We had quite the surprise late, very late Saturday night. Kathi unexpectedly started labor just before midnight, and just a few minutes later we were enroute to Prince William Hospital in nearby Manassas. The official time of birth for Numero Cinco was Sunday at 6:30 AM, May 18, 2008. Yesterday Kathi turned in the Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Number Card), meaning Numero Cinco actually has a name: Jeffrey David Hansen.
[click for all of the baby pics]
The original plan was for Kathi to report to the hospital Thursday, May 29. She had an appointment for an induced labor. This was two days before her due date, and fit her previous pregnancy experiences. She had never been early before. Kayleigh and Thomas both arrived overdue. Evelyn and Melanie also waited, and were induced.
Jeffrey had his own schedule. Kathi's water broke late Saturday evening. A very nice and helpful neighbor was summoned and stayed with our kids (all were sleeping). She was soon spelled by my cousin Kristin, who came out from Arlington. Our drive to the hospital should have been quick, but was held up by one very long train. No worries, however, as early Sunday morning is quiet in the labor and delivery ward. The anesthesiologist in short order got Kathi hooked up to an epidural. Things quickly calmed down, and I dozed off in a chair. I was awakened around 4am by labor pains. By 6am the progress was still slow, and the doctor was becoming concerned for the baby's wellbeing.
We headed to the nearby operating room for an unscheduled cesarean section. In a matter of minutes we had a crying baby boy. There were no serious complications, but Kathi would now be facing a lengthy recovery.
By Sunday afternoon Kathi had been moved to the maternity ward, and was comfortable enough to get some sleep. Now I switched to Mister Mom mode. First stop was home, to check on the kids. Lynne brought us some lunch. Then Kayleigh, Thomas and I were off to their piano recital. This even went ahead as scheduled, even without the recently hospitalized instructor. Afterward we all met up at the hospital to visit the newcomer.
Monday through Thursday I hustled the older kids off to school, and trekked the little ones around to their various appointments. In the evenings we visited the hospital.
By Thursday Kathi was ready to come home, and I was ready to return to my day job.
Actually, Thomas was a couple of days early. But only a couple.