A Baby Story

The Story of Kate's Birth

(for the record)

The Tuesday before Kate was born I went to the doctor for my 38 week visit. The next morning I woke up with contractions about 8 minutes apart. I told Wade I was having contractions, but as soon as I got out of bed they went away. I guess this sometimes happens after an internal exam...

So when I woke up the following Sunday morning with contractions, I thought they would just go away if I got up. It was about 5 AM. I decided I would start getting ready for church. It was also Janie's birthday and I wanted to get up early anyway to hang up the happy birthday banner and make her breakfast. I started to do my hair, but the contractions did not go away...I found myself sitting down trying to breath through the pain every few minutes. At this point I decided to wake up Wade. It was about 5:15 and my contractions were about 3 minutes apart. We talked for a little while and I told him I thought I was in labor. "Let's give it another 15 minutes and make sure." Wade said. Finally I couldn't take it anymore. "We are going. NOW." I said. Wade called our doctor and told him my contractions were 2 minutes apart and we were headed for the hospital. He told Wade he would meet us there. Wade called his mom right after and told her we were leaving for the hospital and to come to the house. We left before she got there. We got to the hospital a little before 6. I was dying at this point. By the time I was in a bed, hooked up to the monitors, and with an IV it was about 5 after 6. The nurse checked me. I was dilated to an 8. It was too late for an epidural. My contractions were right on top of each other and I felt like I couldn't get a break from the pain. I kept telling Wade to call the doctor and tell him to get here. It felt like forever before my doctor came. He arrived at 6:10 and broke my water and got ready for delivery. He told me to push at my next contraction. I told Wade I didn't think I could do it - the pain was too intense. I was assured I could do it and started to push. I felt a whole new kind of pain. Her head was out in 2 pushes. And with a final push little Kate was born. Official time of birth 6:20. I didn't realize until I was pushing out her shoulders that I was screaming (rather loudly I think). Once her shoulders came out I experienced a relief that I can't even describe. I only pushed through 1 contraction, and just like Ellia, her face was bruised from coming down the birth canal so fast. My doctor just laughed and cracked jokes about how fast and easy I have babies (EASY MY EYE!), and how I should have a dozen. As for me, I am glad I can say I did it naturally, and I'm still a little undecided, but I think given the choice I would have the epidural. However they come - it's all worth it to have these sweet babies.

Kate (about 1 month old)

Life goes on.

I think 4 has been an easier adjustment than 3, but life is busy with a newborn.

Here is a typical scene of our house these days...

a few things to notice

1. The obvious piles of laundry surrounding me.

2. My nursing cover draped over the couch.

3. Mug of water (always close by).

4. Nursing pad on the couch.

5. Super cheesy love story in hand.

6. I wear sweats on a daily basis.

7. and of course the adorable baby on my chest...my favorite.

Pathetic? Maybe a little...

But life goes on, and it is a good life.