabulous birth date. 1-11-11.  However-- Josh started back to school and clinicals this week, and there was good chance that I wouldn't have been able to contact him if I did go into labor, so we cautiously decided to go ahead and be induced on the 5th(39 weeks, 1 day).  We were called to head over to the hospital at 8:40 in the morning, arrived and got my IV right away.  I was Group B Strep positive, so I had to have at least one dose of antibiotic in my system before the Dr could break my water.  So a lovely 4 hours later, my OB came and checked me, I was dilated to 2 cm, and only 50% effaced. He broke my water and they continued to up my pitocin every half hour.  I didn't really get any strong regular contractions until 4ish?  I was attempting to have this delivery unmedicated, so Josh was a great breathing coach.  We opted to try out a birthing tub.  And it was FABULOUS!  I labored there for a few more hours, my Dr came and checked me again and I was to 8 cm.  As he left my contractions picked up considerably, and Josh coaxed me out of the tub.  By the time anyone could check me again I was feeling the urge to push- all I remember was them saying that I was ready to deliver NOW and to get Dr. Thackeray there.  They kept mentioning that there was an intern just across the hall if we couldn't wait for my Dr.  Anyway, yep- a few pushes later our little man arrived.

Several people have asked me why on earth I wouldn't want an epidural.  And really, I feel so much more satisfaction from working through the labor with Josh, and the pain and agony is totally worth it when you see your precious baby.  Plus recovery time for me is soo much faster.  The last hour or so of my labor I wouldn't say that, but after it's all over. Totally worth it. :)  However- I couldn't have done it alone.  Or without Josh for that matter.  He was/is and AMAZING support to me.  I'm so blessed to have a husband who wanted to be by my side through it all.  He was encouraging, and loving, and helped me believe I could do it.    I also know natural childbirth is not for everyone.  ;)  To each his own, but it really was a wonderful experience that I wouldn't change one bit. My OB was great too.. he was patient, and didn't rush me, and was kind and confident. I am very happy we found him with this pregnancy.

I was worried that the older kids would all be dissapointed because they really wanted a baby sister, but they all responded well, and adore him as much as Josh and I do.  Unfortunately they've all had sniffles and little coughs so they haven't gotten to hold and love on him as much as they'd like to. Every day they tell me he's just so cute they don't know what we're going to do with him. <3

He's a really good baby so far, he just doesn't like night time.  If he's awake and not nursing he cries. :(   Hopefully we'll get that one figured out soon.

Anyway, for those of you who haven't seen pictures yet here is the link:
www.bellababyphotography.com
Click on view photo's
The password is : 0105quintonnickels

Enjoy!  And hopefully I'll be posting more often.  Thanks for checking in on the blog too.  We are blessed to have so many friends and family who love and support us. :)