Mommy woke up several times between midnight and 4 am making many, many trips to the bathroom. She had suspicions something was up because this was a similar story with Lesley, although with Lesley the contractions started before the trips to the bathroom. Around 4am, the contractions started picking up and were getting kind of painful. Daddy got up and started timing them, then called the hospital and took a shower. Although painful, the contractions were still pretty inconsistent, anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes apart and lasting up to a minute.
We called Heather and she came over to watch Big Sister and take her to daycare. Mommy and Daddy headed to the hospital and got there about 6am. Mommy was still nervous they would send her home, things just weren’t as consistent and she thought they should be. You know the rule: 5 – 1 – 1 (5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour). Once we got settled into the hospital room (with a tub!), the nurse checked mommy and announced “Looks like we are going to have a birthday today.” Mommy started crying, she was so happy we would finally get to meet you and we avoided an induction again. She was very afraid of the pitocin and we were running short on time since the eviction notice had been given.
Mommy was 5cm dilated and 100% effaced. That was great to hear! Halfway there and no thoughts of needing pain medication. We started walking the hallways and would stop at each corner when a contraction would hit. We went slow and just held hands and chatted about whatever came to mind. We found a listing of baby names posted on the maternity coordinator’s door. We scanned the list and even giggled about a few of the trendy names we found. We also reminisced about our experience just 19 months ago when Lesley was born. The memories are still pretty fresh…but we were ready to make more memories with you. The nurses were going through shift change so we were just waiting for our new nurse before heading back to our assigned room. Angie showed up and got me hooked up to the monitor so we could check your stats, and get a reading on the contractions.
Things looked good! Mommy wanted in the tub so Angie started filling it up. And, once Mommy got in, it was wonderful. The contractions still hurt, but it was so great to be able to lay back in the water. It was 10 times better than being in that hospital bed. Amazing really how much easier the pain could be managed in the tub. Daddy agreed, and enjoyed sitting next to Mommy and holding her hand through each contraction.
By this time it was probably 7:30-7:45am. I got out of the tub so Angie could check me. Dilated to a 6. Making progress. Back in the tub with fresh, warm water. We had the cordless monitor which was nice so I only had to be out long enough for the nurse to check my progress. They could monitor you and the contractions while I was in the tub.
I got out again about an hour later, close to 9am. I was starting to feel nauseous and just thought it was from the popsicle Daddy got for me (the only thing allowed by the nurse). I got back in the bed and Angie checked me. I was now at an 8. Yeah! Getting closer. And, really, really feeling like I needed to throw up. Angie said I could get back in the tub, but I said I just wanted to sit up in the bed for a bit, hoping the nauseousness would pass. Angie reminded me that throwing up is actually the best way to make progress for the baby. Interesting…yes, but I guess it sort of makes sense due to the movements in your body when you throw up(?).
That’s about the time Dr. Grounds came in. We had hoped Dr. Rips would be there, but not this time either. Dr. Grounds checked me and wanted to break my water. It was clear fluid which is what we had hoped for. After only a few minutes, I started getting the urge to push. Dr. Grounds was still there and quickly said, “No, not yet. I need to get my clothes on. Give me 2 minutes.” She scampered around, put her scrubs and footies on, Angie quickly started getting things ready, the NICU nurse arrived with 2 students (they were observing their first birth – not sure they picked a good one to witness) and the doctor’s helper showed up too.
Things went quickly. They assured me I wouldn’t have to push for 2 hours like Lesley and they were right. At 9:20am, just 10-15 minutes later, you made your appearance! And we were so happy when Daddy announced “It’s a girl!” Dr. Grounds had to cut your umbilical cord because it was wrapped nicely around your neck and you were a pretty, but unsafe shade of blue. They laid you on my chest for just a second before the NICU nurse snatched you to rub you down and try to get your color pink. Things were fine though, just a bit of a dramatic entrance.
You were very, very alert and wide awake looking around. You pinked up quickly and was just perfect. Mommy continued to bleed quite a bit and Dr. Grounds discovered that part of the placenta was not detaching as it should. She had to push and push on my belly and that hurt so, so badly. It made mommy cry. Daddy was right by your side and was going back and forth between attending to Mommy and checking on you. Mommy had to get some pitocin to help her uterus contract, and a shot to try and stop the bleeding. The hard part was done but this was painful!
Once Dr. Grounds got the placenta out, things calmed down. Everyone started cleaning up the big mess, Mommy finally got to snuggle with you and tried to nurse you. Just like Lesley, that was a slow process. Mommy felt more confident in what she was doing but you needed to figure things out too. We hung in there and soon enough, by mid afternoon, you seemed to be a pro.
Daddy went with you to the nursery so you could take a bath. You were gone for a long time and Mommy was missing you, but you eventually came back squeaky clean and we moved from the delivery room to our postpartum room that we would stay in for a few days. We all rested that afternoon. Grandma Cheryl came to meet you and eventually Daddy went to pick Lesley up from Chris’s so she could meet you. Big sister wasn’t so sure at first. She refused to say your name, but kept saying “Bay-bay, Mama, Bay-bay” over and over. It was really sweet and I loved spending time together as a family of four that afternoon. The nurses gave Lesley ice cream, and pudding, and then she ate Mommy’s cookie too. Plus Mommy and Daddy had picked out a few new books for her, hoping to keep her entertained while visiting the hospital. Spoiled!
Other visitors that came to see you were Aunt Denise and Uncle Mark, Grandpa Raymond and Grandma Billie, Uncle Tony and Mo, Kim, Heather, Kate, and Matt. It was a lot more peaceful and relaxing at the hospital compared to when Lesley was born. Mommy had requested not many visitors because she just wanted to soak you up herself and get to know you before sharing you with others.
We are so happy to you have you here and look forward to many, many years together. We love you a lot!
