Welcome Baby Ryder

Baby Ryder is here!! 

RYDER ALAN BELLOWS arrived Tuesday July 12th, 2011 at 12:36 pm.

He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20 inches long.

We were all surprised at all his dark hair!  He seems to have a sweet, calm and content disposition already. 

 Me right before the Doc broke my water to induce me on Tuesday.  I was so nervous and excited!

We decided to have the Doctor induce me on Tuesday.  He wasn't going to be on call that weekend and when he checked me a few days earlier I was already dilated to a 4 and about 90% effaced.  So we made the decision for me to be induced on Tuesday to ensure he was the one to deliver the baby.  Being induced is a safe option for us because my labors are so fast I always worry if I go naturally into labor I will be having it at home with Ryan to deliver!  So we had Ryan's Mom and my sister all set-up with the kids at home and we headed to the hospital Tuesday morning.
We checked into the hospital and the doctor broke my water around 9 am.  I didn't have any contractions until around 11am.  Even then the contractions were sporadic and not too painful.  I was able to breathe through them pretty easily.  When the doctor came back a little before noon to check me we thought we might have to start the pitocin to speed things up.  To our surprise he checked me and informed me that I was a 8!!  We couldn't believe it. My doctor and nurse were in total shock.  Then the contractions got more intense.  A few more contractions I was a 9 then a few more and I was ready to push.  I pushed about 4 times and baby Ryder was born at 12:36pm.  I held him on my chest and was filled with so much joy and contentment. 
It was one of my best labors for sure.  Afterwards the nurse told us she wished she could have taped my labor and delivery to show people you can give birth with no epidural or pain medication.  She was so proud of me. It was pretty funny because this was my 4th natural delivery. We were very grateful everything went so well.

Ryder just after birth.  He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 20 inches long, my longest and heaviest baby.

Ryder and Mommy right after delivery.  What a blessing from above!

I love those moments after birth of complete awe and amazement at what you have created.  Ryder was so calm and alert.  What a little miracle.

Ryan and my Mom were both a great support and comfort to me during the whole process. 

Our first visitors at the hospital later that day were Grandma Bellows with Ashby and Dalton.  The kids were so excited to meet their new brother.  Look at those faces!  They both held Ryder for a bit and enjoyed seeing Mommy and Daddy.  Ashby went to the gift store and bought me some presents with her own money.  It was really cute.  Dalton kept saying, "One more hold then I'm done" or "this is the last hold".  They had such love already for this little guy.  It was fun to see.

Dalton checking out brother for the first time.

Sweet kisses for brother.

Pure joy and happiness from big sister Ashby.

Grandma Bellows

Papa Alan and Grandma Becky with baby Ryder.

We waited for Brooks and Ryder to meet until we came home the next day.  It has been an adjustment for Brooks. He is getting better and more used to the new routine at home each day.  I have been so grateful to have Ryan home to help while I recover.  I could not do it without him.

I love all the peace and happiness a new baby brings to our family.  Even though it is challenging there is no greater blessing.  We are so glad he is here.