I was sleeping late on Saturday, mentally trying to remember all that needed to get done. Your mom and I were quickly running out of time but knew what we wanted to get done before your arrival. That day we were returning some items back to Scot & Maureen, doing some final baby shopping and were going to have dim sum with the Blases. I heard my phone ring and saw that it was your Grandpa Barney and figured I’d wait a bit before really waking up. Your Mom was up already fooling around in the living room. Or so I thought.
I really woke up when I heard her call GB, our midwife, and tell her that she thought her water had broke. I quickly got dressed and went out to see what was going on. Apparently you had other plans for us Miss Amelia and you were ready to see us now! Your mom was very worried. Andrea was worried that she hadn’t had contractions, and that something was wrong. Just the day before we had talked to Amanda, momma’s doula, and decided she would be a great help when you arrived. We had no idea we would be needing Amanda’s help so early. I was worried too. This was going to be a busy day or two I thought and I wasn’t prepared. There were so many things I had wanted to do before you arrived. But we rallied our friends and made ready for you to arrive. I also wanted to make sure I helped Andrea as much as possible, I hoped I was up for the task.
Josh and Jessica helped us by getting your diapers and helped set up your new room. Becky came out and cleaned up the kitchen from top to bottom. Carol came out and finished cleaning the guest bathroom. Your mom and I went for a walk. We did all of this running around trying to get ready for your arrival. But as the day wore on everything slowed down considerably. That worried us because we knew because of the amneotic fluid we didn’t have lots of time before you had to be born. At 7pm Amanda, our doula, came over and discussed plans, she was prepared to stay with us for the evening. At 9pm GB came by to check on us and talk about what we would needed to do to induce your arrival if things didn’t progress.
Your mom and I slept fitfully over the night. Andrea woke up early and let me sleep until about 6am. She had taken some castor oil to help with the contractions but couldn’t keep it down. Amanda arrived around 9 and I ran into town for some coffee and some last minute supplies. I wanted to make sure we had plenty of castor oil if needed and make sure that we had everything we needed for your arrival. I bought some new towels so if we used all we had for you we’d still have some clean ones. I picked up soup for your mom and anything else I thought we might need, baby wipes, etc. When I got back Andrea started taking some herbs to induce labor and we mixed up some castor oil with grapefruit juice so she could drink it.
Around noon GB did some acupuncture and suggested your mom keep busy. So, as a labor project, she cleaned out and organized our pantry. I did my best to keep busy by working on your bedroom but I was hoping you would arrive soon. I wanted to do something to help but all there was to do was help your mom and wait. Around 2:30 GB says I could get the tub ready for your mom. So I started filling it. I wasn’t sure how well it would work but my apparatus for filling the tub held up and I kept an eye on it. Around 3pm Andrea got into the tub to help ease some of the pain. She got out about an hour later and layed down on the bed. Her contractions were about 2 minutes apart so we were thinking you would be here sometime that evening. But you had other plans.
Around 5:30 your mom got back into the tub and needed some support to stay in the position she liked. We tried a couple of towels under her but she really wanted me in there. I pulled off my shirt and shoes, removed everything from my pockets and got in with my jeans on. Andrea gets out to walk around, I change pants and walk with her around the house. We try going outside to get some fresh air, we walk around the house, we do everything we can think of to help get you into our arms. At 8 that evening we get back in bed to rest a bit. Around 9, GB talks about what is going on and what we need to do and the possibility of going to the hospital. We didn’t want to go to the hospital but we knew that if things didn’t start moving we would have to. Your mom was running out of energy but her body wasn’t allowing you to come down. Your Auntie Jane showed up around 11pm but neither of us could say hello, we were busy trying to bring you into our world.
For the next 5 hours or so we tried everything to get you past this point. Amanda, Sarah (GBs assistant), GB and I all did things to help. Your mom and I marched around the tub like sumo wrestlers to get you to moved. GB had examined your mom and said that you were trying to get past the cervix but it just wasn’t working out. GB decided around 4am that you needed fluids and rest. Sarah prepared an IV and got ready to get it connected to your mom. It took her 4 tries to get it because your mom’s veins were hiding. But we laid down and tried to rest. It wasn’t easy. Contractions were a few minutes apart and neither of us could sleep through them. We were worried and tired and hopeful. There were times that I would cry because your mom was working so hard and keeping up such good spirits through it all. I hope you will know how brave your mother is, I saw it during these hours and was amazed by her power.
We got up around 6 and started again. Andrea worked so hard to push through but her body was tired and she couldn’t get any rest. Around 7:30am we decided we needed to go to the hospital so your mom could get some rest and prepare to push you into the world. We were scared but we both were sure it was the best thing to do. We had other plans but we didn’t think of them at the time, you were much more important than any plans we had had.
Once the decision was made it was a whirlwind of activity to get things together. It was a little chilly outside but I was in shorts and flip flops. We bundled your mom up in her robe, a night shirt and some shoes. I frantically grabbed items to put in a bag. Loaded up your baby seat into Jane’s rental car and the three of us headed out, GB, Amanda and Sarah were following behind us. Jane drove as fast as she could but it was almost rush hour and we hoped a police officer would stop us and then escort us in. We weren’t that lucky but didn’t have much trouble getting to the hospital.
As soon as we arrived I found a wheel chair for your mom, and made my way to the maternity ward per GBs instructions. I got a little lost but we made it and they found us a room really quick. We were quickly introduced to Linda Truesdell, our nurse, and she got us checked in and mobilized everyone in the hospital to help us out. We got there by 8:30 and by 10am another doctor came by to give your mom an epidural. The doctor had to administer the medicine right into her spine but to get the needle right your mom had to be in a very specific position and be very still. This wasn’t easy to do, even without being pregnant, but your mom did a fantastic job. The doctor was even empressed. It wasn’t long before your mom was getting some much needed rest. I went outside for a little break, and I called your PawPaw Barney and told him you would be here soon, called your Aunt Adrienne to give her an update too because she was worried. And I cried a bit, away from everyone. I was very tired, as was your mom, but I was very proud of how hard she had worked and how she had not given up at all. I was hoping everything would be ok and a little bit scared. I slept for a little bit after updating everyone. I called Josh and asked him to get me some extra clothes and check on the cats.
Around noon your mom woke up from a nap and was determined have you soon. Linda checked and was told us that all was going well and that Andrea would be pushing soon. Around 1pm she said it was time so your mom started pushing. I held her hand and encouraged her as much as possible. Your mom was doing a fantastic job and I couldn’t help but cry a time or two. We both wanted you in our arms so much and could barely wait to see you. By 2:15pm you were ready to come into the world but we had to wait for the doctor to arrive. Andrea didn’t want to wait but we waited just a minute or two. The doctor got ready and Andrea pushed 2 or 3 more times and before we knew it you were in her lap. I cut your umbilical cord and patted your back.
The nurses needed to weigh you and check a couple of things. So I went with you over to the scale and talked to you while they checked you out. You were a little blue so they gave you just a bit of oxygen. You pinked up quickly and I kept my hands on you the whole time. I wanted to make sure you were safe. It was a long journey to get you there and I wanted to make sure you weren’t lonely. As soon as they were done we went back to your mom where you laid on her chest and tried nursing for the first time.
You were healthy and right there in our arms. We couldn’t believe it. We both cried a few tears of joy. After a try at nursing I got you and held you next to my bare chest. You were the most precious thing in the world and I couldn’t believe that you were actually here, in my arms. I whispered all the things I was going to teach you and all the fun things we’ll do. You won’t remember those but I’ll keep them none the less.
Later that day we moved into another room, Josh and Jessica came by with supplies and clothes. We got a bite to eat and we learned all about you. What your cry sounded like, that we needed to burp you, how often you liked to eat. We called our family and told them you were here and that you were healthy. You weighed 6 lbs. and 7 oz., were 19 1/4″ long and had a good head of dark brown hair, and deep blue eyes. We know a lot of those things (well all of them probably) will change but you are the most beautiful, precious thing in our world. We are determined to do everything in our power to give you a healthy, interesting life. We’ll make mistakes and I’m sure you’ll be upset with us at some point but know that you are loved from this point forward by quite a few people besides me and your mom.
Welcome to the world, have fun and enjoy every delicious moment of it.