Monday, March 03, 2008

Sayer Joel Olson


Sayer Joel Olson 
(pronounced Say-er, just the way it looks!)

...was born on March 2 2008 at 9:13pm. 
He weighed in at 5 lbs 15 oz and 18 1/2 inches long. He is beautiful, with dark brown hair and sweet little eyes. He is so tiny, though not tiny enough to believe that he has been inside of me all this time! He was born one day shy of 37 weeks, so he is pretty much full term, although they are still treating him like he is under 37 weeks, doing some special car seat test, and other stuff along those lines. His lungs are fully developed, and he is very healthy. My Father in law says that he looks great, which is always great to hear!!

For those who like baby stories...

Those familiar with my last labor, know that I got to the hospital fully dilated and ready to go. So needless to say, I was very nervous about knowing when to go to the hospital for this little guy. On Sunday at about 2:30pm, I started noticing "regular" contractions, and a little more pressure, although no pain.  If I hadn't been paying attention, I wouldn't even notice them  So I started keeping an eye on their timing, and they remained about 2-3 minutes apart for about 4 hours. Still no pain. At about 6:30pm, we called all of the people that we had lined up to watch Asher, only to find virtually everyone out of town, gone to SLC, or just not answering their phones. Luckily some friends in our ward (who are due with their first baby one week before my original due date, so we felt a little guilty calling them) were willing to come over until Nate's dad could make it down from Sandy. 

I was still very skeptical about whether or not I was in labor, 'cause like I said, no pain. We got to the hospital and checked in, and they were so great about everything, which surprised me. I expected them to look at me and not believe that I was in labor and not really take me seriously, but they were on top of it. They got me checked and I was only about 4.5 cm dilated, so they decided to keep me for an hour to see if I progressed. When they checked me again, they said I was still about a 4.5, but my cervix was VERY soft, which I guess means that things move pretty quickly once things get underway. So my wonderful Dr, Dr. Thorpe, didn't feel comfortable sending me home, knowing my previous experience, so they decided to break my water. That was surprisingly painless, which is always good! When he broke my water, I was at a 6 and it was about 8:15 pm. After that, things started to intensify pretty quickly. My pain level was starting to increase, and the next time they checked me I was at a 9. My sweet nurse said that this was the time to get an epidural if I wanted one. I couldn't decide, as, if it was going to be as fast as last time, I thought it would be a waste, but it sure was sounding nice, and I was very nervous about the pain when pushing him out. I never really made a decision, and she didn't press me, and about 15 minutes later, I was ready to push.  (I just have to say as a side note, that the body is so amazing, how it just knows when things are ready to go.  Birth really is an amazing process, and I understand so much better this time around, when people say in response to the much asked question of how will I know... that you will just know!)  Now let me tell you, this is the worst part of the whole affair. Nate and I were by ourselves, and I felt it all of the sudden, so he called a nurse and she came in, but my Doc was downstairs, so I had to wait. Wow, that was torture! Finally he came in and I could push which was a relief, but then of course came more pain, and it seriously felt like he was never going to come out. I pushed a couple times, then he gave me an episiotomy, which I was grateful for, as it made him come out faster! After that, it was pretty much just one or two more pushes, then he was out. I have to say, that that was an amazing feeling. Don't get me wrong, it did not feel good, but it was so great to be so much more involved in the whole process, and to feel what was happening, and then to have this amazing sense of accomplishment once he was out. It was so much more emotional for me than last time, where I felt so distanced from everything, and really had no idea what was happening. My Dr was seriously so great, he talked me through everything and was so encouraging. I always had the feeling that Doctors didn't like it when women didn't have epidurals, as they clearly have to be more concerned about the mother and her pain level and what she is going to feel, etc. But Dr. Thorpe was so compassionate, which was so wonderful. It was overall, a much more pleasant experience than last time, as we were in the hospital a little longer and it wasn't as stressed, and we could relax and prepare ourselves.  I guess now we know that with my labors, we can't just wait for the pain to come before we act.  But I feel much more confident that I will know whether or not I am labor for the next time!
He came out crying and kept at it for quite some time, which was a good sign to all that his lungs were in good shape! Everything went really smoothly after that, they got him all cleaned up, I got to hold him, he nursed, my sister Jill and her boyfriend came to meet him, and I got to get up and walk around and get all cleaned up, etc. Then we came down to the mom and baby ward, where we are now! Thanks to wireless internet, I am able to write this post from my hospital bed while Sayer is getting some tests done, and Nate is with Asher at the park. Asher came in this morning to meet his little brother, and while he was very excited about the little baby, all he wanted to do was sit with me and Sayer and touch him, in a not so gentle manner. So we'll see how that goes when we get home! 
I've been feeling great... a little tired, and my back is killing me, but nothing a little ibuprofin won't fix! We will be home tomorrow afternoon, and then my mom will be flying in in the evening, which will be great! We don't have any great pictures yet. We took a picture with me, Nate and Sayer, but it is not on my camera anymore, which is very weird. So I will try to get some better ones and post some more. He looks a lot like Asher did when he was born actually. We'll have to do some comparisons in the next little while. But he is a cutie, that's for sure!

39 comments:

whitney said...

ahhhh! i'm so excited for you guys! he DOES look like asher! oh, i want to come and see him RIGHT NOW. i guess we'll just have to wait until april... sigh. nice work on delivering WITHOUT an epidural. you rock and i bow down to you. :) hugs and kisses to all of you from all of us! we love you guys!

Heidi said...

Congrats on your new healthy baby boy!

Lisa Busath said...

He is so precious and I can't wait to hold him -- tomorrow night! I'm so relieved that everything went well and that you made it to the hospital. I love the name! Most everyone I've told likes it too, so no worries! Love, Mom

Orange Peanut said...

Congratulations to you and your family! He is so cute! My only question is - will have my future babies? I wish my pregnancies and deliveries were so uncomplicated and that my little ones would come so quickly. I know you had some worries over the last few weeks of him coming to soon, but way to go girls!!! He's way cute and big brother looks so big next to the little one!

Orange Peanut said...

Hi - my last comment should read "will you have my future babies"? ;-)

Jessica said...

Congratulations. Way to have such a positive attitude about the no epidural thing. Mine didn't take with Crew and I honestly thought I was dying. So much pain. Looks like I am a pansy. He is beautiful.

Natalie said...

Congrats Morgan, he's beautiful. You'll have to let me know what it's like with two! Good luck!

jularun7 said...

congratulations!! that is so exciting.

IronLawGirl said...

Congrats on such a beautiful little one! And good job doing it naturally! We are so much stronger than most women give us credit for. You are so blessed to have quick labors! I'm so happy you had a good experience. And your family is absolutely beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Congrats Olson family! He's so cute! I'm so glad that things went so well, and that you have such a beautiful healthy boy. Can't wait to meet him!

Ashley said...

Morgan that last post was from me, sorry I wasn't logged in from my normal account...

DaNae said...

OH MY HECK!! He is beautiful! I seriously felt sooo bad for not having my phone with me. I was kicking myself all night! But I am glad everything went smooth and now you have such a cute baby to enjoy! I can't wait to meet him. Congrats!!

alliehoopes said...

Yay!! What a fun post to find here. So happy for the four of you.

Tyler Waterfall said...

Wow, way to go! What a beautiful little boy. I am so impressed that you were at Stake Conference on Sunday, and that you did it without an epidural...Mostly we're just thrilled that Sayer is healthy and here. Please let us know if we can watch Asher or bring over dinner--or both!

Josh and Michelle said...

Aww - Morgs I was so excited when my mom called and told me. I wish I could dome down and meet. Him he looks so sweet. I am glad you went without the epidural. Your delivery totally reminded me of my second delivery which I thought was amazing too. Im glad you got to experience it that way. Im so glad that he is healthy and doing well and so are you. Congrats you guys!

Summer Adams said...

Oh my gosh, he's darling!!! Congrats to you guys and I can't wait to get our kids together. I'm glad you had such a good experience. I was lucky to have a walking epidural so I felt a lot and was really involved without pain. So I get what you mean about that, it's horrible to be numb and unaware of the whole experience so I'm glad it was awesome for you. Birth really is amazing. I love labor. It's my fav part of the whole pregnancy. I'm so excited for you guys. Try to get some sleep. Let me know if you need anyone to watch ASher. I'd love to help!

Chrissie said...

What a beautiful baby! Many, many congratulations. I'd also like to go the no-epidural route; it seems like it was nice for you to be able to experience what was going on and really be a "participant" in your own labor! What a strong lady!

Trent & Emily Davies said...

Congrats on the new addition! He is so sweet! I can't believe your pregnancy! Your Mom is right...you were born to have babies!

Cressida said...

Way to go Morgs! What a beautiful family you are creating (and blog, very well written :) Can't wait to meet Sayer Joel...

James, Cameo, Jacob, and Eli said...

Congratulations!! Wow, I think you make tons of us jealous with your quick deliveries!! So "Sayer," I have never heard that name before, but I really like it a lot!! You definitely have great name selection. I hope everything continues to go well. Let us know if we can help with Asher - I was out of town on Sunday, so sorry if you tried to call. Congrats again!

James, Cameo, Jacob, and Eli said...

Congratulations!! Wow, I think you make tons of us jealous with your quick deliveries!! So "Sayer," I have never heard that name before, but I really like it a lot!! You definitely have great name selection. I hope everything continues to go well. Let us know if we can help with Asher - I was out of town on Sunday, so sorry if you tried to call. Congrats again!

janaya said...

congratulations!!! he's adorable!

Glamazon said...

He looks so adorable and healthy. I am so happy for you and Nate!

Lisa said...

Congrats! Yes, you definetly make us jealous with those fast deliveries but i'm so glad everything went well! Cute, cute, cute!

Kadi said...

Congratulations Morgan! He is precious. Way to go having him early and with no epidural...Whit told me about some of it...sorry I couldn't read the birth part of your blog, I'll never have another kid if I hear stories or think about it (it's not you, it's me, I have problems). Rest up and heal quickly. You guys have fun with your new little guy!

Tiffany Clay and London said...

Oh my gosh I can't believe you already had him!!! That went SO fast to me. (I'm sure it didn't to you though) CONGRATS!! I am so happy for you guys, he is adorable and I love the name you chose, so cute! I am so glad to find your blog too ours is tiffandclay.blogspot.com
If you need anything at all feel free to call me!!!

love,
Tiff

The Lambs said...

WOW! Way to go Morgan!!!!! I too am very proud of you and excited you get to feel the excitement and accomplishment from natural delivery- it's a great thing when there aren't complications to worry about! Thanks for sharing your birth story- I pray I'll have a delivery like yours! But hope for the best, expect the worst right? Anyway, Congrats!!! I love his name, too!

April said...

YEAH Morgan!!! I am so happy for you! I am so glad that everything went well. Way to go on the no pain route. It's tough but equals a speedy recovery! He is a cutie and we can't wait to see more pics. Take care!

Lindsay said...

Congrats! I'm totally jealous of the fast and easy labor...I can't even imagine what that would be like. Both my kids never wanted to come out and I had to be induced -- which equals hard, fast contractions -- which equals epidural. You did it without an epidural, girlfriend! You're a hero!
Love the name Sayer. That's the name of my cousin's son and you don't hear it much. It's a very handsome name -- sounds like a soccer star.

S-K-S said...

Congrats Morgan. He is so adorable. Two little boys. WOW. That is awesome.

Natalie said...

Morgan, I am so excited for you! What a cute little boy! I hope you recover okay! I can't wait to see him in church!!!!

Sarah said...

here's comment #32!! CONGRATS!!!!! I can't believe he came so early. Who knew? And remember when I told that I had a friend due the exact day as you & she had him last wednesday, the day of our RT dinner. How ironic.

Sayer is adorable and so tiny. i hope everything just continues to go so well. And way to go without the epidural. What a woman!!!!

A Little Sass said...

Congrats to the Olsen family! Thanks for sharing your story! Where did you get the name Sayer? I have never heard that before. Good on ya for being different! :)

Lant Family said...

WOW you have alot of people that look at your blog!! 33 comments so far. I get happy to have 2 or 3. But anyways. You are a brave women! Seriously no epidural. I don't know if I could do that. Did you have one with Asher? Or no time? But congratulations he is just precious. I bet it is so fun to have a tiny one in your home again. How is Asher doing with the little guy? Does he get it? Well congratulations.

Tyson and Marie said...

Congratulations! What a beautiful little baby. I am so impressed that you did not have an epidural! Wow.....you are amazing!

Unknown said...

congrats!!! looks like you delivered at utah valley! what night nurses did you have (if you remember) i used to work there and love the night shift people! anyway, congrats... he is vey cute!

Kim Dubois said...

Congratulations! He's so dang cute.

Amanda said...

Congratulations! So cute and so little!

The Clifts said...

I love birth stories! Your two little boys are adorable. Asher is only one month older than my little girl. I admire you for having another so soon! I bet that would be us if we didn't have some unexpected health issue come up. You have a beautiful family!