Bradley Joy

Last July Garrett and I sat on our bed and took turns calling our parents to ask them if they were going to be busy in March. (Which was hard to even imagine because that seemed like FOREVER away) Immediately everyone knew why and we happily discussed this new Baby Blanchard. We were all pretty excited. I mean of course we were, everyone loves babies. 

Fast forward about 20 weeks. Around mid-November we learned that we were going to be having another boy. Garrett was immediately excited and I was disappointed for a second happy too. Within a few weeks we had agreed on a name - Bradley Joy. 

Another 19 weeks later and it was finally, finallllly (oh I was so ready to not be pregnant anymore) baby time. I chose to be induced at 39 weeks and that meant Mr. Bradley would be joining us on March 17. When that morning came we left Jack with my Mom and got to the hospital by seven. Within an hour I was checked in, hooked up and started on pitocin. By nine I had my epidural and I was doing my best to rest and save my energy. Then at 11:40 I had Garrett call in the nurses because I knew I was ready and that it was time to push. Hooray! Except one problem. The nurses came in and informed me that my doctor was at a different hospital about 15 minutes away, but that he was on his way back.

Aca-scuse me!? and hellz to the no.

If you've ever had a baby then you'll understand how annoying/horrible that is. If you haven't had a baby I will give you a little help. So just imagine that you need to poop real bad (oh and btw your poop is the size of a bowling ball) but someone says, "Oh just hold that in for like 15 more minutes." Um, how about not. I tried my best to convince the nurses that I didn't need to wait for my doctor but they ignored me. (They also stood in the room the entire time and talked about how windy it was outside. Guess what you could care less about while you're in labor? THE WEATHER). But finally my doctor came running into the room and it was time for baby. Several deep breaths and three pushes later Bradley Joy Blanchard was born. He was perfect. 

Born at 12:19 PM
8 pounds 7 ounces
20.5 inches long

The delivery went extremely well and both Bradley and I were doing great. After his check-up, shots, and bath we met up in our new room. Pretty soon we were both resting and I was enjoying the unlimited Lorna Doone cookies (which is probably the best thing about being in the hospital). Garrett went back to our house while Jack napped so that my Mom could come and meet Bradley. Then when Jack was up Garrett brought him up to come meet his new brother. This is probably my favorite memory, ever.

I love being in the hospital after I have my babies. It's kind of like a little vacation. I get to wear my pajamas all day, my meals are all delivered and I don't even have to get out of bed to eat them! Plus I don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning or laundry. And did I mention the unlimited Lorna Doone cookies? But I also get to cuddle all day with a new tiny babe and have my favorite people come visit. It really ain't too shabby.

 

My 48 hours in the hospital unfortunately had to come to an end. It was back to life, back to reality. Garrett and Jack had spent the morning with us in the hospital and once Bradley had been released by the pediatrician we packed into the car and drove home for the first time as a family of four. When we pulled into the driveway Jack began chattering and pointing to the flowers he planted with Grandma and Bradley started crying. And then it really hit me - I was now a Mom of two.