A BIRTH Day Post

Wow, it's amazing how quickly life can change!  For those of you who are not aware, a very healthy Maddie Ann was born 10 days early on the morning of July 31st.  Eric and I have talked several times about the fact that we never knew we could love someone so much, so fast. 

As soon as we arrived at the hospital, Eric began documenting Maddie's birth story (in bold).  I've added my own commentary for those of you who really care to know more. 

Without further ado, here is our sweet baby girl's birth story:

JULY 30, 2010

8:57 PM-Mommy’s water broke at home.  Daddy got the phone call on his way to a softball game.
I had absolutely no indication that labor would be starting.  In fact, I was passing time by playing Mario Kart until it was time for me to head to the softball game.  As soon as my water broke I called Eric, who thought I was kidding, and then I jumped into the shower.  While I was showering Eric made some phone calls and hastily finished packing our bags.

9:47 PM–Mommy and Daddy arrived at the hospital.
We weren't the only ones to show up at the hospital, our families came as well.  I guess that's what happens when you all live in the same town.  To get to Labor and Delivery I had to walk through the ER with a towel wrapped around me.  I felt super cool.

10:00 PM–Mommy and Daddy were admitted to the hospital and taken to a triage room to be checked out by a resident.
The resident had to do a test to verify that my water had broken, as if the constant leak of fluid wasn't enough evidence.  He also checked to see if I was actually in labor and sure enough I was, despite the fact that I hadn't experienced any major contractions.

10:47 PM–We were moved into our Labor and Delivery room.
By the time we finally got into our room, my contractions had started BIG TIME and I requested an epidural.

JULY 31, 2010

1:00 AM–The anesthesiologists finally showed up to give Mommy her epidural.
Nearly two hours after my request and two attempts later, I finally got some relief from my contractions.  By that point I was contracting with little to no break in between.

1:43 AM–The Grandmas and Rachel say goodnight to Mommy.
It turns out our family spent the night in the waiting room.  They may have had a little too much fun.

2:00 AM–Mommy and Daddy settled in for a nap.
Eric and I figured we still had several hours before active labor, so he changed into pajamas and I took out my contacts.  We wanted to be well rested for Maddie's birth.

2:10 AM– The residents checked Mommy and said that you were ready for your grand arrival.
No sooner had we turned out the lights, there was a knock on the door.  For anyone who has ever spent the night in the hospital, you know that this is routine procedure.  After one resident checked me out, he had his partner check.  They didn't have good poker faces so I could tell something was going on.  We were told that I had progressed very quickly and it was time to push.  So much for the nap!

2:20 AM–Mommy started pushing.
Not fun.

3:50 AM–Mommy was still pushing, but the nurse called for the doctor saying it wouldn't be long.
Even less fun.  It was at this point that I asked if they had secretly turned the epidural off, but they said no.  Through all of this Eric was a fabulous coach.

4:16 AM– You arrived--all 8 lbs, 9.5 oz and 20 inches of you!!!!
My room had a reflective ceiling tile above the bed, so I was actually able to see Maddie's birth.  Gross, yet cool at the same time.  After the delivery Maddie was taken over to the side of the room to get checked out and cleaned up.  I don't think Eric left her side.  I had the pleasure of being stuck on the table while I got "fixed up," but I did have a good view of Eric and Maddie.

We have a LOT more pictures, many of which can be seen on Facebook.  I'll leave you with a picture that I don't like very much, but it IS our first family picture so I guess I'll have to learn to like it.

P.S. Congratulations to Emily for winning the baby pool!  Who knew the day I planned to lock it would also be the day that I'd go into labor?