Our 2011 Christmas Gift - LUKE

Its been a smooth 41 weeks of carrying our unknown child. Unsure if its a boy or a girl, unsure of its features, unsure of what it even sounds like. Although six days past the expected due date, our child is absolutely perfect.

Saturday, Dec 3, 2011
3:53 am - Beginning of strong contractions (avg 30 mins apart)
7:02 am - 1st time having breakfast at Silver Fork restaurant (avg 15 mins apart)
12:54 pm - 1st call to the doctor. Doctor's response: "give it another hour." (6 mins apart)
2:30 pm - 2nd call to the doctor. Doctor's response: "come to the hospital" (5 mins apart)
3:15 pm - Arrived at the hospital and admitted into triage. Confirmed I was 4cm dilated.
4:00 pm - Received my really large birthing suite.
5:10 pm - Decided to get the epidural (probably at 5cm dilated), later received 2 additional doses epidural, my parents visited & prayed over me.
10:00 pm - Nurses realize my water broke at some point in time.
11:00 pm - Nurses identify that baby's heart rate is dropping with each contraction (due to pinched umbilical cord).

Sunday, December 4, 2011
12:20 am - Dr.Bridges informs me of baby's heart rate dropping and that alternative methods may need to be considered, but try natural first. She also confirmed I was dilated enough to start pushing.
12:35 am - Began pushing with each contraction. The doctor used the vacuum and if the baby didn't come out, then the next solution is cesarean. One final push and...
12:54 am - Alex announced that its a baby BOY! Our son's umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice, nurses cleaned him and took his vitals. Alex immediately tended to our little boy, then when they brought him to me on the bed - Alex began to pray aloud (this is what really melted my heart to tears). Praise Jesus, he is healthy...no cone head, no heart issues, and doesn't have jaundice.

Lucas James Hopwood (goes by Luke) was born on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 12:54am. He weighted 6lbs 14oz and was 20.25 inches long.

Thank you Jesus for answering all our prayers from the beginning. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Swedish Hospital-First Hill for your compassion and great service. I could not of had a better first-time experience and really do appreciate you staying up through the late hours to comfort me and ensure a healthy delivery. As I've told others, "I would do it again." Thank you!!