Charlie's Story - Pines and Palms

I can’t believe it will be 4 weeks this Saturday (June 4th) since our little Charlie came into this world. So excited to share some details into his birth and reflect on these newborn days. It’s so true what they say, these early days fly by so truly hanging onto every moment. From those middle of the night feedings to the post-bath cuddles to those first coffee/target runs we are soaking each moment in. Seeing him grow every day is such a blessing and one that we have always prayed for.

It’s taken me a few weeks to sit down and write out Charlie’s birth story. We are finding our new routines and getting the hang of life as a family of 3. So lucky to have Kate and Grace taking on so many projects and postings and encouraging me to take as much time as I need.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s stories are different and I’m so excited to share a little insight into Charlie’s story. Weeks prior to Charlie’s birth we discussed with our doctor that we didn’t want to go to 40 weeks. That was my personal decision and my doctor 100% supported and agreed.

Charlie’s Birth Story:

I was 2cm and 80% effaced for about 3 weeks. I had been having contractions, but nothing consistent. One of the hardest parts was waiting! For 3 weeks it felt like Charlie could come any second and then all of a sudden 39 weeks was here.

May 3rd I called my doctor’s office (as they advised) to talk about an induction that week. Minutes later they called me back saying the only time they could take me before I hit 40 weeks was “tonight at 8pm” my heart dropped! We were going to meet our baby boy so soon! I didn’t want to get my hopes up because I knew from experience with Kate & my sister-in-law that inductions can always get pushed. The rest of the day we cleaned the house, showered, I painted my nails, work on some postings, picked up Chick-Fil-A for dinner and tried to keep busy before heading in.

Like Kate, I didn’t have a birth plan. I wasn’t set on “going on my own” although I always imagined what it would be like being home or out and that rush of “omg my water broke” or timing contractions and rushing to the hospital. With that said being induced and having my water break on my own (sort of) wasn’t any less special. Also, my main concern was I didn’t want Charlie in distress and whatever we needed to do to get him out safely was my plan.

We got to the hospital at 8pm and my water broke around 12:30am. I’ll never forget Matt in the chair/bed next to me and telling him my water broke. Especially while watching Joel play in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Dallas stars! So cool!! My whole family was up watching the game & waiting the hear updates.

That really hit me that it happening! By 3am I got the epidural (which I knew I wanted before hand) and they started to move the process along. By 8am I was 9cm and got there pretty fast. My contractions were getting stronger and closer. I was feeling the contractions, but they didn’t become super painful until around 11-12:30pm. I did throw up multiple times (which happens right before baby comes) and I knew it was time to push. My doctor arrived around 12:45 and it was time to push!

It was go-time! I was motivated, energized and got this adrenaline rush to get my baby out safely! I was so lucky to have my family motivating me, hearing my mom words to push and having Matt there keeping me motivated. I started pushing at 1pm (every contraction around 1 minute apart) and by 1:40pm Charlie was here! I wasn’t in pain pushing and as soon I started pushing the contractions were harder to feel (they say that’s normal once you start pushing). His heart did drop when I pushed which was so scary, but I remained calm and pushed as hard as I could/when they told me too. My doctor was amazing in staying calm and getting Charlie here safe.

As soon as we heard that first cry and I saw him and felt him on my chest it felt like a dream, a feeling I can’t even begin to put in words. He was 7lbs 4oz at birth!

Getting to see Matt as a dad brings tears to my eyes. He has been the best supporter of me and helping me this past month with recovery, feedings, bedtime. From the past 10 years to now it is amazing getting to go through so many different stages of life together.

Positivity

Looking back now on the past few weeks a positive mindset has been of huge importance to me. Knowing that we are Charlie’s parents and everything we do reflects onto him. Talking to Kate and getting to be there when Hudson was born really helped to prepare us. Once we got home and some pain did set in I remember how Kate didn’t say a word or even mention the pain afterwards. I felt so bad!! She was staying strong for me and making sure that I stayed positive before my experience. She didn’t say a word at night lifting Hudson or feedings! I’ll always remember that.

Of course, the pain only lasts a week or two from recovery, breast feeding starts to feel normal, and you start to forget all of that. My parents came down from MA the day after we got home from the hospital. I’m crying thinking how they dropped everything to come help us. There is really nothing like having your mom & dad (I’m so close to both of them) here after birth. They did everything for us and helped us adjust to life at home and helped me recover.

Crying re-living and reading the texts from my family during delivery while holding Charlie in my arms writing this 💙 He’s my whole world and words can’t describe how lucky and blessed I am to be his mom. Seeing my siblings become parents, having my parents as the best role models is something we all have always dreamed about and prayed for.

His name:

Growing up I always loved the name Charlie. I always heard stories that I was suppose to be name Charlotte, after my grandma, we grew up 1/2 mile down the road and were super close to my grandparents. Even some of my friends will remember me wanting my nickname to be Charlie lol. Matt and I decided that Charlie would be perfect for our little boy. Representing his great-grandma Charlotte and great-grandpa Raymond Charles.

His middle name is Mark, after my dad, one of the most important people in our lives and someone we always look up to. My dad is our number one supporter, never missed sporting event, and will always drop everything for his kids and grandchildren. Also, how special is it that Charlie came on May 4th, my dad’s birthday!

a few notes:

Don’t be afraid to go into the hospital or call your doctor when something doesn’t seem right. I went in around 29 weeks and we had multiple ultrasounds at the end that my doctor wanted to make sure everything was good. She was so great and I think it’s important to advocate for yourself and baby. No one knows your body like you do.
Recovery: days later I had a developed a UTI I thought that was normal for the first few days, but when it became really uncomfortable, painful and didn’t go away I called my doctor and started an antibiotic.
Hang in there, when you feel like recovery will never get better, the next day can be totally different!
I think it’s important for moms to feel comfortable when adjusting to feedings, recovering and taking care of their mental health because our #1 concern is our babies! Don’t be a host, take time to recover and do what is best for you and your baby.
So thankful for my doctor and all the nurses that took care of me and Charlie while we were at the hospital. Seriously what they do post-delivery to help is amazing.
My hospital bag DETAILS HERE (I pretty much used everything and packed light, thanks to Kate’s recommendations)
Hudson’s Story – I love reading this so much!