Recovery

I prepared so much for birth that I forgot how much work recovery took. I think I just assumed I would be back to my normal self in a day or two. The hardest part is not being able to do everything that I am use to doings—like not being able to care of Heber, Hannah and Olive. Also not being able to cook and clean. And not being able to really move about freely. It's hard to be lazy because you can't take a break.

I am so grateful my mom was here for the first day of recovery. She is so helpful and her years of being a CNA show. She seemed to have things ready for me before I even thought I needed them. My parents were also really helpful with the kids that first day as well. I am so grateful for them.

The timing was perfect. The same morning my parents left was when Talmage's parents arrived. One midwife was so impress that after 27 grandchildren they still make it a point to fly half way across the country and help us. The have been nothing short of amazing taking care of the three older kids, making meals, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. I feel like I have been able to concentrate on recovering and nurturing Baby Dewey because of them. They really have helped this first week of recovery.

And finally, my night in shining armor. I have been so grateful for the help of Talmage. He has been nursing my back to health, bathroom breaks, keeping me fed and hydrated and all. He has been a huge mental support to me, keeping me laughing and happy. I feel like the spirit of the man in this film really portrays the sweetness Talmage has had when caring for me.

Sweet Little One

Thursday morning at 3:13 am Dewey Emerson Hansen was born on the second floor of our little apartment. He weighed 8 lbs 12 oz and was 20" long. It was a home birth, just like Rachel always wanted. Since then I've been using paid time-off at work and have been Rachel's personal (and full-time) caretaker. Today is her fourth day of recovery and she is able to walk around without assistance and is getting better every hour.

As for the little guy, he is doing well too. He latched onto Rachel within 10 minutes of leaving the womb. He takes up all of Rachel's reserves by feeding every chance he gets. We all love him so much and so happy he is part of our family.

Labor

After feeling jipped with Olives birth, I was so excited and ready to labor and work for the coming of my child. And after two false starts, it was so excited to actually be in labor this time.  Few moms could have been as excited as I was to be in labor.

Hours Before Birth

I was so grateful to have my baby here at home. I felt more relaxed and able to cope with the challenge of birth. It was such a blessing to have the strong and loving support of Talmage, my mom and the midwives.

Talmage supporting me through a contraction.

Alex,  one of the two midwives checking babies heart beat

I felt the support of angels and my Savior. I felt the strengthening and enabling power of Christ's atonement especially strong when I was going through transition.

So happy to hold my baby in my arms

The atmosphere was so positive. I could not have asked for a better birthing experience. I can't express how happy I felt.

Welcome Baby Dewey!

Final Days of Pregnacy

Me on My Due-Date, Three Days Before Labor

Challenges

• Dewey flipping back and forth from breech to head down. I was kind of paranoid after having to have a c-section with Olive because she turn breech in the final weeks of pregnancy. I really did not want a c-section.
• Having strong contractions close together often but not going into labor for weeks.

A bit blury, but shows how big I got.

Blessings

• Having my parents here made the final two weeks fly by. It was nice to have the companionship. I felt like I was able gain strength and prepare for labor better because of them. It was nice having my mom here to help keep the house clean especially when my nesting urges kicked in.
• My mom really wanted to be here for Dewey's birth. The sweetest and most loving thing was witnessing my dad fast so I could go into labor just all for my mom. So my mom could be here before they had to return back home. That is selfless love he has for her.

Just Another Day at the Park

Super Capes

Every couple of months the kids remember how cool their capes from Aunt Amanda are. For a couple of days in a row they wear them a lot and talk about how strong they are. The funniest thing is seeing them wear them at the pool with nothing but a bathing suit and a cape. I guess that is kind of like what superman does.