Nicollini's Memoirs: Jakobe is here! :)

Well, it's taken me a little bit of time to have to the energy to write this blog, but here I am.
After being in labor for 36 hours, Jakobe Daniel was born on July 10th at 2:40pm. He was 8lbs 6oz, 20.5in long and is just the most precious thing to Shad and I. (I can hardly believe that he is already 2 weeks old today!)
Since Kobe was just too comfortable in the womb, I had to be induced. I was only 1cm dilated and 50% effaced at the time, and he was pushing the 42 week mark, so they were concerned that his health could weaken if he stayed in any longer. I wasn't happy about this because I wanted everything to happen on its own, but I was trusting that God was still in control and would take care of everything...So I went in Thursday night at 11:45pm and they started me on pitocin at 2:30am Friday morning.
I was on the pitocin drip for about 15 hours, and the contractions were coming on harder and stronger, but I wasn't progressing and at this time I was so weak and tired from lack of food and sleep that they took me off the pitocin so that I could get some rest and eat something. They said that if my body didn't take over, they would start me on the pitocin again in the morning (Saturday). Well, over night my body did take over. I got some rest, ate some food and in the morning I was dilated to 4cm, 90% effaced and he was at station 0. It was great news!! I DID NOT want to go back on the pitocin, and this meant I didn't have to. :)
The contractions got worse and worse and at 11:45am they broke my water to get things jump started even more. After this I was in the worst pain of my life!! I was seriously miserable! But thanks to a wonderful support group (Shad, one of my best friends Sarah who acted as my doula, and my mom), I got through it. And at 2:40pm he was born!!! :) And I conquered my goal of having a drug-free birth! yay! :) It was definitely the worst pain I've felt in my life, but one of the greatest experiences I've ever had because everyone involved was so awesome to me, and I believed that God was in control :)
After spending two more nights in the hospital after he was born, we got to come home, and it has been an adjustment ever since. We are so blessed to have our little guy in our lives, and we are learning A LOT. Breast-feeding has been my biggest struggle, but I'm working with the lactation specialists to get it down properly. And lack of sleep is the second biggest struggle, but it is getting better too.
Well, I guess I will post some pictures now, and then get back to spending time with my new family. Thank you everyone for your prayers and encouraging words during the whole labor and delivery process. I love you all!

Shad and I on our way to the hospital