I’m late, I’m late!

I figured I would take Sam’s cue, and it would be ok for his birth story to be a little late. His due date (10-11-13) came and went with no more than a few random contractions that had been happening for the last month. Kate and Preston were both born one day before their due dates, and I had (unwisely) assumed he would do the same. My mom and sister had fall break the second week of October and Luke’s mom came on the 12th. We all figured he would have made his appearance by then, and I was excited to have two weeks of help lined up. Ha! At my 40 week check up, I scheduled my induction for 41 weeks knowing I would go into labor before then. Ha! Every morning that week, I woke up in disbelief that I hadnt gone into labor during the night. Preston turned 3 on October 12, and we had my parents and Luke’s parents over for a chili dinner to celebrate. Blake even came in town (thinking we would have a baby!)  I wasnt miserable, but I had cleaned and cooked in preparation for my mother in law being in town thinking we would want to spend that whole week oohing and ahhing over a new baby. I might have been a little over prepared because we had nothing left to do that week! I enjoyed a manicure and pedicure, the kids went to school, and we waited! By that Friday, I was so excited to know that he would have to be here by then (October 18!). Luke and i got to the hospital at 5 and got ready for my induction. About 6:30 my nurse started pitocin and penicillin (I was GBS pos), and 2-3 cm. About 9:30, my doctor came by and broke my water. My contractions were steadily 2-3 minutes apart, but I wasnt in a lot of pain. They were uncomfortable, but nothing like Preston’s. About 12, I asked for my epidural. My dr came around and asked if I was in a lot of pain. I told her not yet, but I knew it was almost lunch and I knew what was coming. I got it about 12:45, and at that point I was 5cm! About 1:50, I was trying to rearrange myself in the bed. I had been sitting on a towel, and it was bunched up under my right leg. This made my right leg really tingly, so I was trying to straighten it out so it was more comfortable. As I was rolling to my side, my nurse came in saying he was having some variables. I laid back on my back and immediately looked at her and told her it was time to push. She checked me and sure enough, it was! Dr Dulaney came in at 2 and got the bed all situated and we started pushing. As soon as I started, she looked up and said, “He has more hair than Daddy!” I couldn't quit smiling and she said I have never had a patient smiling and laughing while they were pushing. I was just so excited and so thankful the day had gone so smoothly. I couldnt wait to get my hands on our boy. At 2:15 pm,  Samuel Thorn Cantrell came into this world at a perfect 7 lbs 9 oz and 20 inches long. At 41 weeks, he was my lightest and shortest. Little Man just wasnt ready!

I had these ready a week early and started getting worried they were going to get stale! We had not told anyone his name, and we were so excited to share it. Samuel is a family name from my mom’s mom’s side of the family. Thorn is Luke’s dad’s mom’s maiden name. We love it and were so sure that was "the name" when Luke said it out loud for the first time! Last night as the only Lil Bro!
The night before the big day!
5 am at the hospital. We kept laughing because the doors kept opening while we were trying to get my pic. So different getting signed in with no painful contractions! Finally 10 cm! First look at my precious boy. Treats for the greeting committee. Preston ran in the room saying, “Hey baby! Hey!!” Then, he found the cookie bars. The kids came in first, and then they let the rest of the family in. Kate couldnt wait to tell everyone his name…literally. He had on a nametag that said, "Hello, my name is Sam!" Little mama so excited! We are a family of five! Jake was the first family member to hold him. :) He has grown so much from when Kate was born! Proud grandmothers-KK and Grammy Grammy The Peanut Gallery excited about their cigars Me and my babies Papa Q and Ninabelle came in town that night too! The next morning…proud Daddy
Preston, Easton Samuel, and Sam talking about life Me and Alysa PawPaw loves his boys

Ellis and Sam chillin Aunt Tracey came by for some baby snuggles
I didnt get any pics of my fabulous nurse friends, but I was so so glad to see all of them too! I was the best taken care of patient on the floor, and I missed my job, for a second :) I had these matching pjs when Preston was born. Sam and I didnt get a pic before he peed and pooped on the dr and his gown! Sweet boy
 
We were so excited to get home and start life as a family!
Funny hubby thought he was on The Lion King.
The kids spent another night at my parents, so we had a nice, quiet night at home. They got home, and the normal chaos resumed! Preston calls him Baby, and he loves to hold him and make sure he isnt cryaing. Daddy Doc and Granny T brought Bandit home and some dinner! Luke was able to take off Monday and Tuesday of the first week home, and I was so thankful for his help and company! I think Sam looks just like Luke…especially his eyes and nose. Nana came and hung out with the kids one day! Enjoying our first day with just the four of us!
His second week of life, we had more loving arms wanting to hold him!

So far, he has fit in perfectly to our family. He is super laid back, super cute, and super hungry. He is still eating about every 2-4 hours around the clock. At his two week check up, he had gained up to 8 lbs 4 oz. I will have lots more pictures soon!

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27