Job's Job Performance Evaluation

I had intended to write this post before #2 was born.  Considering the little booger decided to extend his stay in the womb I really don't have an excuse.  I resolved to still do the post to paint a picture of general mood around the Schafer household leading up to Augustine's arrival.  We kept pretty well to ourselves after September 25th basically to prevent any false sense of excitement when others saw our number show up on the caller I.D.

Overall preparation and readiness (please rate on a scale from 1-5> 1= poor; 5=excellent) 
 Week 39:  5
I was looking for any and all suggestions.  I had consumed copious amounts of pineapple, added extra spice to practically every dish, did research about other popular "home remedies" to get labor started and planned our menu to include popular suggestions like eggplant parmesan, roast beef sandwiches with horseradish (dinner the night my water broke with Luke) and muffaletta the classic sandwich from our trips to New Orleans which we served at a Mardi Gras party the Saturday before Luke was born and that Pete was eating as a packed leftover he had brought to the hospital after Luke's arrival.  

Arrabiatta! Eggplant Parmesan

 I also got my hair chopped, planted the fall crops in the garden, took Luke for walks everyday, chased him around the playground, scrubbed floors and adopted other  "active" exercises both individually and with my workout partner. 

Bags were packed for the hospital, car seat was installed in Domestique, Pete's sub plans were done, and as far as I could tell I was prepared mentally for the baby's arrival.

Attending daily Mass at either Christ the Servant Parish or Walsh University for the two weeks leading up to the due date brought little hints from Ecclesiastes "there's a time to be born and a time to die".  Surely I would go into labor THAT night.  The week of the due date was spent with a series of readings from the book of Job.  Which I vividly remember pronouncing as "job", as in an occupation or workplace, when I was practicing with my dad for a reading I was chosen to do for Mass at Immaculate Conception School in 2nd grade.

Job endured a pretty rough life and boy did we hear about it in the Scriptures.  There I sat 39.5 weeks pregnant and listening to Job's life being brought to shambles.  His land, his goods, his family were all destroyed in a single day and yet he still had faith.  Unfortunately some of the readings throughout the week were ended before the message of hope and faith were conveyed leaving me feeling somewhat lost and forlorn.  I got mixed reactions from my fellow community members encountering comments as I walked through the church doors like "I was hoping we wouldn't see you here today" and "Just think of all the graces the baby is receiving by coming to Mass everyday!"

39 weeks- Are you ready yet? Because I am!

Completes tasks in a timely, efficient manner (please rate on a scale from 1-5> 1= poor; 5=excellent)
Original Deadline: 2
The doctor allowed me to go one week past my due date of September 29th.  I was not particularly keen on being induced.  As long as baby was well, I would have preferred to allow labor to begin naturally.  But alas, at my appointment on Thursday, October 4th the doctor did his usual check and then hooked me up to a monitor for a "non-stress" test.  I got a piece of hard candy out of the deal and the baby made some intense shifts as they secured the straps around my belly and then I guess promptly fell asleep because after about 5 minutes without other movements from the baby Dr. Bazzoli was not satisfied and sent me across the street for a STAT biophysical test.  He said I would be rated on four criteria and if I scored a 2 or a 4 he would send me right up to labor and delivery to be induced.

Essentially, the test was an ultrasound where they looked primarily for at least one pocket measuring 2cm. of amniotic fluid, muscle tone (baby flexing and arm or a leg), significant movements (spin or rotation), and a breathing motion like a hiccup.  The tech told me that the test could take five minutes but they allotted 30 minutes for the baby to complete the necessary tasks.  Number 2 finished the test in 7 minutes.

I was also told that because the test was ordered STAT I was not permitted to look at the screen and they couldn't tell me the results.  This was particularly frustrating...After all, it was me and my baby they were poking and prodding at!!!  I understand she was just doing her job though and I must comment that Angela, the tech, as well as the others I encountered at Mercy Medical Center were pleasant and made me feel relaxed and comfortable. I went back to the lobby and waited for the call from my doctor.

Building upon his previous comment at his office imploring that I be induced Friday morning because if I went into labor in the afternoon he wouldn't be there because he was attending his nephew's wedding in Cleveland- the doctor informed me that I "passed the test" but he still wanted to induce because my fluid was low.  Sounds simple enough but he added in a few degrading comments which had me flustered and no joke- hung up on me mid sentence as I began asking a question about our child's wellbeing.  Luckily, I did have the opportunity to communicate that I would like to talk with my husband before proceeding in any way prior to this rude gesture.

I returned home to Luke and Grandma Schafer with puffy eyes and aggravation.  After a brief update Grandma Schafer quickly got back on the phone and corrected her earlier news to family that the baby didn't have a heartbeat and to pray pray pray.  This update had made it all they way out to the professional pray-ers of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Tonopah, Arizona.  Apparently, some of my news when I called Grandma as I was heading over to the hospital for the biophysical was lost in translation.  Although, I was put on edge for having alarmed others and struck them with unnecessary worry I was overwhelmingly grateful that the baby DID have a heartbeat and found a moment to pray for all the mothers that may have been or ever will be given that news.

September 29th (due date) Family outing to Arrowhead Orchard- Lots of walking, bumpy hayride, challenging corn maze and scrumptious apples and cider.

After interrupting Pete's school day to discuss our options we decided to go ahead and schedule the induction for the next day.  When I called the doctor back to set things up he continued to cause my blood to boil by calling me "Elsie" which I despise (EXCUSE ME!! but haven't I seen you every week for the last 7 weeks and you have my papers right in front of you and you can't even say my name right!!!!!) he added other scathing remarks like, "So, your husband talked some sense into you, huh?" before the conversation was over but the deed was done and baby Schafer #2 was to be urged out with some chemical persuasion early the next morning, Friday, October 5th. According to one of Pete's students this is the day the most babies are born statistically. I was not so secretly hoping that #2 would decide to grace us with his presence that evening which would have been appropriate as the feast of St. Francis and the anniversary of when Pete and I started dating not all that many years ago.  Hey...a girl can hope right?

Needless to say, should the good Lord bless us with more children I will be looking for yet another doctor.  Does anybody have any recommendations in the Canton area?  Any insights into possible midwives?

Labor and Delivery:4

It's a plain fact that childbirth hurts. It would be a lie to say I didn't experience some doubts and discomfort throughout the process but overall Augustine's birth was far less laborious.  They started the pitocin at 8am.  The doctor had "guaranteed" that we would have a baby by 2pm.  My sentiments toward the doctor continued to wane as he responded to my desire to do things "as natural as possible" with "Well, we could go outside and lay you down in the grass if you want natural" with a sarcastic laugh.   Okay, I'm done dwelling on the poor experience with the doctor.

To keep my mind occupied while strapped to various medical apparatus I helped Pete grade tests for his sacraments classes.  We seriously discussed transubstantiation and chuckled at some of the responses of his students knowing full well that it's not the easiest concept to grasp.  

Around 11am the contractions were pretty close and I forced myself to complete grading the last few tests.  I also discussed some options for pain management with the nurse.  She administered some Nubain through the IV which helped "take the edge off" and definitely helped me to be less tense.  Soon thereafter, the room was flooded with doctor and nurses and it was time to push.  At 1:02 pm they announced the arrival of a baby boy.  Augustine John Schafer (a.k.a. Auggie or A.J.) .  8lbs. 6 oz. 20 inches long.

Even though Pete declined the option to cut the chord in effort to "keep things even" (he didn't cut the chord for Luke)...the doctor placed the scissors in his hands and told him to cut.

Welcome to the World Augustine!

They gave us what they call "The Golden Hour" in which I held Augustine and gave him the opportunity to latch on for the first time.  It was glorious and wonderful but a little awkward as we had to wait for them to take the vital measurements.  By 3pm we were all moved and situated in our overnight suite.

The Golden Hour

This is how it is Dad

Comparatively, I felt marvelous.  It's a no brainer really considering labor for Luke was 25 hours vs. the 5 for Augustine so I wasn't nearly as exhausted. I also had an epidural with Luke not knowing there were other reasonable options.  The personnel at Mercy were fabulous and friendly and they were very supportive of us checking out "early" as soon as all the "tests" and checks were complete.  We were back at Spangler introducing Augustine to his new home by 5pm on Saturday, October 6th. 

Alleluia!

Nice ride to the pad

Works collaboratively with others (please rate on a scale from 1-5> 1= poor; 5=excellent)
4.75
Groupwork is not really my strongpoint but I must say that I get along rather well with my teammates these days.  We are quite the crew and I don't mind all that much that I'm the only lady.  Luke came to meet his brother Augustine on Friday evening at the hospital with Aunt Tess and Uncle Adam.  He was more excited about the shiny helium balloon and candy Grandma Schafer bought and the buttons on the hospital bed at first but he eventually realized there was another new presence.  Thank you to all those that helped with Luke while we were minding Augustine in the first 48 hours.  It was nice to have a little time to get the new Schafer boy situated but we also missed the antics of Luke in his absence.  We had plenty of visitors in the first week and are very grateful to be living back close to most all of our family.

Blessed Family

Schafer boys

 Pete ended up taking three days off of work having prepared some substantial sub plans and he made me fall in love with him all over again.  He spent plenty of time in the kitchen and took-on his fair share of dirty diapers.  Below is a photo of one of the "humble" dinners he prepared.  He's becoming quite the culinary artist.  Man of God. Loving husband and father. And handy helper around the house.  What more could a woman ask for?

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa, Rice, and Squash Casserole

Open to innovation and creativity 

Praise be to God Creator of Heaven and Earth!
How blessed are we to share in the wonders of your creation?
We are your humble servants and strive to do your will.
May our faith stay strong and spread to the little lives you have entrusted us with.
Protect our family and keep us mindful of your binding love that heals all pain and brings us to salvation.
Grant that we become one with Christ's sacrifice placing the needs of others before our own and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us in our actions and words as parents and guardians to these precious children.

Amen.  Alleluia!