Our Birth Story

Friday, February the 3rd was a VERY busy day for Kelley (especially since the 3rd-the 5th all feel like one day to her). She had breakfast with Jon before he left for work, she took the dog for a mile long walk, then came home to do yardwork. She raked leaves, pulled weeds, mowed the front yard, bathed the dog, cleaned the house, and went into labor at 5pm. We weren't sure it was the "real thing" until 7pm, when the water broke. We labored at home until 5am when the contractions were close together and intense, and then Grandma Schmidt drove us to the Birth Center of Gainesville. Grandma and Grandpa Shute followed close behind. Upon arrival at the Birth Center at 6:30 am, we found out that we were 5 cm dilated. We spent a few hours laboring in the tub, and had the freedom to eat, drink and move around as we pleased in a quiet peaceful environment. By 10 am we were ready to push! We thought that Eric would be in our arms in a matter of minutes, but he had other plans. After an hour and a half of pushing, we realized that he wasn't coming without help, so were were taken to Shands Hospital by ambulance. Eric was born at 12:19 with a little help, and only local anesthesia. While we were hoping for a peaceful waterbirth, we had the peaceful, unmedicated labor that we wanted, and Eric came to us safely in his own way. We could not be more in love with Eric Raymond Shute!