Three weeks ago on Thursday, November 3, 2011 we were given a great gift. We got to meet our third daughter, Aubrey. Here is how it all happened.
I woke up that morning and told Jim I thought the baby was coming that day. He asked if I was having contractions, and I said no. I had been having some early labor warning signs since Sunday, but nothing new had taken place. I just had a feeling she was coming. Jim went to work, I took Gracie to school, and I went home and called the nurse for the third time that week to make sure she wasn't concerned about the bleeding I was having. This time I was told to come into labor and delivery to make sure nothing was wrong. Jim left work, we packed up the bags, Madelyn went to Tracy's house, and we headed to the hospital mid-morning.
After being examined in triage, I was told that I was only three cm dilated and they wouldn't admit me unless I was at least a four. Since we don't live close to the hospital, they let me lie there for awhile to see if I would progress so they could admit me. I'm not sure if the exam helped things along, but I started having strong contractions while still in triage. By the time they checked me again, I had progressed and they admitted me. We were having a baby!
My doctor, Dr. Mitchell, happened to be at the hospital already so she came and broke my water sometime that afternoon. Things happened quickly after that. I remember at one point the nurse saying that Dr. Mitchell would check me again in forty-five minutes. I knew I wouldn't make it that long.
Laboring and delivering without medication is an intense experience. There is no way to describe it other than intense. This was my third time and it wasn't any easier or less painful. I know Jim's hand was hurting as I squeezed it to death with my right hand. The ice chips that were on a sliding cart next to me almost dumped to the floor several times as I grabbed the cart with my left hand. There comes a point for me at nine cm when I get scared. With both Madelyn and Aubrey, no one but Jim was in the room with me at nine cm when the urge to push began, and I panicked both times. Jim had to push the call button each time to get someone in there. This time around, the nurse came in and told me not to push. Easy for her to say!
Shortly after, the room was full of people. My doctor, the nurse, the NICU team (just in case), and several residents. I found out later that my doctor said my baby made her run! She was afraid she wouldn't make it in time. After a few pushes, Aubrey was born at 3:56pm.
Aubrey was allowed to stay on my chest for a long time, probably longest of all three of my girls. She didn't cry much. Her hair was strawberry blonde and she didn't really look much like her sisters. She is her own beautiful person and we are so thankful she is part of our family!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139