Ryker Joseph Gilbert

Ryker Joseph Gilbert

October 30, 2012

1:52pm

8lbs 2oz

21.25 inches

We are so excited to announce the birth of our newest baby boy, Ryker Joseph. He is sweet as they come and fitting perfectly into our family. Ryker is adored by his siblings and already loved beyond measure by his parents. Here is the story of his birth:

With my anticipated due date of October 28 having come and gone, I was getting very anxious to meet our baby boy, and to no longer be pregnant! I had been having intermittent contractions for a few weeks, and in the past week and a half had woken up with intense contractions a few times, making me question if labor was starting. The same thing started to happen late in the evening of October 30, but this time I knew it was different. I told Gilby I thought labor was starting and we called my parents to come over to stay with the kids. We headed to the hospital around 12:30AM. 

On our way to the hospital.

I knew things were early on, but I was Group B Strep positive, and wanted time to get the recommended two doses of penicillin. With my history of fast labors, I had already discussed with my midwife coming in earlier than later. By the time we got to the hospital and settled in, my contractions had subsided and I was so disappointed that I might have jumped the gun too quickly. I was 4 cm dilated and 70% effaced when we arrived, which is less progressed than I was with the other two when going to the hospital. We walked the halls for an hour, during which time my contractions would come and go, but it did help progress me to 5 cm. We decided to stay the remainder of the night, try to get some rest, and revisit things in the morning. Both Gilby and I actually did get rest, but when I woke up I felt too comfortable to be in labor. We decided I would eat some breakfast, walk around for awhile and see where I was. At about 11AM, after walking the same loop in the labor and delivery unit for about 2 hours, I described myself as "crampy" with intermittent contractions, but was still doubting I had made any sort of real progress. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was 7 cm dilated and 100% effaced. I needed to decide at this point if I wanted an epidural or not, which is something I had been thinking about this entire pregnancy. My deliveries with Myles and Sydney were both unmedicated, but for many reasons, I decided I wanted a different experience this time. I did ultimately decide to get an epidural, which was such a good decision for me. After the epidural was in place, I was 9.5 cm dilated and my midwife broke my water. We gave my body some time to get fully ready and I started pushing about a half hour later. Twenty minutes after that, sweet Ryker was placed on my chest with no complications. It was a really peaceful experience.  

Later that evening, my parents brought Sydney and Myles to meet their little brother. They were excited, confused, and overwhelmed all at the same time. Both kids wanted to hold him immediately and were upset when it was someone else's turn. They have thankfully adjusted more since that first visit and both adore him.

We had a restful night at the hospital and decided to go home the next day to be with our other kiddos for Halloween. Myles and Sydney were again so excited to see and hold Ryker when we got home, and almost immediately started fighting over him, yippee.

 Watching Sportscenter with Daddy

Proud parents leaving the hospital

About his name: We considered many, many names this time around and only found Ryker a couple weeks ago. It means strength and is a form of Richard, which we consider a tribute to both Gilby's late Grandpa Gilbert and my dad. We had considered Joseph for a middle name awhile back and decided on it because of the family connection on both sides being that it is Gilby's brother's name, my late Grandpa Schaefer's name, and my dad and brother's middle names. It fits him perfectly.

Ryker has already woven himself into our family, and I can no longer imagine us four without him as our fifth. Amazing how quickly that happens. I know there is a lot of adjusting that still needs to be done, and often feel overwhelmed with the reality of having three young kids, but I am also excited for our future with our newest addition. We love you Baby Ryker.