Zachary Austin Kemp

November 11, 2009

5:52pm

6lbs. 14oz.

18.5in. long

My water broke, 9 days early, at 4:45am. Now, when I say broke, I really mean that the Hoover Dam burst. I had no idea that my little body could hold that much water! And it seemed to never end!

This was definitely a surprise since my last appointment showed "nothing." No effacement or dilation. And I was 2 days late with Tyson so I just expected to go late with #2.....WRONG!

I labored 3 1/2 hours at home and then started to bleed. That made me a little nervous, so we decided to head to the hospital. I was dialted to a 2 when we got there. We walked the halls together for the next 3 hours and dialted to a 5cm. For the next 6 hours after that, my contractions became much more intense but also much more infrequent. This was a completely different labor from Tyson!

The contractions were bearable but I was getting so sleepy! It was the strangest feeling! I could barely keep my eyes open and kept dozing off while in the tub, on the ball, on all fours, standing up, etc. All I could think about was taking a nap! So I talked to the nurse about getting my first epidural since 12 hours had passed and I was assumed to still be at 5cm.

I made the decision to go ahead with the epidural so I could take a nap. Turns out the nurse was wrong. Even though my body had slowed the frequency of contractions, my body was still working to get that baby out and I was actually dilated to an 8cm when they administered the epidural!

This was a shock and a little frustrating, but I must admit, the last 45min of labor were so much fun! The epidural did not hurt at all, and I enjoyed some good ol' country music for the actual birth. The radio was playing "Be my baby tonight" by John Michael Montgomery and I thought it was a perfect song! Dave and I were singing, dancing, laughing, getting him all gowned up for the delivery, wondering if it was a boy or girl, seeing the head crown with lots of dark hair...it was pure joy! All of it! So I don't regret anything that when on that day. I didn't have any kind of hospital experience with Tyson's birth, so this was really a lot of fun and what I had planned on with Tyson. I am really glad that I got to experience this type of labor and birth with Zack.

I am also so blessed to have an amazing husband hold my hand to walk the halls, and then just sit around and watch his wife deal with the pain of labor in silence....for 12 hours! Yes, I was silent basically the entire time. I hardly spoke a word to David! Poor guy! But that's how I deal with pain. I lock my mind inside and block everything out. He's the best husband and wouldn't leave my side. Even though he didn't hear it from me for a while, I am so glad he was there with me to experience the birth of our second little boy!

Here is a picture of me after getting the epidural. That's right, I'm putting on a little makeup for after-baby pictures!

Proud Papa and deliverer. He was honestly amazing at delivering our little boy!

Minutes after birth. Welcome to our family Zachary Austin!



Just a picture to show his hair

After his first sponge bath

He loved being under the heat lamp

His first outfit "I love hugs" from Grandma Mauldin

My handsome boys

David says, "Real men wear yellow."

Happy Mama

Tyson was so excited to hold his little brother! He couldn't wait to get his hands and lips all over him!

Kissing Zack

Another reason I love my husband. He surprised me with beautiful roses, a yummy holiday candle and my favorite treat, Rolos!

Baby Zack hanging out on the couch

Tyson was so excited to show Zack every toy he owns. He kept trying to give him trucks, a ball, his popper...Tyson even showed Zack how the popper worked by running circles in the living room and making sure that we were holding him up to see his big brother! He was so cute about showing his little bro. the ropes!

The boys in my life
Here is the video of Tyson's first meeting with his new baby brother. He was so sweet and gentle! I love my boys and am so blessed to now be a mother of 2!