Bowman West

LIVE FROM THE WEST TOWER OF UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER...IT'S THE CHARLIE BOWMAN SHOW!!!

That's right folks. I couldn't wait to blog so thank goodness we've got a strong wireless connection in our hospital room! Ok, for those who haven't heard, Charlie arrived at 3:39 pm yesterday (that's Mon. Jan. 30). He's of course the most precious thing in the world! He's very snuggly and when he tries to feed he squeals and snorts like a little piglet and I can't help but laugh. He looks like Andy and he has reddish blonde hair that will probably darken.
Anyway, here it goes:
5:00 am Monday: Ugh...I hate getting up to go to the bathroom all the time! When will this end? Two seconds later, gush...ugh...I think my water broke. Well, Andy's up at the hospital at work anyway, maybe I'll just get cleaned up and then call him. Shower, shave, pack, eat a little something, call Andy, "Uh, hi. It's me." Andy, "You're not usually up at 5:30." Amy, "I know. I think my water just broke." Andy, "Ok, I'm headed home to get you."
5:30: Andy gets home, "Let's go." Amy, "Wait, I want to dry my hair. It's cold outside." Andy, "Ugh, just so you know, pediatricians don't like to wait very long to get the baby out after the water breaks." Amy, "Oh, ok. I guess we can go."
6:15: Arrive at labor & delivery. "My water broke." "Ok. Rooms 4&5 are the big ones. Pick which one you want." Sweet.

This is when I quickly lose track of time.
"You're 2cm, 70%, and oh, your OB's out of town. Let's start pitocin." OK.
"Ok, let's go ahead and put in the epidural." Great! "Ugh...that first one wasn't in right. Ugh...that second one went in a vein." Picture Andy about to freak out on the resident anesthesiologist. "Ah...this one's in." Excellent!
God, thank you for creating epidurals.
Sometime later...you're right there...let's prep the room. In swarm the l&d prep nurses like ninjas. Oh my goodness! We're really doing this!
Ok, you're ready to push..."good Amy, that's perfect" (Obviously! Like I would underachieve!)
Sometime 2 HOURS LATER!..."We need to get him out. Let's use the vacuum." Fine with me. Just get him out for goodness sakes!! Blah, blah, blah...he's here!!! Oh my gosh! We have a Charlie!!
The ninjas descend again and everything gets cleaned up. Time to get in the wheelchair and go upstairs to our corner suite with hardwoods and cherry furniture. Sit in the chair. OH MY GOSH!! The epidural has worn off! What is that insane pain?! Oh no! World War III just happened down south and there's nothing left but total devistation!

So that's the skeleton account. What an insane and cool experience. For those of you ladies who go all-natural, there must be a special place in heaven that will give you free painkillers for eternity!

Ok, I don't have my camera cord here so I can't post my pictures yet, but you can see a few on my sister's blog at melodyannforest@blogspot.com.
Don't freak out. Charlie really is super cute. You know how the newborn pictures go sometimes though!

Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers! God answered them with a healthy, precious baby boy: Charles Andrew Bowman, Born Jan. 30, 2006, 6 lbs. 12 oz., 20 in.