Hearts & Rockets

Incredible

The weekend away was exactly what we needed before the baby arrived. In true form, Hunter made sure the hospital bag came with us just in case of an early arrival. We were able to enjoy sleeping in, long uninterrupted conversations and quiet meals together.

"I am excited to see Sutton be a big sister," I smiled, "part of me is a little unsure of my next career move." Hunter held my hand as we drove back toward home.

"Take all the time you need Jen," he always knew exactly what to say, "I know I will be needed more, as far as doing things with and for Sutton. Anything you need - I'm here." I gave his hand a squeeze and readjusted myself in the seat. "You okay?"

"Yeah, this baby is just kicking my lungs," I said jokingly, "maybe a another soccer player in the family." Hunter moved his hand from mine and onto my belly. We pulled into the driveway, graciously thanked Amy and Sam and spent the rest of the day catching up with our little girl.

"Sutton come here."I sat on the couch and Sutton joined me as I placed her hands right over where the baby was kicking. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks broke into a smile.

"Wow," she whispered, "when does the baby come out?"

"Well, the doctor thinks the baby is going to stay in here for 3 more weeks so he or she can keep growing. Then mommy will go to the hospital and the baby will be born there." Sutton asked a few questions so Hunter decided to get her baby book out and show her pictures of when she was just a baby.

The final few weeks of my pregnancy were very relaxing. Hunter went to the CMAs and graciously accepted an award on my behalf and just this past weekend, he was filming as a guest on The Voice. During his downtime, he was doing a lot of writing. October had come and gone with Halloween and the leaves around the trails near are home were deep orange, yellows and reds, reminding us that our winter was approaching. "I think this baby has made him or herself extremely comfortable in here." I laughed quietly as Hunter and I enjoyed some ice cream together, watching The Voice. "Did you have fun mentoring?"

"Yeah I did. It was a good experience," he said, taking the bowls into the kitchen, "I would be interested in being on show in that mentor-judge role. I think it would be a cool step out of my comfort zone." Hunter helped me up and into the shower. My rocking bump made it impossible to reach my legs and I wasn't interested in the spiky cactus feeling. "I'm so afraid I'm going to knick you," he laughed as I sat on the shower bench, "This is tedious and annoying. How do you do it like every other day."

"I just do," I laughed as we tidied up and headed to sleep. Sleep was becoming a challenge because I struggled to get comfortable at almost forty weeks. I loved being pregnant but I was ready to hold this baby in my arms. I eventually was able to get myself to sleep, and woke up around three am with pain and a wet feeling. I thought to myself, my water broke. I decided to tidy myself up before waking Hunter. "Babe," gently patting his arm, "Hunter wake up please."

Groggily, he came around "What's wrong?" I told him what had happened and how I was already getting some small contractions. It was November 12th, just a few days before my expected date, and we didn't have any plans for family to meet us. "Let me call Sam first." I paced the room as Hunter called.

"No answer," he said, "let me try everyone else." Hunter didn't get through to anyone in his band, so he called Amy. "Oh hey I'm so sorry. Yes I know it's four AM but Jenna is in labour, kind of. Her water broke. She's not sure when she was actually asleep. She's been up and walking around for half an hour. Okay thank you." Hunter hung up the phone and started fishing through his dresser, "Amy is on her way."

Fifteen minutes later Amy was at the front door. "We will call the school - she doesn't have to go today."

"It's Sunday guys," she laughed, "relax. I've got this. Go have your baby." We hugged her and headed to the hospital. The contractions were there, about six minutes apart and I did my best to breathe through the pain.

"You're doing amazing baby," Hunter held my hand the whole ride, "I love you."

"I love you too," I said between breaths, "this is happening rather fast." We got into the hospital and I was in a room, hooked up to the monitors and seen by my doctor in half an hour.

"Jenna, this progressing rapidly, you're at six and half. Would you like the epidural?"

I nodded, "Yes please."

As my medication was being administered, Hunter stepped aside to send a mass text to our band mates and a separate text to our parents. It was just five thirty AM when I was being told to get ready to push. Hunter held my hand as he coached me through the pushes and breathing. After a few strong pushes, I felt that familiar feeling of relief met with that unmistakable new born cry. In tears, Hunter kissed me. "You did so good babe."

"It's a boy!" Doctor Goderich announced, "Congratulations!"

Tears ran down my cheeks as my little baby boy was cleaned up and placed on my chest. Time felt like it stood still, Hunter kissed my cheek again, he too was overcome with emotions.

The baby was brought aside for measurements and to be swaddled up as I was recovering from that rather fast endeavour. "He looks like an Easton." I smiled at Hunter, both our eyes were still glistening from the tears.

"Easton Sawyer Hayes," Hunter smiled, "he's perfect."