Jude's Birth Story

I thought I would take a moment to share about the pregnany and birth of our son Jude for those who may not know all the details! Enjoy...

After my second miscarriage, the wonderful doctors were able to figure out what was going on. (If you were unaware that I had two miscarriages, read about it here) I have a genitic disorder called MTHFR. I can not efficiently metabolize folic acid. As a result, I had/have to take a plethora of vitamins daily including a perscription of folic acid. I was again able to get pregnant quickly. We only told our close friends and family that I was pregnant again. And luckily I was able to have a sonogram at least every 2 weeks. (one from my mother in-law, and one from the doctors) We really have a good documentation on Jude's growth process! I wish I could say that I was able to rest in Jesus throughout my pregnancy, but instead I was terrified the entire time! Everyday I found myself worrying about loosing the baby. However, I had the best friends and family to encourage me every step of the way! Thank you guys so much!

Jenna (in the middle) cleaned up my throw up on more than one ocasion! :)

 

Unfortunately, pregnancy was not easy on my body. I had terrible morning, noon, and night sickness, I had problems with my sciatic nerve (which was horrible), developed plantar fasciitis, suffered hydronephrosis in one of my kidneys, and gained 65 lbs! I never dilated my last month, so I was scheduled to be induced the day before my due date, August 4th. I was to be admitted into the hospital the night before that.

Mom took this picture of me exactly one month before Jude was born. It was the last picture I let anyone take of me. If you can imagine how much bigger I could have gotten in another month, it was probably much worse!

As I was getting out of the shower that Tuesday before we left for the hospital, I surprisingly found my husband outside the bathroom door. He was laying on the floor, unable to get up.  I yelled for my parents to come help. Needless to say, we rushed him to the emergency room. So that night, Michael and I both stayed in the hospital, in our own rooms! He was able to get discharged before any major action started. (They later found out that his heart goes into vtac)

 

So as the day went on, my contractions were getting stronger and closer together, I received an epidural, but I was still not progressing to dilate. The decision was made to have a c section after I developed a fever. I was terrified.

When they took me back, they began to poke me with needle to make sure I couldn't feel anything. I not so calmly told them that I in fact could feel the poking. Somehow, the decision was made to continue with the c section without putting me to sleep. The memories of the pain still give me goose bumps. I could feel everything. Michael said one of the head anesthesiologists came in yelling about what was going on. I had had a resident anesthesiologist along with a new doctor delivering me. I understand that everyone has to learn sometime, but why on me?! Needless to say, that after the fact, they came and apologized for what happened and explained that if I chose to have another child, that my next c section would not be like this!

While this experience was horrible, all I cared about was Jude! He was perfect. He was born on August 4th at 10:22 pm. He was 7 pounds 15 ounces and  20 1/2 inches.



Our parents were able to see him as he made his
way to the nursery, while Michael stayed with me.

I didn't get to hold him until he was about 4 hours old.

Jude Michael Johnson

God is great. We do not deserve His blessings, but He has choosen to give us a son. Jude is wonderful.