3.14.2007

The doctor began a Potosin regimen to help move the labor along at 8 am. With Soren, they pushed the Potosin fast and we had her within a few hours. This time it was at a much slower rate and Tacie progressed well. By 12:00 p.m., Tacie began full labor. She changed positions and used a birthing ball to help draw Liam down into position as well as to alleviate pain.

Around 12:30, Tacie asked for an epidural to help with the pain. Because she was only dilated 6 cm. after 4 hours, she thought she had many more hours of labor left. Initially, they said yes to the epidural, then when she transitioned into hard labor immediately, they said no she was too far along. However, a minute later, the doctor decided to put in the epidural site in case she needed a "C" section. Halfway through the procedure with Max and Mark holding Tacie still and supporting her during contractions, Mark had to leave the room to throw up! It was the beginning of the end of Mark for a while. No, Mark was not being a "weak male", instead the flu had hit. Mark was able to come to Tacie's side to help with the final push!

The doctor came in and set up for the delivery and we all got into position for the big push. After pushing a few times the doctor was not sure if Tacie should be moved to the O.R. for a "C" section as the baby's heartbeat dropped during pushes and he didn't appear to be able to move in the right direction. The doctor called for help and decided to give Tacie an episiotomy. He cut as far as he could, to prohibit the same tearing laceration that occurred with Soren!

After some more pushing the doctor saw that Liam had the cord around his neck and was very dark blue!! The doctor unlooped the cord, then more or less reached in and pulled him out! We had a few minutes to hold and love him up! He opened his eyes right away. His color came back fast and did well with his apgar scores. His initial score was an 8, a loss of a point for color and one for muscle tone. At the next scoring he gained a point for muscle tone, but still needed to pink up some more and received a 9. After that his scores were all normal. I followed him around while the nurses completed tests and finishing touches. While we tended to Liam, the doctor tended to Tacie. He had to put in many stitches, Tacie tore again, in places people usually don't tear. However, it was still better than with Soren. Gramma Max and Mark took turns holding Liam. We were moved to a private room for the rest of the stay.

Mark is recovering from stomach flu, he was unable to hold Liam after the birth, He did the all the throwing up for Tacie! He went got some meds and slept at Max's house.

Mark felt better enough to go back and see Tacie and Liam. The nurses felt it would not be a good idea for Tacie and the baby because Mark and Dan were sick with the flu.

What a night! getting Soren and Liam to settle and figure out a system, Soren was up at the slightest cry from Liam. We were up about every hour!

We have had some ups and downs with the kids being sick and keeping our sanity! Liam has had a cold last week that left him congested. the breathing sounds were horrible to listen to! We took him to the doctors to see what he could do. it was very little. he is doing much better now and he has been growing! up almost two pounds and an inch in three weeks!