Monday, July 13, 2009

Kai Edward Harman

We are so happy to introduce our baby boy Kai Edward Harman! 
He arrived July 8, 2009 (07/08/09) at 7:51 a.m.  (due date July 19th)
7 pounds 1 ounce & 19 inches long
^Our most recent family picture. :)
^Sarah's first time meeting and holding her brother Kai. She's adjusting well to him, but it will be a process for all of us in dividing our time. ;)
^Proud Daddy showing off some resemblance. :)
^Proud Mommy with her little guy! I feel so heavily rewarded! 
Read on if you'd like to know the somewhat graphic birthing details. :)

My Story of Kai's arrival!!

On Wednesday morning (July 8th) my first contraction started at 4:45 a.m. Not knowing if it was just cramps or whatnot I tried to fall back asleep, but kept note of the time. I would wake every 10- 20 minutes and feel similar pains, but held off, still not knowing if this was really it! By 5:30 I woke Ed (who had worked 'til 1:30 a.m. the night before) to let him know today would most likely be the day. After some good signs of being in labor (similar signs with Sarah) at about 6 a.m. we called the doctor. She gave us the go ahead to head to the hospital. By now my contractions were anywhere from 3-8 minutes apart. My friend Kristen came over by 6:30 a.m. to watch Sarah while Ed and I headed to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 6:45 and they got me all set up. 
Because Sarah's birth went so quickly I had her naturally with no epidural. (Her labor was under 4 hours start to finish- there was no epidural option by the time I got to the hospital). Knowing my labors go quick, and after doing more research about my options, I put together a birthing plan and I decided that this time I wanted to 'go natural' again. Ed was a great coach and helped me breath through my contractions that were beginning to pick up.  
The first time they checked me I was dilated to a 7. Things progressed well although painful, but definitely bearable. I kept asking what would happen next. What needed to happen before the babe was born? Breaking water was the next sign that would tell me we were moving along. When I felt the need to push, I did and sure enough my water broke. :) Shortly after my water broke and some very intense contractions my doctor came in to assist me in my first push. It was a small push, but when I looked in the mirror I could see the babies hair and I knew his birth was close. This gave me much determination to end the pain and get him outta there!! As soon as the doctor could get her gloves on and with my next push (which Ed says is really my first "real" push) the babies head was born. With the next his shoulders and the rest of him was born. I tore a little less than last time- which was to a 2 I think. 
I was admitted to the hospital at 6:45 a.m. and Kai was born at 7:51 a.m. I feel very blessed to have such good pregnancies and quick labors. Although I was only in the hospital just over an hour before he was born- it was a rough hour!! I have much admiration to those able to have natural childbirth's with long labors. Not sure I could do that. An hour felt like forever! :) It is a mind over body thing though. 
Recovery has gone well. Kai had a check up today and he's gaining weight and looking good everywhere else. Physically I feel almost better -other than it feels like I'm making milk for 3 babies. :) Emotionally we're doing some adjusting as a family, but we'll get it down. :)
I really can't imagine life without Kai. With each new addition to our family, life truly feels a little more complete. Makes me wonder how many more babies will come before we've decided family life is complete. :) Not that I'm already thinking of more- one at a time. I feel like my ability to feel love is stronger than I have ever felt and I love it and welcome it. Welcome baby Kai! We love you and we're excited to be your parents and big sis!

24 comments:

thebakerbook said...

Wow!! Congrats Lindsey! I am have a small gift for him that I have had since your baby shower. Would love to come down for a visit when you are home and settled!

Jokilyn said...

YAY!!! I'm proud of you Linds!! And although my labor was 26 hours, I still think you had it just as hard. At least as everything built up gradually, I could prepare for it bit by bit. To have it all hit so quickly would not be as easy to focus through! Don't downplay your awesomeness!! ;) We're SOOOO excited for you guys and we can't wait to meet him!! Miss you guys tons - love ya even more!

Kari said...

Congrats Linds! He is so beautiful. Good luck with the frequent feedings and all the lovely stuff that comes with newborns! :)

Eve said...

Congrats linds! thanks for sharing your labor story!

Heather said...

Congratulations!!! I am so happy that everything went so well and everyone is healthy. You are amazing! I was waiting for all the details of the birth, I love hearing those stories. Good job Linz, you are definitely my inspiration! I'm planning on no epidural either, I'll let you know how that goes ;) I can't wait to see more and more pictures of this handsome little boy! Love you!!

Lisa Garcia said...

LOVE the name! Congrats to you all... especially you, Lindsey! He looks so tiny and sweet.

Lisa Garcia said...

LOVE the name! Congrats to you all... especially you, Lindsey! He looks so tiny and sweet.

Tanji, Jimmy Jay and Baby Taislyn! said...

Oh, Linds, he's beautiful! The funny thing is that we've had the name Kai on our boys name list too for the future. ha ha...anyway, congrats on going natural. My labors are way too long to ever do that. I'm glad Ed was able to be there this time!!! YEA! I can't tell who he looks like though

Stacy Russon said...

Congratulations Linds, I am so impressed you have such fast labors. I've always had epidurals, but mine are exponentially longer than yours. I admire your mind over body control. What a beautiful baby and so fun to have 1 of each. Life must feel perfect. Enjoy the new addition. love you, Stacy

Landon and Debbie said...

Hi Linds and Family... We are so happy Little Kai is here. He has such a sweet little face:) I am so glad all went well with your delivery and you all are feeling good. We wish we could just hop on over to be with you all right now and hold little Kai but we will be anxiously awaiting your arrival in a few weeks?...if that is still happening? We Love you all so much and feel very grateful to be apart of your beautiful family! Call me anytime... I love to hear all the details:)

Krista said...

congrats! i think i'd still opt for the epidural..even if it was only for an hours worth of pain.

Jason Steadman said...

Congratulations, you guys! Kai is such a cutie! What a wonderful family you have!

Baldersons said...

Congratulations Lindsay...sounds like everything went well...good for you for doing it all naturally! He is adorable!

Molly said...

This is exactly what I wanted to hear! You are so lucky. I can only pray I have labors as smooth as yours. You are such a rock star and so determined that I'll bet you deal with labor well and let your body relax enough to do what it needs to. I'm so happy everything went well and that you and Kai are healthy! Can't wait to see him!

Jennifer Phillips said...

I was hoping for a Blog update. I figured you have a lot of people wanting to know what happened and well with having another child to look after I wasn't expecting to get a phone call haha. I am so excited for you. I love the name you chose and I am glad you shared your story. You are one crazy lady. It's a good thing you deliver fast. I can't wait to meet the little guy, although it might be awhile. Have you ever seen the movie baby mama?? If you have I am totally the girl in the class thats like woot woot when the teacher asks "now who is going to get an evil epidural?" hahaha that's for sure me. I love drugs what else can I say.

Kira Thunell said...

He's adorable!! Congrats to you, Ed and Sarah. I agree, it truly is amazing to feel such complete and utter love for your children. So jealous about the quick labors, lucky ducky! Wishing you the best!

Valerie said...

CONGRATS he is such a cutie! Wow way to go on the natural labor, you are a trooper. Having two is tons of work, but just remember it gets easier as they get older ha ha ha., What a cute baby boy, can't wait to see more pictures.

Murphy Mania said...

So happy for you guys. I hear you on the mind over matter!
Kai is blessed to come to such a wonderful family.

Jenna{Mommy in Manhattan} said...

Congrats! That is so great! You are one strong person to go natural! I love his name.

Aly said...

Those are some beautiful family pictures! congratulations on a beautiful healthy baby boy! Wow going natural! You go girl! Thanks for sharing!

The Bonham Family said...

Lindz- That is so exciting! Congrats! He is beauiful, What a great labor story! Look how beautiful you look! I am so proud of you! You will adjust quick and feel like you never missed a beat! Congrats to your family.

Katie said...

Yay! Congratulations. What a cute baby boy. I'd love to see him sometime when I'm in Sunnyvale!

Lindsay said...

Congratulations! Can't wait to meet the little guy. Also, I love the name Kai...we considered naming Cooper "Kai" but were afraid people might call him "Yippee Kai Young". Kai goes much better with Harman. You look great, by the way!

Unknown said...

Hey Linds, congratulations on the new baby boy! Hope I am as lucky with a quick and smooth delivery as you were!