Love And Baked Spaghetti: Wallace Metz Massengill

We are overjoyed by the arrival of our 2nd son, Wallace Metz Massengill. He was born on Monday, November 17, 2014, at 10:32 am. He weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and is 20 3/4 inches long. He is absolute perfection, and we praise God for his health!

His birth story is quite exciting. We were scheduled for a repeat c-section on November 21, but Wallace didn't want to wait until then. I love that he came on his own and that God chose his birthday.

Before we went to bed Sunday night, I told Caleb that if I was going to go into labor on my own, I would prefer it happen at 6 am so I could at least sleep the night before. And then I woke up at 6 am with my first sign of labor. This is gross, but I noticed a teeny bit of bloody show and my mucus plug. I know that both of these things can mean absolutely nothing, especially since my water had not broken, and my contractions weren't any more painful than what I had been feeling for a few weeks (because of the excess fluid - polyhydramnios).

I decided I would just go into work a little bit early so I would have time to go ahead and have my usual appointment before getting started seeing patients of my own. The first nurse I saw when I arrived said "Are you in labor?" I said no, just having a few contractions. I had stopped to get a biscuit from Hardees's on the way to work to eat after my appointment. Needless to say, I never got to eat that biscuit.

They put me on the monitor while we waited for Dr. Fowler to get there, and I was having contractions every 2-3 minutes. Dr. Fowler checked me and told me that I was 4 cm dilated and needed to go straight to the hospital.

During all of these events, Caleb was at home getting dressed for work. He had a meeting in Greenville. Also, he was packing Wilson's lunch and getting him ready for school. I left him saying that "I really don't think it's labor. If anything changes, I'll let you know."

So I called Caleb as soon as I was checked and told him what was going on. He was walking out the door as I called. He rushed Wilson to school running about 10 red lights on the way. He tried to tell Wilson that his baby brother was about to be born, but we don't think he understood. I'm glad I kissed Wilson goodbye before leaving that morning because I didn't see him again until later Monday afternoon.

Mel, from work, drove me to the hospital. I was completely checked in and getting my IV by the time Caleb arrived. My contractions were getting pretty painful. Within an hour of Caleb's arrival, we were having a baby!

I was very anxious about having a spinal, and I considered trying for a VBAC. Dr. Giep and Caleb convinced me to stick with our original plan, and I'm glad we did, especially since Wallace was a pound bigger than Wilson. The c-section went off without a hitch, and we are thankful for all the prayers for a safe delivery. Wallace, you cried so loudly as soon as your head was delivered. The NICU team is always present for c-sections, and they were out the door within 2-3 minutes of your arrival. You are pink, screaming, and perfect! My heart was so happy, and I cried happy tears when I heard you cry. Caleb was able to hold Wallace for the majority of my surgery while they did the closing up. I loved having Caleb and Wallace right there with me throughout that whole part. The only time I had any pain was chest pain towards the end because of the anesthesia. It was very mild, and I was just so happy the whole time! I do not take it for granted that both Wallace and I are perfectly healthy. All of my doctors and nurses were amazing!

This picture is far from flattering, but it's the last one I have of us while I'm pregnant with Wallace.

Thanks for driving me to the hospital, Mel! She did almost all of my ultrasounds while pregnant so I'm glad she was able to be a part of the delivery day!

My Boss, Dr. Giep, was there with us for the entire delivery, and he was pretty awesome. I felt like I received VIP service from the time of arrival, and he did an excellent job of watching out for me (and Wallace).

Caleb took a selfie while I was in the OR getting my spinal. Which was amazing by the way.

Caleb was snap happy again during this c-section, and I'm kinda glad he was. I love having all the photos.

Dr. Giep showed Wallace to me as soon as he was out.

I was so happy to know he was out and OK!

The CRNA I had was great! She is actually pregnant with a baby boy, too!

So in love with this sweet boy!

My post op nurse was a friend who actually used to work in our office, Jennifer. She was great! And she too, is pregnant with a baby boy!

First family photo with Wallace

Big hugs for my big boy!

We are so incredibly blessed.

And again, Dr. Giep came by to check on us. He made sure we were well taken care of.

Every baby gets to have the song played for them!

He had his first bath once we got to my postpartum room.

Side note and TMI, but my dad was already prepped and scheduled for a colonoscopy on Monday. So when I called my mom on the way to the hospital, it was kinda crazy. She, my dad, and Jordan were at the hospital in no time. They waited in the waiting room until time for dad's procedure. Then they made it back as we were moved to our postpartum room.