Here is the birth story, as taken from my emails sent to family that very night, slightly edited for correctness. It all happened so fast - this was the first time it was just Dave and I there for the delivery (along with the dozen or so strangers circulating in and out of the room, of course.) It was lucky that even Dave was there! Despite feeling contractions since 3am that morning, I wasn't sure I was in labor - having only been induced before - until about two hours before she came rushing into the world. Basically shot out of a human cannon. So Dave didn't have a clue until two hours before she was born. But I digress; here are the emails:
Subject: We had a baby!
"This nameless, perfect, squishy little creature was born at 2:04. We are both doing well. I’m sitting in a dim room by myself while Dave is picking up the other kids from various locations and bringing them back to meet her.
Whirlwind day! I’ve always been induced before because of late babies and/or time constraints (mom flying home or moving to MN) so this was a new experience. I started having painful contractions and back labor at 3am but thought maybe it was from doing too much - major nesting going on lately. This morning I took the kids to school and dropped Henry off with a friend so I could go to the DMV and take a test for my MN license. I was sucking in air periodically but still wondered: indigestion? I then went to the library to print off some forms and then to the store to get bread. Didn’t make it into the store, simply because I was in too much pain to make it across the parking lot. Called the hospital - hadn’t timed my contractions exactly, with all the errands and driving around, but the nurse said come and we’ll check you. Then I called Dave, not sure if he needed to leave work, but I had a contraction while talking and there was crying and wordless yelling and that had him moving pretty quick. We planned to met up at home, a close rendezvous point as I didn’t think I should be driving. I got there first and when I got out of the car, I felt a gush. My water broke! I was excited - ok yes, I am in labor - and at the same time I was horrified. Oh. No. It’s going to get worse. I went in the house to change...
TBC
Email #2
"...hospitals are busy places.
Anyway, Dave came home soon after and slipped in the amniotic fluid upon entering. It was very satisfying in a Hollywood sense. Together we got me into dry clothes and back in the car, then drove the 12 minutes to the hospital in...less than 12 minutes. We were lucky not to get pulled over. Although I think Dave might have enjoyed that drama. I felt another contraction coming as we walked into the hospital, and I made it as far as the waiting room before kneeling on a chair and banging my head on the backrest till it passed. Dignity where art thou? We checked in at 1:30. We were in triage, to make sure I was in labor (haha!) when it really amped up and sounds were coming from me I didn’t know I could make. Like a foghorn, or perhaps a typhoon. The nurse, Kevin, plugged his ears. Dave said it wasn’t as bad as the lady next to me, who sounded like a rooster. By the time they got me in a delivery room, about 1:50, the pressure was so intense, I refused to sit on the bed like they asked (to get an iv in). I really felt like I needed to be kneeling on the bed. Poor Kevin had a hard time convincing me, but got it done. There was no opportunity for the pain meds I desired through the iv though - birth was too near. The doctor (Doc Harper) arrived just as I had to push. It was the most bizarre pressure and mental weirdness to push through, but boy was I keen to get her out and be done with contractions, so I did it. Two contractions, right Dave? She was born at 2:04. Today, 2/21/2018. Once I had her in my arms I was a little stunned - it was hard to believe she was here! No one comes on time in our family, much less early! Also, I didn't really feel like celebrating - without pain killers, delivering the placenta was another uncomfortable experience. Once that was through I was able to coo over her sweet little lips. Another difference in this delivery: she wasn't in the birth canal long enough for her head to take on that cone shape that the others had for a day or so. Her head was pretty normal looking.
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| Dr. Harper |
About five minutes after giving birth, we got a serious lecture from nurse Kevin about not letting her do 21 shots on her 21st birthday and having her die of alcohol toxicity. Kevin was kind of an interesting guy, but it is sound advice nonetheless.
There were no complications, no tearing or dizziness or anything. The baby was grouchy for a while till we figured out feeding, but on a full stomach she is extremely loving. Same as most I guess.
I got to see the placenta this time and they delayed cord clamping for a little while. They also delay bathing the baby, she still has vernix in her hair, six hours later.
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| Isn't she lovely?! |
Dave went and got the kids at about 6pm from friends homes in the ward, and Riley and Joe were happy to get some cuddles and ham it up for the camera. Henry took a slight interest at first and then played in the curtains. My friend Selena came and took pictures - she did our family pictures in the fall and did a great job, so I’m sure we got some sweet shots, even with labor fatigue (and just relief) setting in and baby girls eyes still puffy from her shoved through the birth canal. [She did indeed get some amazing shots, many of which you see in this post. Thanks, Selena!]
Dave took the kids home about 8pm - we decided he’d better stay with them tonight. It’s been a wild day for them too, and Henry especially depends on him at night. We moved Henry back into his crib just last night for containment purposes - he will not stay in his own bed, and usually ends up sleeping on Dave’s chest.
The doctor said I can go home tomorrow if I want to. I might. I have always stayed three days in the past, but I get a little stir crazy and wanting my own bed. Hopefully we’ve settled on a name by tomorrow!
That’s all I can think of! I’m enjoying this very peaceful time (they have meditation music on in my room and nature scenes on the TV screensaver. It is very peaceful:) and feeling so grateful that all my birth worries were mostly unfulfilled. Well, all were, actually - I didn’t really worry about the painful stuff, always having had an epidural before. But all is well, hallelujah! The kids were taken good care of, Dave was with me when I needed him, the baby is healthy, the nurses are lovely, I’m recovering well. Blessed day for us!"
The 24 hour hospital stay proved to be one of the most peaceful I'd experienced, maybe because our room was at the end of the hallway and we were one of only like three mother/babies in the wing. Betty only left me once for tests, and the rest of the exams, baths, etc, took place right by my bed, which I loved so I could ask any questions and see what the doctor was looking for.
I was treated to aromatherapy and massage, room service, and then Dave ran me a hot lavender bath before handing me an intriguing little jewelry box, inside of which was a pair of beautiful earrings. It made me feel like a million bucks! No small miracle for a woman who is one day postpartum, let me tell you! Every time I think of it, I want to kiss his face off. That Dave: he's the sweetest, and I love him.
No amount of pampering can take the place of your own bed though, so I decided that yes, I would check out a day early. We settled on a name just an hour before time to checkout. Betty Louise, after both our Grandmas: amazing women whose names carry a legacy to inspire and uplift our little girl throughout her life.
Dave took a total of 3 days off for the baby and headed back to work on Monday, but we have been so well taken care of with meals and visits and gifts from friends, coworkers, and church family. Suzette flew in mid-week and has been a huge help taking care of people and making sure the other siblings feel loved while Momma is busy nursing or napping or doing what women have to do in recovery.
Here is a video with clips of her first week on earth. It has been a wonderful week. So. Much. Love.
