Cody's Birth Story

Cody. . .
The story of how you found your way to our arms may be a little different than your brother and sister's... but with out a doubt, baby, we have always known deep down that we would not be complete with out you in our lives. We would jump through any hoop to have you and you are worth every single tear and hurdle - if anything, it's become more amazing to hold you in our arms knowing it would all be worth it.
After having your brother, I knew I wasn't done having babies. Daddy and I both were overwhelmed by the love for our family and the thought of being all done just wasn't an option for us. A little before your brother was a year old, we decided to start trying to conceive you. After months and months of unsuccessful attempts, we knew we were going to need some help. We opted for a procedure called an IUI with chlomid and had 3 unsuccessful cycles. The doctor mentioned it probably wouldn't be effective for us to do another round. A short conversation between your dad and I later, I called up the IVF line with Kaiser and made an appointment. From that moment... I knew deep down that you and I were going to meet someday.
I was quite terrified of the process, but nothing scared me more than not being able to have you as a part of our family. It was a lot of shots, procedures, worry, and tears - just to be told at your first ultrasound I may have had a miscarriage. But 5 days later, we confirmed again with our doctor and you were indeed sticking around to join our clan.
The first few months were a little bumpy with morning sickness and the 12 weeks of IM shots every day, but I kept my eye on November and knew it would all pass. I had a great pregnancy from about 16 weeks on, you measured big and healthy and I felt great. Braxton hicks and the normal aches and pains crept in here and there, but overall, I was mostly just excited to meet you. I loved being pregnant with you and feeling your movement and nightly hiccups. 
The last few weeks before you were born are a little bit of a blur as we prepared to move into our new home. The construction was not finished on our new place like we were told it would be, so we were in a bit of a shuffle - moving our items into the incomplete new home and going to live with Gramz & Pops. They graciously hosted us and gave us everything we could ever need. Gramz prepared most for your arrival. She made sure we had everything imaginable, including a packed hospital bag, diapers, clothes, and all of the necessities. I am not sure how we would have gotten through the first 2 weeks of your life with out Gramz & Pops. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and I know you will love them just like I do.
When I went in for my 36 week appointment, I was already almost 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. Everyone was telling me to take it easy so you would stay put, and I did a pretty good job of it - despite the move and trying to get things moved into our new place. I saw Dr. Harrison again for my 37 week check up and I had progressed only slightly. 
I remember the crisp & colorful fall day on Friday, November 10th. Your sissy and I took a walk around the Gramz & Pop's neighborhood and I repeatedly rubbed my belly. I think I had a little bit of an intuition that you were going to make your arrival soon.
At 2AM that morning, I woke up with your sister and laid with her for a minute to get her back to sleep. A few minutes after laying in bed, I had a painful contraction. I paid close attention to the timing and felt several more of them in the next hour, so I reached over and woke up your daddy. I said "babe, I am in labor!" He jumped awake and we immediately started getting ready to leave. I woke up Gramz & Pops and let them know we were headed out to the hospital.
Daddy drove very carefully and talked about how excited he was to meet you. I had lots of contractions on the way to the hospital (it was a 45 minute drive). We made it to Kaiser at about 4:15 and I got out of daddy's truck and waddled in to triage. They checked me and I was only about 3.5 cm dilated and about 75% effaced. I started wondering if I wasn't in labor, but man, those contractions were painful. A midwife came in about an hour later and I had progressed to 5cm and about 90% effaced. There was no going back, you were coming soon!
At about 5:45am we were admitted to room 222. We had called Dr. Harrison on her cell phone to update her (she was determined to deliver you, which was such a joy for us). I decided to get an epidural and was relieved when I got it at about 7am. Dr. Harrison called me and asked if they could break my water since I had the epidural and I agreed! Our good friends Shelley & Curt came to Gramz & Pop's house so they could come to the hospital and your aunties made their way as well. 
At about 8:10am, I started pushing and Dr. Harrison told me you were posterior. It took a few extra pushes, but you came out screaming and hungry at 8:17am. It was absolutely one of the happiest moments of my life. Everyone in the room was crying and I was overwhelmed. As you came out, Dr. Harrison had me reach down and grab you. I saw you and immediately started reliving the year leading up to your birth. It was like all of the hope and joy of your arrival hit me all at once. I am just so happy to have you in our lives. You are our baby and you are loved so much by so many.
Shortly after you were born, about 4 hours later, Gramz & Pops returned to the hospital with your big sister and brother. Cody, they were so excited and happy to meet you. They loved feeling my belly when you were in it and seeing them meet you for the first time filled me with so much love. They wanted to see your hair, kiss your hands, and cuddle you. Seeing you 3 together was incredible. I am such a lucky mommy.
You are a great eater and came out into the world screaming and ready for your first meal. We have been so lucky with breastfeeding because you latched right on and so far, we haven't had any issues. 
The first week of your life was very hard for us - even with us being so happy to have you home. The scariest phone call I have ever received came from a specialist in Oakland telling me that some of the blood work from your newborn genetic screening test had come back slightly elevated. Daddy and I both cried as we listened to this doctor tell us you may have a rare metabolic disease. We immediately had to go into the doctor and get more blood tests and a urine test for you. It was absolutely awful seeing you go through that at 3 days old. We waited anxiously, with lots of tears, fears and sleepless nights until we got the first 2 blood tests back about 3 days later. On the day before Thanksgiving, when you were just 11 days old, we went with family for our traditional tree hunt day and on the way home received the call that your urine test came back normal. It was the most relieved I have ever felt, Cody. Daddy and I cried again - feeling forever grateful. It threw everything into perspective for us. I can cry thinking about those nights when I wasn't sure if you were okay - I would just stare at you. I was numb and not sure how you could be anything but perfect.
Besides the fears of the tests, we relished in you. Your amazing newborn smell, your tiny noises, hands and feet, and cuddles. Your big sister and brother want to hold you every chance they get. They really love you, too! Living with Gramz & Pops waiting for our new house to get finished also meant that Pops gave you your first bath and they got to enjoy you in your tiny first few weeks. It's so precious and I am so crazy about you. You are a beautiful baby, Cody.
I am so proud to be your mommy. I love staring at you and wish so badly that I could freeze time and keep you little forever. My hope for you is that you always know how much we love and cherish you. I am so blessed for every day with you and will never take for granted how lucky our family is to have you. 
I love you more than words will ever be able to express. I am always here for you. Forever and ever!
Love, Mama