The Four Reynolds: Mark's story

This is the story of Mark's birth. I am recording it here more for my memory as well as for those who want to share in it. Most know that I was extremely anxious for weeks prior, so this birth was a wonderful experience for me. Here goes...read if you want (there are a bunch of pictures down below):

The night before we went to the hospital, we had a family night with dinner and a movie with Matthew. It was fun...but a very sentimental evening and you can imagine my emotions were running fast and hard. We ended up taking Matthew to Joe's parents earlier than we thought because he wanted to play with the dog. So, we dropped him off and took a few photos of the last night of just the three of us. Joe and I headed home to finish packing the bags and try to get some rest.

We awoke about 545am on Saturday so we could shower and head to the hospital. Of course I couldn't eat, so Joe suffered with me and didn't eat either (what a guy!). We got to the hospital and my co-workers were waiting for me...one had even called to see where I was! They checked me in and sent me on my way to the 3rd floor.

I arrived on the 3rd floor at shift change and it was a bit chaotic but they knew I was coming and had a bed ready for me to get prepped. My prep/surgery nurse was Kathy and I knew her from seeing her around the hospital. She was GREAT!! She calmed a lot of my fears and made it a fun experience from the beginning. Joe was right by my side the whole time...this was the easy part. They poked me for the IV and some bloodwork, I had to put on the oh-so-fashionable gown and hair cover. Joe had to put on his scrubs and then we wait. My doctor came in and said a quick prayer with us (AWESOME!!) and again, I was very relieved. I didn't feel panicked or anxious at all during this time. I couldn't believe it.

As they had me on the table and were getting the spinal block in, the doctor was turning on the radio and they were making it very lighthearted. The mood was a great one which was good for me. I was freezing so they were covering me with the warmed blankets (gotta get me one of those for home - like I need one in Arizona). And, then Joe came in and the procedure began at 920am. I was trying to keep myself distracted (see picture below) and looked at Joe pretty much the whole time. He and I had our own little conversation going...and the anesthesiologist was right there with us making sure I was doing good. It's amazing how much you can actually feel and not feel at the same time while this process is going on.

And, then he was here...in the picture above I have tears in my eyes because they just told me he was out...but I hadn't heard the cry yet. But it didn't take long and he was crying and smacking his lips because he was HUNGRY!!

Joe followed Mark around as I was doing great and had my nurse with me at the table. I could see everything they were doing with him in the room there as they did the initial cleaning and the neonatologist checked everything out. That was really cool - I don't remember that from Matthew's birth. Joe checked with me before he left the room to make sure I was good with it and I was. They were just finishing me up and then I would head to recovery.

Joe met me in recovery after a little while with Mark after he had his good bath. Then they headed to our room while I was cleaned up by the nurse. After I was cleared, they wheeled me to my room where my parents were waiting with Joe and Mark.

And, about an hour or so later Matthew arrived. Big brother was in the house, so let him have his time with Mark. He first looked at me and didn't see the baby with me so started looking around asking where Mark was. And, then he saw him and instantly went to his side. He wanted to pick him up right away so Joe got Matthew settled on the couch and then put him in his arms. And, they instantly bonded...