I was blessed with a relatively straight forward pregnancy. Other than a banana that sent me to labor and delivery at 35 weeks (false alarm) and some last minute baby acrobatics (that resulted in a breech baby who flipped back at 39 weeks) things went smoothly. This was such a blessing as we had so much change in the months leading up to Conrad’s arrival.
We moved to Philadelphia from London when I was about 7 months along meaning new doctors, a new hospital, and an entirely new health system to adjust to (we’d been in the UK and under the NHS for almost six years). And John started a new job that requires some regular travel. On the plus side, we are closer to family and our US-based friends. And we get to explore a new city and enjoy a new travel base. I think the word of 2017 is “change”!
April progressed and we felt more and more settled in Philadelphia. And ready for baby to come.
About 38 weeks here. And ready for baby to come!
Easter came and went. No baby.
Easter Sunrise Service in Rittenhouse Square. 39 weeks pregnant.
Conrad’s due date (and my Daddy’s birthday), April 24 came and went. Still no baby!
Baking in more ways than one! 😉
April 27 rolled around, the 10-year anniversary of John’s engagement proposal. No baby. We celebrated with some orange juice in our classy Vegas champagne flutes. Then, John headed off to a work dinner and I parked my rather large self on our new couch!
10-years since John popped the question!
At about 8pm, I felt something wet on my leg and I leapt off of our new sofa (it was the fastest I’d moved in a while). Could this be it? I called John at the restaurant–they had just finished appetizers. I told him to stay put while I called the doctor. I’d been having contractions for a few days, but nothing regular or so intense that I had to cease all activity.
I explained my symptoms to the doctor over the phone. He told me he thought my water had broken! However, as my contractions were irregular and not very strong, I didn’t need to rush. I could come to the hospital in the next few hours. I called John excitedly and told him the news. They were just bringing the steaks to the table, so I told him to stay and finish the dinner. Honestly, I wanted to shower and pack a few last minute items anyway. Plus, he could bring me some food since I wouldn’t be allowed to eat anything once I checked into the hospital.
John followed my advice and stayed through dinner (and dessert/coffee–haha) much to the humor of his colleagues. They still won’t let him live it down–especially since he got “the call” at dinner.
After eating (and texting me every 10 minutes for an hour) John brought me some food, packed up, and we headed to Hahnemann University Hospital. Since we only live a few blocks away, we walked. I wanted my own Rocky moment! 😉 Plus, it was NFL Draft weekend in Philly–we had to get into the spirit!
In labor and walking to the hospital. Excited to meet our baby boy!
We checked into the hospital around just before midnight on 27 April 2017. I won’t go into great medical detail here (if you’d like to know the story, I am more than happy to tell you in person), but after some drugs to speed things up, an epidural, and a quick 15-minute push, Conrad was born! I was in labor for a total of about 30 hours–he was born on 29 April 2017 just after 2am.
Conrad Ernest Candeto. Born at 2:04am on 29 April 2017. 20.5 inches long, weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces.
Our sweet baby boy!
My parents had flown in upon hearing I had gone into labor. They arrived late Friday night, just before Conrad’s early Saturday morning arrival.
Proud Dad and grandparents!
It felt so good to have a shower and get settled into a recovery room. Now, we could focus on our adorable little bundle!
Conrad.
We loved all of the baby snuggles we got those first few days!
Birth: Nailed It!
And my first meal request: sushi! John had it delivered and it was absolutely scrumptious!
So much deliciousness.
After a couple of nights in the hospital, we were released. Only being a few blocks from our apartment we walked home, baby and grandparents in tow!
Leaving the Hospital. They let me walk out 🙂
Walking through City Hall on our way home.
We were blessed with a very positive birth experience I cannot say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, midwives, staff, etc. at Hahnemann University Hospital. John and I often compare our “customer service experience” there with the likes of American Express or Disney. I felt empowered, informed, and well taken care of. I am very grateful for that. I always say that I wouldn’t give birth for fun, but they made the daunting experience very pleasant for this first time Momma. And to top it off, we have now have our sweet baby boy!
Our biggest…and most excellent adventure yet!
Thanks for reading and sharing in our joy! We can’t wait to show the world to this little guy–and take him along on our Most Excellent Adventure!
John and CB's Most Excellent Adventure 