Welcome Dexter!

I can honestly say that going into yesterday morning I had no idea what was waiting for me. Ali was scheduled to be induced with Pitocin, and we reported to the base hospital at 0700. Room five was ready for us, and Ali got all hooked up to the machinery. At 0800, the Pitocin drip began and Ali made it all the way to 1200 before requesting pain meds. At about 1500 the two nurses and Ali agreed that it was time to start pushing, and so she did. This was quite an experience for me to witness (from the chair where I couldn't pass out), as it wasn't anything like I thought it would be. Most of the time when I visit the hospital I am confused about what they are doing (and why and how), but this part seemed strangely similar to how an engineer might approach it: systematic pushing. Despite this, it was obviously difficult and painful, but Ali performed like a champ, and I must admit that I am still in awe at how strong she is.

After about an hour of pushing from various positions, the doctor arrived. I thought that we, along with the two nurses who had been coaching Ali along, had everything in control and were doing a good job. However, when the eight other nurses, doctors, and techs arrived after Dr. Newman I realized it had all been a big facade. All told there were 13 people in a room the size of our master bedroom (nine medical, Ali, me, Sharon (Ali's mom), and Heather (Ali's sister)). The entire experience seemed surreal, until with one solid push a baby miraculously appeared. I found that I couldn't stop crying, and have the urge still to do so now. I didn't think it would happen to me, but I find that everything is different now, and it is just beginning.


The series of events broke down like this:
0700: Report in
0800: Pitocin started
0800: Contractions begin
1200: Ali is 5cm dilated and finally asks for an epideral
1500: Ali is 8cm (?) dilated, and the nurses get her to start pushing
1600: Doctor Newman arrived with his entourage
1633: Dexter arrives :)

Dexter's stats:
Weight: 8lb 13.8oz
Length: 20in
Hair: blonde
Eyes: blue?

Both mother and baby are doing well, and so far Dexter has been pretty easy to deal with. I am sure that Ali will have a lot to say about the experience when she is released from the hospital tomorrow after a mandatory 48 hour stay. I look forward to introducing Dexter to the dogs and starting to learn what it means to be a parent.