8:15 pm - "You're probably not quite there yet, but we'll call you 4 cm. We'll go ahead and admit you." Thank goodness! By that point, I was in no condition to do anything else but wait for Baby K (and medication!). A mere 30 minutes later, the nurse asked me how I felt about the epidural that I had made clear that I wanted at some point, and I proudly told her I was ready any time! Having been told many times in life that my tolerance for pain is fairly high, I was only 4 cm but I darn sure I was ready for help getting through these contractions! Once I was certain that my epidural couldn't "run out" and there was not "too much" I could get, I ordered the aenesthesiologish arrive as soon as he was available!
10:15 pm - HEAVEN! I'm in heaven! "Why would anyone NOT do this!" is all I could think. I told the doctor I loved him - it was clearly not the first time he had heard that. The nurses said we should settle in for the night. Michael curled up on his loveseat and I was strapped in to several monitors next to some beeping machine, with everything shifting whenever I rolled to my side---the only way to rest in my exploded state---as we awaited the immenient birth of our first born, and we were supposed "to rest"?!? Michael and I found much comedy in the moment as we attempted to drift off before... POP!
March 12, 2:22 am: "Ha! I know I've never been through this before, babe, but I'm pretty sure my water just broke! If it wasn't already, it's official now that this baby is coming!". It sounded like a balloon bursting and it woke Michael up, too. Obviously I could feel what it was, but the sound, too, was clear as the Colorado sky. Even a first-timer can't mistake that experience! The nurses changed my bedding and said, "try to go back to sleep again, if you can!".
6:00 am: Watson had called in at 4:45 and they explained that I was here to stay. "Okay, we're probably going to have you start pushing within the hour. Watson's having breakfast with his family and will be here soon." "Great!", I thought. "That means Watson can help me and still get to his office for his 9:00 appointment!" But I tried once and failed miserably. I really couldn't feel anything at all.
8:30 am: Before I knew it, it was 8:30 and Watson bounced in grinning from ear to ear like he does. "Hey There! Are you ready to have a baby? Let's do this!". I couldn't help but laugh. Michael and the nurse held my legs as I had to ask Michael to warn me of contractions because my lovely epidural was still in full force. I could actually feel some pressure, so the three of us worked together with each contraction....and I worried about whether Em should be in the room or not. I had left the decision up to her. I made her promise me that nothing she saw would influence her decision on whether or not have children. Dr. Watson interrupted my concern, "You're doing great, Elizabeth! And the baby is acting like a girl!"....meaning??...."the baby's cooperating - really making progress with each push."
I'm glad he said that---though I wasn't sure I believed him---so I persevered. Soon, I could see a head, and the next thing I knew, Watson calmly said, "Reach your hands down, Elizabeth." I did as instructed and unbeknownst to me he handed me a small, wet child....my tiny little baby...our precious baby. I had no idea we were that far along. I shed my first tears as Watson proclaimed, "And you little girl has a penis!".
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
At the Hospital
I'll fly throw these boring details, but as this experience is someday for Andrew and his siblings, I'll note a few things here that they should know.
On the way to work from my 9:00am appt on March 11, I told Mom yet again that I just didn't think I would make it to April 3. I knew that people could walk around for weeks at 3 cm, but I just didn't think I would. Her only feasible response was "well, if you can't wait until April 3, you'll have to give Dad company on March 23." Mom had figured out that of the 9 adults in our immediate family and 3 grandchilden---at the time---that all 12 people had birthdays on either the 3, 7, 11, or 12 of the month, except for Dad, who is a 23rd. So to keep Mom's recordkeeping easy, Baby K, as we had deemed him early, just had to be born on the 3, 7, 11 or 12. It would be acceptable, however, to "join" Dad on the 23rd. But I reminded Mom that the 23rd was Easter this year and that I didn't want to miss church on Easter with the inspiring choir Wellshire has and the huge orchestra they always bring in for the big day. Her response was simple. "You go into labor anytime after noon and still have the baby by midnight!". Only hours after this conversation, I would be in labor. The date was the 11th. Baby K may not be here by midnight, but that's okay as the 12th follows the 11th.
March 11, 7:00pm - Arrive at the hospital - pain is sufficient to disallow speech during contractions. Completely deflated when told, "you are still only 3 cm. We typically don't admit patients until they are 4 cm." "Well what on earth do I need to do to make THAT happen!?!? I am NOT going home in this state. What would I do?!?! I am clearly NOT going to work tomorrow...or to sleep tonight!" Walk the halls for an hour and see what happens.
8:00pm - "Em? We're at the hospital. I don't know if anything is gonna happen----silence for 45 seconds----tonight or not, but I wanted to put you on dog alert in case is does." "I'm out the door right now! I'm going to get Daisy and Molly, bringing them to my house and coming to the hospital.". "But it's too early...". "Bye!".
On the way to work from my 9:00am appt on March 11, I told Mom yet again that I just didn't think I would make it to April 3. I knew that people could walk around for weeks at 3 cm, but I just didn't think I would. Her only feasible response was "well, if you can't wait until April 3, you'll have to give Dad company on March 23." Mom had figured out that of the 9 adults in our immediate family and 3 grandchilden---at the time---that all 12 people had birthdays on either the 3, 7, 11, or 12 of the month, except for Dad, who is a 23rd. So to keep Mom's recordkeeping easy, Baby K, as we had deemed him early, just had to be born on the 3, 7, 11 or 12. It would be acceptable, however, to "join" Dad on the 23rd. But I reminded Mom that the 23rd was Easter this year and that I didn't want to miss church on Easter with the inspiring choir Wellshire has and the huge orchestra they always bring in for the big day. Her response was simple. "You go into labor anytime after noon and still have the baby by midnight!". Only hours after this conversation, I would be in labor. The date was the 11th. Baby K may not be here by midnight, but that's okay as the 12th follows the 11th.
March 11, 7:00pm - Arrive at the hospital - pain is sufficient to disallow speech during contractions. Completely deflated when told, "you are still only 3 cm. We typically don't admit patients until they are 4 cm." "Well what on earth do I need to do to make THAT happen!?!? I am NOT going home in this state. What would I do?!?! I am clearly NOT going to work tomorrow...or to sleep tonight!" Walk the halls for an hour and see what happens.
8:00pm - "Em? We're at the hospital. I don't know if anything is gonna happen----silence for 45 seconds----tonight or not, but I wanted to put you on dog alert in case is does." "I'm out the door right now! I'm going to get Daisy and Molly, bringing them to my house and coming to the hospital.". "But it's too early...". "Bye!".
The Beginning of it All
Early August, 2007, Michael and I confirmed that we were indeed expecting our first child. Hesitant to share the word beyond family until reaching the presumed "safe zone" of the second trimester, we quietly waited to spread our enthusiasm. By mid-September, we were telling anyone who cared enough to listen that on or around April 3, we would be proud parents---perhaps ignorant, but proud none the less.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008: 2 cm dilated - hmmm.
Friday, March 7, 2008: Sold the Mustang. Told the baby they were worth it. Cried.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:00am: 3 cm dilated, 70 % effaced.
Dr. Watson smiled, "If you'd like to have the baby this weekend, that'd be fine because I'm on call! I'll be at the hospital anyway!" to which I could only reply, "That'd be fine - I can watch the ACC while I'm there."
I was a little concerned that I hadn't felt the baby moving as much in the past week as I previously had. Watson's suggestion: drink something sweet if during a time of usual movement you don't feel anything. If that doesn't spur obvious movement, come on back in.
10:00am - Bought chocolate milk at 7-11
1:00pm - What was that? I don't feel quite right - oh, what a stomach ache.
2:00pm - Meeting - "So, I don't feel great and I'm not saying that anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's how we need to progress while I'm on leave....".
3:00pm - Ok, I've been trying to go to the bathroom, but nothing is happening and this stomach ache is only getting worse. It's making me squirm - I can't sit still.
3:15pm - Email to Michael before he leaves work for lacrosse practice: "I'm either extremely constipated...sorry for the honesty...or having contractions. Ha! Call me when you leave the field."
3:30pm - What do you know? Since I started paying attention, it appears that I am squirming in my seat about every 3 minutes. "Crap! If I'm in labor, I have a lot to do before I leave work!"
4:00pm - Ok, there is no doubt I'm having contractions - but I have too many loose ends to tie up!
5:00pm - Give my manager an update on the morning's appointment. "I haven't felt quite right this afternoon. I'm not saying anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's where I am on things...".
5:15pm - On the lightrail, definitely having contractions and, desperately trying not to let on to the train full of strangers around me.
5:30pm - Driving home and should not be driving at all. Why is there so much traffic TODAY?!?!
5:45pm - That bag they kept talking about...maybe I should pack it. Where's my list???
6:00pm - Michael calls and doesn't have a chance to speak, "Are you on your way home?!?!" "Yes - are you okay?" "Yep...pause...but it hurts and I'm definitely in labor." "Ok, just lay down and relax." Silence. "I am." "Time the contractions and write down how far apart they are." "....yep....deep breath...I'm doing that." "Ok, I'll be home in 10-15 minutes. I love you.".
6:15pm - So this is happening! Maybe... I think we need to call the answering service. Let's both shower first. It may be a while before we can again.
6:30pm - Watson calls, excited, "Hey Elizabeth! So your contractions are 2-3 minutes apart lasting 45-60 seconds? Sounds like you should come on in! I'll see you at the hospital."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008: 2 cm dilated - hmmm.
Friday, March 7, 2008: Sold the Mustang. Told the baby they were worth it. Cried.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:00am: 3 cm dilated, 70 % effaced.
Dr. Watson smiled, "If you'd like to have the baby this weekend, that'd be fine because I'm on call! I'll be at the hospital anyway!" to which I could only reply, "That'd be fine - I can watch the ACC while I'm there."
I was a little concerned that I hadn't felt the baby moving as much in the past week as I previously had. Watson's suggestion: drink something sweet if during a time of usual movement you don't feel anything. If that doesn't spur obvious movement, come on back in.
10:00am - Bought chocolate milk at 7-11
1:00pm - What was that? I don't feel quite right - oh, what a stomach ache.
2:00pm - Meeting - "So, I don't feel great and I'm not saying that anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's how we need to progress while I'm on leave....".
3:00pm - Ok, I've been trying to go to the bathroom, but nothing is happening and this stomach ache is only getting worse. It's making me squirm - I can't sit still.
3:15pm - Email to Michael before he leaves work for lacrosse practice: "I'm either extremely constipated...sorry for the honesty...or having contractions. Ha! Call me when you leave the field."
3:30pm - What do you know? Since I started paying attention, it appears that I am squirming in my seat about every 3 minutes. "Crap! If I'm in labor, I have a lot to do before I leave work!"
4:00pm - Ok, there is no doubt I'm having contractions - but I have too many loose ends to tie up!
5:00pm - Give my manager an update on the morning's appointment. "I haven't felt quite right this afternoon. I'm not saying anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's where I am on things...".
5:15pm - On the lightrail, definitely having contractions and, desperately trying not to let on to the train full of strangers around me.
5:30pm - Driving home and should not be driving at all. Why is there so much traffic TODAY?!?!
5:45pm - That bag they kept talking about...maybe I should pack it. Where's my list???
6:00pm - Michael calls and doesn't have a chance to speak, "Are you on your way home?!?!" "Yes - are you okay?" "Yep...pause...but it hurts and I'm definitely in labor." "Ok, just lay down and relax." Silence. "I am." "Time the contractions and write down how far apart they are." "....yep....deep breath...I'm doing that." "Ok, I'll be home in 10-15 minutes. I love you.".
6:15pm - So this is happening! Maybe... I think we need to call the answering service. Let's both shower first. It may be a while before we can again.
6:30pm - Watson calls, excited, "Hey Elizabeth! So your contractions are 2-3 minutes apart lasting 45-60 seconds? Sounds like you should come on in! I'll see you at the hospital."
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