Look who's nine!

Nine years ago today Jordan was born. It is hard to believe it has been that long since he came into the world. As you've probably figured out, I love birth stories. Jordan's will be my last to share. If you missed the twin's or Megan's and really care ;), check them out.

My pregnancy with Jordan was fairly uneventful. He is our first so obviously there was a lot of excitement as well as nervousness involved. As soon as I found out I was pregnant we were sure it was a boy. He was always Jordan to us. When I had my ultrasound it was confirmed that we were in fact having a boy! We were thrilled and excited to welcome our first child into our home.

At a regular prenatal checkup towards the end of my pregnancy my doctor picked up on an irregular heart rhythm that concerned him. We were sent to Primary Children's Medical Center (PCMC) to have an ultrasound by one of their pediatric cardiologists. She was not terribly concerned with what she saw, but did want us to bring Jordan in after he was born to be certain that he was okay. We were relieved that everything appeared to be okay.

The last few weeks of my pregnancy were extremely hot and I was terrible miserable. My feet were so swollen and I felt that I could burst at any given moment. I went into labor in the middle of the night about 10 days prior to my due date and arrived at the hospital in time to receive an epidural and all was going well. I was very anxious not knowing what to expect. They decided to break my water and at that point something was wrong. Jordan's heart rate immediately dropped and the nurses started to get very worried. A short time later I was being prepped for an emergency c-section. I remember very clearly one nurse in particular as she was getting me ready saying not to worry that it would be a 'bikini cut' and the scar would be hardly noticeable. I remember thinking, "get real lady, that is the last thing on my mind right now". I also remember the doctors who delivered Jordan talking about fishing the whole time. For some reason that put me at ease hearing them talk about something as trivial as fishing while delivering my son. I don't know if that was their intention, but it worked.

In a matter of minutes Jordan made his grand entrance into the world. When they delivered him they found the cord was wrapped around his neck. Until they broke my water he was fine, but after they broke my water and he started heading towards the birth canal he was literally being strangled. How grateful I was and still am for modern medicine and technology that allowed Jordan to be born without major trauma to either one of us. We both came home 4 days later and I hobbled around and cried when I laughed or coughed while recovering from my 'bikini cut'. My 2 other deliveries were much easier to recover from so I am a huge supporter of VBAC's when possible.

When Jordan was 2 months old we had our appointment with PCMC to check his heart. A day or two prior to the appointment Jordan had become terribly fussy and that day was a particularly hard day. I nearly canceled the appointment because I didn't want to deal with it and they were almost certain that he was fine anyway. I am so glad that I didn't cancel it.

I took Jordan by myself while Scott was working. They brought him into the exam room and began to perform an EKG on him. Right away the technician seemed a little worried. She called the doctor in and before I knew it my son was being rushed to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit). I was completely clueless as to what was going on other than the fact that I knew that something was terrible wrong with my son. In all their rush and hurrying no one had bothered to explain to me if my son was dying or what. I called Scott and he rushed to the hospital and we waited to find out what was going on. He was diagnosed with Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Basically an irregular heart beat or rhythm was causing his heart to beat too fast. After spending a week in the hospital we were able to bring Jordan home. He remained on medicine until he was about 20 months old. Occasionally he would have to wear a halter monitor for 24 hours to monitor how his heart was doing.

Jordan April 2000

The last one he had indicated that he no longer had the problem and he didn't have to take medicine any longer. He was cured! They had told us he would probably outgrow it, but we still rejoiced when it happened.

Despite Jordan's heart problems and subsequent fussiness in his first several months of life, (which by the way no one bothered to tell me was probably related to his heart problems) Jordan was a delight to have. He has always been such a sweet boy and has a great love for others. I've always been a shy reserved type person, but he even as a young baby seemed to revel in whatever attention he could find. He made friends everywhere we went!

He became a brother of twin sisters before he even reached his second birthday. I know at times he would tell you he doesn't like his sisters, but I know better. He is a sweet brother with a great big heart. He used to refer to Kim and Kay as his sweeties. He has always been so cute with Megan as well.

Jordan and Megan

Fall 2004

Kimberly, Kaylynn, and Jordan summer 2005
Jordan's first love - Dirt biking - Spring 20064-wheelin isn't too bad either until Mom complains that you're tearing up the back yard - Spring 2007

Jordan recently reached his goal of finishing The Book of Mormon before his birthday. He finished it last Thursday. I am so proud of him and the young man that he is becoming. I know this experience will be one that he will remember for the rest of his life. I love you Jordan and I am so proud of you. I feel it a privilege to be your mother and to be a part of your life. You are a sweet, special little boy and I couldn't love you more!