As some of you may or may not know, Eleazar (Ely) Gipson Malaki came into
this world on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 3:37pm. He is a beautiful,
healthy, baby boy that weighs 7 lbs 15.6 oz and is 20 inches long.
Here is the long version...I began having contractions Monday afternoon (September 25th). The contractions became very obvious and intense around 8PM. By 2AM, they were only 2-5 minutes apart. We contacted my doctor and headed to the hospital. Once there, we found out I was not quite 1cm. What the heck? This much pain and nothing to show for it? They suggested a morphine shot to help me get rest. I reluctantly agreed to the shot (and was later very greatful). We were home by 530am and slept like babies (only to realize that would be the last night we'd sleep as a family of 2).
We arose and walked the neighborhood, hoping to "get things moving." We went to my doctor at 330pm and found out I was 3-4cm and 75% effaced. WOW! What a change within 12 hours. We were sent home to labor as long as possible at home. I didn't start feeling strong contractions again until 7pm. At that point, they were strong but only 10-15 minutes apart. The contractions were finally 5 minutes apart around 230am. We arrived at the hospital at 4am. At that point, I was STILL 3-4cm, but 100% effaced. The contractions were tolerable, but not fun. They were concerned about Ely's heart rate, so they kept us monitored very closely.
Finally, at 6am, they checked us into the birthing suite. Anthony's parents arrived at that time (who knew the ferries were running that early!). Slowly, some of my friends began to roll in. Soon enough, we had a packed house. Around 11am we kicked everyone out so that I could get the epidural...I threw in the towel at 6cm and back labor had set in.
From there, I progressed slowly (fairly typical once you have an epidural). But, around 1pm I was at 8cm. At 3pm my nurse checked and I was "complete" (10cm). She had me begin pushing to "get ready" for the doctor. At 315pm she said, "Dr. Faulkner needs to get here or I will be delivering the baby myself!" WHAT THE HECK?? I thought this was going to be hours...NOPE. He was ready and was blazing through.
At 337pm Eleazar Gipson Malaki came into the is world screaming. (That boy has some lungs.) He cried for a few minutes, but them was calm as he lay on my chest. Anthony and I just stared at him in awe. It was the most amazing feeling running through my body. We cried. We laughed. We cried some more. All good tears.
He is an amazing being. I honestly think he is at his cutest when he is screaming his head off. Anthony has come up with fun songs such as "Tsunami Siren on Palatine Ave" and "The Ely Boy." These songs SOMETIMES helps to calm him. If not, a good cuddling usually does the trick. (We're definitely working off the theory that you cannot spoil a baby in the first month. Let's only hope that's true :)
Don't get me wrong, this has been the most difficult and amazing couple weeks in our lives. We had a rough time of the breast feeding and weight gain. But, I think we're on to the next set of worries. As we'll be for the rest of our lives.
We're excited about all the good and bad that is yet to come. I cannot wait to share every bit of it with each of you.
I've attached some photos and you can see his hospital pictures at:
(Look at baby’s born on September 27, and click on Eleazar M)
