The Birth Story

I've been wanting to type down the story of the birth of my child for weeks now...I don't want to forget a thing..I want to be able to tell him one day how it all happened! Sorry, this post is a bit long :)

I believe it was about two weeks before my due date, it was decided that I would stay up in PA with my parents. Mr. Southbay was working extremely long hours and at times, it was very difficult to get a hold of him. Anxiety was rising... and being alone all day didn't help the situation. Soon as the decision was made to move up with my parents..and deliver in Harrisburg about 75% of that anxiety went away.  I already established doctors up there that I was very comfortable working with..Fast forward two weeks and Mr. Southbay came up as well permanently till after the baby was born. We went to my OB appointment on Monday, 1 day after my due date. I was only 1 cm dilated and the distress test came back fine. The OB did a membrane scrape that visit..

All night Tuesday I was cramping. In fact, it was hard to sleep. Ha, I even Googled it the next morning, "Cramping sign of labor." I did a lot of Google... Could this be it?  Then, around 10am the cramping kinda came and went.  I even timed it...they were getting more intense. So, I called Mr. Southbay (who was in my parents office working) and had him come in right away! We tried timing them but they were not very regular. He called the OB around 11am and we had an appointment at 1:00. I remember telling him I didn't want to be that person who goes to the hospital and then is sent home..  :)  Well, on the way to the OB office the contractions were coming A LOT stronger and only around the lower back. They went from 5 to 3 minutes apart.. I couldn't believe it was happening!  Mr. Southbay dropped me off at the door and I headed in. I couldn't believe I had to wait! I was sitting there in pain..I was not happy about this part.. They new I was coming in. Well, soon as I was taken back 10mins later...  the midwife took a look and said, "You are having a baby!" From there they sent me to the hospital. We phoned our parents!

The hospital was only 15mins away which was good! I laugh when I think about this part of the story... Mr. Southbay missed the entrance :) and since all the roads are just about one way.. we had to go all the way around again :) I actually had to keep him calm! Then, once we pulled in the valet guy was no where in sight. I told him to just drop me off, I'll find my way. As I'm walking in two hospital staff see me hunched over and help me in. Then, as I look up my Priest is standing right in front of me. I couldn't believe it! It's funny how things happen.. He pushed me up to labor & delivery and said a prayer for me and my child. It brought tears to my eyes, I don't think he really realized how much strength he gave me at that moment. Within minutes  Mr. Southbay arrived.

The unit was incredibly busy. In fact there were no room available and several of us ladies had to be put in the "observation" room. I was on all fours trying to deal with the contractions. Then on my side... just trying to figure out the best position. After several hours of waiting for a room..I was finally taken to our room and within minutes the anesthesiologist walked in ready for my epideral. I was shaking..and just could stop! It was kinda funny.. I was actually doing good...but just couldn't stop shaking..they said its normal.. That evening..up thru the night I slept as much as I could. They kept coming in and checking on me around the clock..then the Dr. said, "Go ahead and start, call me when you need me." So, we began.. I think it was about three hours later the OB walked in and out came my baby. 

Then Mr. Southbay cut the cord! As you already know Andrew wasn't breathing properly so they took him to the NICU and 5 days later he was home with us!  Looking back on that day..I feel so proud of myself that I gave birth to my adorable little guy.  I just kept visualizing him coming out and did a lot of deep breathing. I was definitely in my own zone!

It's pretty amazing... the experience of being pregnant...giving birth and then seeing your son or daughter for the first time...WOW!

I end this post with the biggest smile of the day!