Clayton Joseph and Chloe Grace are here!

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After what seemed like forever Clayton Joseph and Chloe Grace Carlos are here! They arrived on May 5th. Clayton was born at 7:38am, weighed 6.2 pounds, and was 17.5 inches long. Chloe was born at 7:39am, weighed 5 pounds,and was 17.5 inches. Both babies are perfect! Chloe did have to spend 2 days in the NICU for observation because she was grunting, but she needed no assistance and was able to join us on Friday.

Here's the story...

For the last week I had been doing all sorts of silly things to induce labor like walking the massive hill by our house. I spent so long trying to keep the babies inside of me and now I was trying to hurry them into the world!

I had an OB appointment on Tuesday, May 4th. It was the first appointment that Ryan had to work, so my mom came with me. I was determined to not come home, so I got everything ready. I dropped Roxi off at Ryan's parents' house, got my hair done, and ate a good lunch. I was 37 weeks and 1 day, which is full term. I would be induced in 5 more days at 38 weeks. I was so ready! Unfortunately my OB, Dr. Clayton was not really feeling my pain; however he kept asking me about my contractions. I had been having very painful contractions and back labor for the past 10 days, but it was never consistent enough to go in to the hospital. While at the appointment, though, I had several contractions that were 5 minutes a part. During the internal examination, Dr. Clayton stripped my membranes, which was extremely painful. Once he did that and heard about my contractions he decided to send me over to labor and delivery "just to see how things were going." By the time I got there I was 4 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced. Contractions weren't quite as regular, though. He called the nurse after about 30 minutes of me being monitored and based on what she said decided to admit me! I was so excited...I just knew I wasn't coming home again without my little peanuts!

Poor Ryan had to race to the hospital from work during rush hour traffic. I decided to hold off on getting the pitocin, epidural, and water breaking until Ryan got there. While we waited my contractions picked up and were coming every 2 minutes. He finally got there after about an hour and a half. The pitocin was started first, then the water breaking, and then finally the epidural! Oh my goodness that is a wonderful drug! My weeks of back labor disappeared and I was a happy girl! Right about that time the whole family arrived, both sets of grandparents and siblings. Since it was going to be a long night we decided to announce the babies' names. Everyone was so surprised. We attempted to get some sleep, but I was way too nervous and excited to sleep! Unfortunately, my labor stalled at 8 centimeters, so Dr. Clayton decided to do a c-section.

Once that was decided, everything happened so fast. I was brought into the OR to be prepped while Ryan waited for me. It must have felt like an eternity for him. There seemed to be a million doctors and nurses in the room getting everything ready. Once things were set, Ryan came in and the procedure started. Ryan got to watch the entire surgery. He says it was the coolest thing he has ever seen (you will have to ask him for details). The anesthesiologist held a mirror so I could see both babies be born...it was so incredible! Once Clayton and Chloe were born and I was sewn back up we went to a recovery room. I was extremely nauseous, which really stunk because it was hard to enjoy the whole experience. Chloe was then taken to the nursery for observation and then to the NICU to be more closely monitored. Poor Ryan was a mess as he ran from her side to mine to make sure we were both okay. She did great, though, and joined us 2 days later. Clayton was able to be in the room with us the whole time. I never imagined that I would be able to have my babies in the room with me...God is so great!

I started moving well right away, but was extremely anemic. Dr. Clayton thought my body would recover, but it didn't, so I had to have a blood transfusion on Saturday. Once I had the transfusion, I started to feel like myself again!

We came home on Sunday, May 9th...Mother's Day! I couldn't have dreamt of a better gift!

Ryan and I are so in love with Clayton and Chloe. They truly are a gift from God that we waited for for so long. We sometimes just stare at them in total awe of the lives we created. Thank you everyone for your support, love, and prayers!