Keahu boy is 1

Keahu turned 1 on July 4th (I'm still so happy he was born that day! It all worked out so perfectly). He is growing so fast I need to record some memories before I forget.

He was due June 30, but I always wanted him to come on July 4. But 2 days after my due date my doctor warned that if labour didn't start soon I would need a c-section. I started to panic and went home and did everything I could to start labour. Long walks, bouncing on the exercise ball, even desperate enough to plan to take castor oil. Now I joke that he must've heard me and said "no way" because about an hour later my water just popped and then contractions were about 15 minutes apart. I took my time calling the doctor because I figured it would be a long labour, however he told me to go straight to the hospital.

I was so sick about leaving Ka'ihi. I'd never left him overnight and was very grateful to Heavenly Father, my mother in law and my son that he was absolutely ok without me. I remember halfway through labour actually crying because I missed him and was worried, but thanks to Hoku sending pictures and updates I knew he was happy and I could relax.

Got to the hospital sometime after midnight and walked up to check in. It was kind of taking a while and when they asked what it was for and I told them they suddenly started rushing around and calling for wheelchairs. I declined, because I'd resolved I was going to move throughout this labour, not get stuck like last time. They insisted on bringing the wheelchair just in case.

Queens hospital was amazing, and very comfortable. The room was big and had a nice ambience. I lasted as long as I could before accepting an epidural which was about 6 hours. By then the contractions were so intense I kept feeling the need to push - but wasn't dilated enough. So they suggested medicine so I could rest a while, and I finally agreed to a half dose of epidural, so I could still move and walk if I wanted.

I knew it would slow things down but I was so tired. They anesthesiologist kept trying to convince me to take more but I didn't want a repeat of last time when I couldn't move and didn't progress so I said no. Every half hour I took off all the cords and monitors and walked around as long as I could, and then rested again. It helped so much mentally and physically. I listened to music and the scriptures and said lots of prayers.

Although they insisted on no food or drink I could feel my body starting to come close to blacking out. I told them I needed sugar, and they didn't trust at first, but I was insistent so they tested my ketone levels and sure enough they were really low, so they hooked up some sugar and instantly I felt better. I also was allowed sprite and snuck some of Kamuela's food because I was STARVING.

Well after about 23 hours I was at 9cm and they called the doctor and he said I could try pushing. I must have tried every position I could until finally on my side was the most helpful. Also I remember they asked if I wanted a mirror and at first I was like no way, gross, but then I thought oh well everyone else is looking there so I may as well. And it helped SO MUCH! I could see his head! And it helped me focus on where to push. It took 3 long hours but he finally came and I reacted exactly like all those mothers on TV and cried happy tears because I was exhausted but so hopeful for a vbac and it was successful! The relief was so great. And he cried loudly and was so big and healthy I was so thankful. They did all the measuring right next to me and let me hold him as long as I wanted. He nursed straight away (and hasn't stopped). The nurses told me it was July 4th and there were fireworks just outside my door!

They took him to the nursery and he slept 10 hours!! I was so glad, I got a lot of rest. Another blessing because I hadn't eaten or slept since Tuesday. He was so easy going and slept well in the nursery and hardly fussed at all. I couldn't believe how calm he was!

Well everything after that is a blur except when Ka'ihi came and met him and I was happy our family was together again. He is still very easy going, but is also very stubborn, especially if he wants something, and quite a rough and tumble little boy. He is so much like Ka'ihi, in looks and personality - the same happy, bubbly, funny characteristics that I'm so thankful for. He is also very clingy to me, but more willing to go to men than women. He loves animals, especially both Kamuela's and my parents' dogs. He loves to dance and play ball. He is not a fan of the car, but usually without fail falls asleep in it. He is running and jumping and climbing by 14 months, and getting into so much mischief. He eats almost anything, including vegetables (yay!!!!). Although I know having more children means my Ka'ihi is getting older, I'm so happy Keahu is with us, and can't imagine not having him in our lives.

It is the cutest thing to see them together. My heart is so full when I see Ka'ihi helping him, or teaching him, or telling stories or jokes, or any of the brotherly love he shares. I admit this time around with phones and netflix and Instagram and jewellery there are so many more distractions, and I feel guilty that my attention is so often elsewhere. I have resolved to do better at focusing on them and putting them first. It starts with a lot of prayer. I notice when I get irritated with them, it's usually because my focus is on myself, so I try to remember to stop and serve them, because are only going to be my little babies for a small moment in time, and I want to treasure every second we have as a family. I wish we could freeze time!