01/27/11
01/28/11
The next morning I got a call from Tracy checking up on me. I told her that nothing had changed, contractions were still consistently 5 minutes apart. She said to get to work and find the most uncomfortable position because it's likely doing the most good as far as progression is concerned. I did everything I could to get the contractions to pick up. We took walks, I did squats and sat on an exercise ball and finished the final touches on cleaning and organizing the house, getting ready for baby. The hours went by and nothing had changed. Contractions were still every 5 minutes. By the end of Friday night (the 28th) I was exhausted. Emotionally and physically. I was also a little put out. It got really hard the last few weeks, wondering if today would be the day. I cried a lot. It felt ridiculous but having all the hormones surging, it's no wonder. There were a couple days I was so sad that she wasn't here yet and then I'd feel bad because 10 months ago we were crying because we lost a baby, we should be happy that she's coming and she's strong and healthy.
01/29/11
I ended up taking Saturday off as well. By then I just needed a personal day, I couldn't work in my condition, I'd probably have cried and yelled at every citizen that called me for help. Saturday contractions started out the same as they had been. We had a birthday party for my grandma Thomson at my parent's house. We got there around 4 and I started feeling stronger contractions but figured it was from all the excitement. Over the next couple hours I noticed that those contractions were only about 3 minutes apart. I would stretch and walk and sit. I remember Jennifer and Sheryl commenting on how uncomfortable I looked, they were absolutely right! Even still, I tried to enjoy the birthday party and ate whatever sounded appetizing. I recall having several BBQ meatballs that were delicious.
I did explain to her I was just concerned because I needed to have antibiotics 4 hours before delivery (I tested positive for group B strep which happens to 1 in 4 woman and can infect the baby when leaving the birth canal and can be fatal) and my mom had relatively quick deliveries, especially Matthew. He was her first, her water broke and by the time they got to the hospital, she only had a couple hours of labor to go. Tracy said to keep on eye on it and if I wanted to go to the clinic to check my progress, we would. I told her I let her know.
(If you are grossed out by discussion of labor and delivery and all involved, I suggest you read the rest at your own risk-no worries, it's not x-rated, just somewhat graphic. ;-) )
I got off the phone and updated my Mom(s). I also sent Beth an email telling her that I thought I was getting pretty close and would likely have a baby the next day! Fingers crossed!! Shortly after, still at my parent's house, it was about 11 and I used the bathroom for the millionth time that day. This time was a little bit different... Now, they talk about that "mucous plug" that seals the cervix and protects the baby. For 2 weeks, especially the past 3 days, I had wondered if it had passed every time I used the bathroom. This time I heard a "plop", I thought to myself (maybe THAT was it?!). When I tried to stand up, I seemed to be gushing. Try to imagine the tone in my voice as I called out to mom in the living room, "MOOOM... I think my water just broke!!" It was funny to hear the silence come from the next room. Mom came to help me, I was quite embarrassed and struggling with the fluid that kept coming every time I stood up. She tried to tell me not to worry about it, but it was hard not to. She chuckled a bit when my first "REAL" contraction came along. Oh my, it's true... no talking or laughing involved. Just lots of breathing!! ;)
BJ was in the dining room watching a video on the internet and it took my brother a few attempts to get his attention. (In his defense, the house was loud and he had been trying to watch this video all evening so he was pretty focused) Finally Chuck was able to get his attention to tell him that my water had broken, and then I think his face probably went white. LOL It didn't take long before he snapped out of it and kicked into gear, calling Tracy to let her know we were headed to the hospital. We thought we'd have plenty of time to go home and get the suitcase if we needed it... but we were wrong, so BJ gave Janna list of things to grab from home and to meet us at the hospital.
I had BJ grab a garbage bag to put on the seat of the car.Mom and BJ helped me out to the car, passing all who were left in the house after the birthday party, mainly Chuck and Katie's family and the residents of the house. Travis was leaving for a night shift at CFD. Morgan and Jordyn had looks of sheer concern, probably not sure if they should be happy or scared to death. Funny, I'm pretty sure that was exactly how BJ and I were feeling.
As we drove to the hospital, I texted my dispatcher friend, Julie to let her know what was happening and to tell the boys not to pull us over. Interesting side-note, a few days earlier we had a headlight out. BJ was able to get that changed on Friday, thankfully, because as we drove to the hospital we passed a patrol car that I have no doubts would have pulled us over. I suppose we may have gotten our very own police escort if they had. haha
We got to the hospital and checked in around 11:30 pm and by then I was having lots of the REAL contractions and yes, they were very different from the "practice" ones. We pulled up to the door to admitting where BJ ran in and got a wheel chair. It's was very different from the movies where everyone drops everything and rushes the woman to the delivery room for that single solitary magical push and the jelly covered baby appears (that looks 3 months old) and mom is just beautiful, not even breaking a sweat and it's all blissful and over with. BJ wheeled me in the building, the receptionists pointed us down the long, lonely white hall to the elevators.
When we arrived in labor and delivery, there was a nurse waiting for us. Tracy had called ahead and requested the tub room. I was instructed to get changed into my stylish gown, which, FYI, not the easiest thing to do with contractions that stop you in your tracks and take your balance right out from under you. BJ graciously helped me along and I was ready to get my antibiotics IV. I have to say, that was almost more painful that the contractions, especially considering, they had to try 3 different times to get a good vein.
I started to feel nauseous, so the nurse got me some apple juice and a small glass of water. Meanwhile, mom, Terra and Janna all showed up, upon my prior request to join BJ and Tracey on my birthing team. A wonderful team they all were too. I was feeling sicker with each contraction and finally threw up my apple juice,water and all of my dinner. I was regretting the meatballs at that point. After this point it was only lifesaver mints and ice chips for me. At about 12:30am Tracy check me and I was only between a 3 and a 4. Still a ways to go. I moved around from the ball to the bed. I found that the ball was much more comfortable than the bed, but the worst was finding that "comfortable" position and then having to move from it. I understand more now what they meant by, that "most uncomfortable position" helping to move things along.
My wonderful supporters took turns putting cool cloths on my face, putting pressure on my lower back, getting ice chips and holding my hand. I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the blessing it was to have all that love and support surrounding me. I know that had much to do with how smoothly it all went. Not to mention, the positive reinforcement from all of them telling me how amazingly I was doing and how strong I was. It made me feel stronger and I knew I could do it. We had told Tracy about my mom who had birthed 7 children and Grandma Thomson who had birthed 13 of her own, all 20 labors without anesthetic. At one point Tracy even said, "oh yes, you'll be able to have 13 of your own, just like Grandma!" I don't think I'll be having 13, but what a great vote of confidence! It really helped considering my state of mind at the time.
I would periodically ask BJ if it was his turn, or if he'd have the next one. Tracy said it was a pretty good sign if we were already talking about another baby, I was sure to point out that HE was having the next one. Everyone laughed, leave it to Jessica to make jokes during labor. :) It's all about 'how' we endure, and I want to 'endure it well' and 'enjoy the journey' along the way, after all, "it is but a small moment" and soon this life will be over and we will be asked to recall how we used our time. I hope I can say I endure it well.
That night is all such a blur now, but I recall the deep breathing and low toned moans and hums, just as we had practiced at our birthing class. I remember dozing off in between contractions, then waking up in such great pain, wanting to be done, but knowing it wouldn't last forever and soon I'd be holding my sweet angel in my arms. I remember my Darling BJ, being there beside me for most of the duration. He stepped out for a time with his mom. I found out later why, and I love him even more knowing that he loves me so very much and was having a difficult time watching me in such pain and not being able to do more for me or take it away. He was there for me through it all. The past 9 (10) months and now the final stretch. He had been and continues to be so very patient with me. I remember hearing comments about how polite we were to each other. He is always so good to me and I try my hardest to show my appreciation and gratitude to him. This time was no different, in fact I felt the need to be even more polite, because of his all consuming love and intense desire to serve me and save me from my gauntlet of childbirth I was experiencing. I love him.
When we arrived in labor and delivery, there was a nurse waiting for us. Tracy had called ahead and requested the tub room. I was instructed to get changed into my stylish gown, which, FYI, not the easiest thing to do with contractions that stop you in your tracks and take your balance right out from under you. BJ graciously helped me along and I was ready to get my antibiotics IV. I have to say, that was almost more painful that the contractions, especially considering, they had to try 3 different times to get a good vein.
01/30/11
I started to feel nauseous, so the nurse got me some apple juice and a small glass of water. Meanwhile, mom, Terra and Janna all showed up, upon my prior request to join BJ and Tracey on my birthing team. A wonderful team they all were too. I was feeling sicker with each contraction and finally threw up my apple juice,water and all of my dinner. I was regretting the meatballs at that point. After this point it was only lifesaver mints and ice chips for me. At about 12:30am Tracy check me and I was only between a 3 and a 4. Still a ways to go. I moved around from the ball to the bed. I found that the ball was much more comfortable than the bed, but the worst was finding that "comfortable" position and then having to move from it. I understand more now what they meant by, that "most uncomfortable position" helping to move things along.
My wonderful supporters took turns putting cool cloths on my face, putting pressure on my lower back, getting ice chips and holding my hand. I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the blessing it was to have all that love and support surrounding me. I know that had much to do with how smoothly it all went. Not to mention, the positive reinforcement from all of them telling me how amazingly I was doing and how strong I was. It made me feel stronger and I knew I could do it. We had told Tracy about my mom who had birthed 7 children and Grandma Thomson who had birthed 13 of her own, all 20 labors without anesthetic. At one point Tracy even said, "oh yes, you'll be able to have 13 of your own, just like Grandma!" I don't think I'll be having 13, but what a great vote of confidence! It really helped considering my state of mind at the time.
I would periodically ask BJ if it was his turn, or if he'd have the next one. Tracy said it was a pretty good sign if we were already talking about another baby, I was sure to point out that HE was having the next one. Everyone laughed, leave it to Jessica to make jokes during labor. :) It's all about 'how' we endure, and I want to 'endure it well' and 'enjoy the journey' along the way, after all, "it is but a small moment" and soon this life will be over and we will be asked to recall how we used our time. I hope I can say I endure it well.
That night is all such a blur now, but I recall the deep breathing and low toned moans and hums, just as we had practiced at our birthing class. I remember dozing off in between contractions, then waking up in such great pain, wanting to be done, but knowing it wouldn't last forever and soon I'd be holding my sweet angel in my arms. I remember my Darling BJ, being there beside me for most of the duration. He stepped out for a time with his mom. I found out later why, and I love him even more knowing that he loves me so very much and was having a difficult time watching me in such pain and not being able to do more for me or take it away. He was there for me through it all. The past 9 (10) months and now the final stretch. He had been and continues to be so very patient with me. I remember hearing comments about how polite we were to each other. He is always so good to me and I try my hardest to show my appreciation and gratitude to him. This time was no different, in fact I felt the need to be even more polite, because of his all consuming love and intense desire to serve me and save me from my gauntlet of childbirth I was experiencing. I love him.
I was very happy around 3am when she checked me again and I was at a 5. I finally got to get into the tub. We had made a CD entitled "Laboring for Lily", consisting mainly of tracks from the album, "Hymns of Praise". I enjoyed listening to those hymns while I was in the tub with the lights low and the jets running, a fetal heart rate monitor on my tummy and BJ holding my hand for about 2 hours. It was wonderful. I really think my labor went quicker because I was able to relax a little better in the water. It still hurt but it went relatively quickly.
Finally, around 5:30 I had to get out of the tub so we could see if I was ready to start pushing that little munchkin out and sure enough, we were ready. What an incredible ordeal. I will never forget the faces of my mom, Terra, Janna and BJ, rooting and cheering me along. I remember the nurse getting the mirror so I could see the head of my baby girl. "HOLY SMOKES!!! Is that my baby?!" I thought to myself. The nurse kept giving me oxygen, and I'd take the mask off because I couldn't breathe. It seemed so contradictory, but I won't say it didn't help me remember to breathe and catch my breath between contractions. I pushed for a quick 30 minutes and it was done! She was here at 6:17 am! The midwife said "Dad, do you want to help" and I didn't know til later what that meant, BJ got to help deliver Lily and then cut the umbilical cord. I was so proud of him! They put that slimy little angel on my tummy and I couldn't believe she was really there, squirmy and disgusting and beautiful! I just kept saying "my baby, my baby!" It was so surreal. Then they took her to clean her up and check her vitals. I found out later that she had her first bowel movement in the birth canal and she was covered in it. BLECH! ;) The adrenalin was so high in my system, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry or scream of just smile in utter content and amazement. My mom mentioned that the music that was playing from our CD during this time had been Come Come Ye Saints and Consider the Lilies, very fitting indeed.
Right after she was born I told my mom that it already seemed like such a dream and distant memory. What a blessing that is, to remember the love and sacrifice, but only vague memories of the pain. What a powerful feeling to be able to use God's power to bring life into the world and feel a small fraction of the power of the atonement in action. Someone has to suffer and sacrifice in order for such a miracle to come to pass and it's all out of LOVE. What an even greater appreciation and Love I feel for my Savior.
Lily was absolutely perfect and healthy and wonderful! Janna pointed out her perfect pink color. Terra said she had this threatening look on her face like she was going to cry but no sound came out, and then I heard that musical and angelic sound of her first cries. Mom said she had this little dimples and when the pediatrician came in he noticed them right off and said she'd been kissed by the dimple fairy. :) They cleaned her up and swaddled her tight and gave her to BJ. She fit so perfectly into his fatherly arms. That sight alone made it all worthwhile. "Joy in our posterity" could be considered an understatement if it weren't the perfect words of God himself. ;)
It still is hard to believe that I grew a person inside of me and now she is this amazing little personality that I can't imagine my life without and I love so much!!!
For some reason, I can't get the pictures to post right now so here they are:
PHOTOS ON MOM'S WEB ALBUM
https://picasaweb.google.com/115820984424243789096/Lily?feat=content_notification#
Right after she was born I told my mom that it already seemed like such a dream and distant memory. What a blessing that is, to remember the love and sacrifice, but only vague memories of the pain. What a powerful feeling to be able to use God's power to bring life into the world and feel a small fraction of the power of the atonement in action. Someone has to suffer and sacrifice in order for such a miracle to come to pass and it's all out of LOVE. What an even greater appreciation and Love I feel for my Savior.
Lily was absolutely perfect and healthy and wonderful! Janna pointed out her perfect pink color. Terra said she had this threatening look on her face like she was going to cry but no sound came out, and then I heard that musical and angelic sound of her first cries. Mom said she had this little dimples and when the pediatrician came in he noticed them right off and said she'd been kissed by the dimple fairy. :) They cleaned her up and swaddled her tight and gave her to BJ. She fit so perfectly into his fatherly arms. That sight alone made it all worthwhile. "Joy in our posterity" could be considered an understatement if it weren't the perfect words of God himself. ;)
It still is hard to believe that I grew a person inside of me and now she is this amazing little personality that I can't imagine my life without and I love so much!!!
For some reason, I can't get the pictures to post right now so here they are:
PHOTOS ON MOM'S WEB ALBUM
https://picasaweb.google.com/115820984424243789096/Lily?feat=content_notification#
