Joseph Stephen Lombardo

(written while in the hospital)
I'm in the hospital tonight. It's just after one a.m. I'm breathing a
sigh of great relief that my baby Joe is here and that he's healthy.
He is positively perfect!

After being so sick with food poisoning the last few days, I noticed
yesterday that I couldn't remember when I felt Joe last. This week has
been busy with end of school stuff that has kept my mind so occupied I
just hadn't paid much attention to my body. I had such an overwhelming
feeling of concern come over me this afternoon to do what I could to
have Joe move, but all my attempts were in vain and I felt nothing.
Aaron happened to call at this very moment and I didn't want to cause
any concern, but when he asked how I was feeling I couldn't hide my
fears and told him how concerned I was. He came right home and told me
to call my doctor. A nurse called me back just shortly after Aaron
walked in the door. I wanted to come across calm to her but my
calmness was shattered when she said I needed to go to labor and
delivery immediately since I couldn't remember the last time I had
felt my baby. I broke down in tears and just then my sister Susan
knocked on the door making it possible for us to literally leave right
then. Aaron grabbed my hand on the way to the hospital and we drove in
silence. It was an agonizing drive as I feared the worst. I was in
tears the whole time and I know Aaron was feeling equally afraid. I
kept praying that all would be well.

Once we were here at the hospital, the nurses immediately took me back to
listen for a heart beat. Joe's heart sounded loud and clear and both
Aaron and I broke into tears. I all but sobbed and laughed at the same
time.

They wanted to monitor me and my baby for an hour to make sure all was
well. Well..... all was not well. Joe's heart rate was concerning to
them and they strongly advised me to stay and be induced. My stubborn
self wanted to make sure induction was absolutely necessary. My nurse
did a great job explaining to Aaron and me why the heart rate was so
alarming and why they would not be okay sending me home. Of course the
risk of leaving out-weighed being induced but I did ask to remain
being monitored for a bit before they started me on pitocin. I was
already having regular contractions and I wanted to see if breaking my
water would get things moving on its own.  Indeed it did. The doctor
broke my water at 8:30 and the contractions increased significantly.
My water was also green which indicated a bowel movement from baby.
Another good reason he was coming tonight. Plus, the cord was wrapped
twice around his neck when he was born. I can't help but believe that
these two conditions is why I felt so strongly to call my doctor about
not feeling him, which got me to the hospital so Joe could arrive to
us safely. Many prayers of thanks were given by me this night.

 I was so shocked he was so little. Only 6lbs. 6 oz. Total laboring time was 2 hours start to finish. He was born at 10:30 pm.

I want to explain why going all natural was such a big deal to me.
I've had two epidurals and now two without any drugs. I don't think I
am more heroic or super without the drugs than I did with the drugs.
Having a baby is miraculous no matter how they get here. There were
plenty of times I thought to myself I am insane to be doing this and
full out cried in desperation for the pain to stop. But if the recovery could be fast. If I could feel comfortable relatively quick after birthing, than I wanted to try all natural again. I'm so very grateful the pain was worth it for those two hours because I hardly feel as though I just had a baby. I can hardly comprehend how one can be in such agonizing pain one moment, and almost instantaneously it is over the second you give birth. It is a complete phenomenon.

I did however choose to stay the two nights at the hospital this time
than my typical overnighter. I wanted to just soak up the quiet and
personal time with my baby Joe. I have been alone with him most of
today. I have loved the quiet one on one; smelling him, nursing him,
loving him. He is perfect. Yesterday he nursed like a champ, but he's
struggled today and I've been grateful to be here, just the two of us
to figure it out.

The kids came today as well. Hannah and Nathan have been beside themselves excited to see and hold Joe. Apparently Hannah could hardly sleep
last night because she was so excited. It was darling to see their
excitement. Hannah is going to be such a big help. I'm so grateful to
have her. Abigail was intrigued but said she didn't want to hold him.
Okie dokie missy! I think Joe is going to be quite loved at our house
and Aaron and I can both tell that we are going to have to teach our
kiddos boundaries on loving too much. Should be fun.

No rookie father here!

So one more night of just me and Joe. I'm going to relish every
moment. But I will be ready to go home tomorrow and letting Joe's
brother and sisters smother him just a tad. I'm feeling so grateful and blessed!