Labor and Delivery

Well, it has been a week since Ava made her surprise appearance into the world, so I think now I can talk about her delivery. I figured since it was my fourth child, she would just, "slide right out," as Chad said the morning I went into labor. I did not think however that she would come a day early (or 5 for that matter). I was seriously unprepared. Luckily the day before she came I was very productive, and I finished Claire's room, moved the boys into their freshly painted room, and was ready to work on the baby room over the weekend. I did not however have any blankets out or washed, have any clothes ready, or have a bag packed at all. I guess that is all part of this crazy story, so here goes.

So the morning of May 20th, I woke up at about 5:30, and couldn't go back to sleep. I was having contractions like normal, but didn't think anything of them. I was just getting ready to get up and finish sewing blankets for the baby when I felt this weird pop, that kinda shuddered my whole body. Nothing happened, so I laid there for a few more minutes, and figured that it was nothing. Well, I was wrong. When I stood up I'm sure the gasp out of my mouth woke Chad up and I just stood there and said, "ummmm." Chad looked up and asked me what was going on. I told him I thought that my water had just broke. In his surprised voice he said, "really!" I ran to the bathroom, and was pretty sure that is what happened. Well, I couldn't just sit around anymore, plus I had preschool that day, so I ran downstairs and made all my copies for preschool, and got everything ready. I wasn't having contractions that bad yet, so I got everything ready for my sister to take over, and then came back upstairs. That is when the real gush of water came, and Chad was in full swing. I was taking my time, so I packed a bag, took a shower, and got ready. I figured since I was finally going to have a baby during the day, I would at least look good. Chad called his mom, and she was here in no time. By 7:00 they were pushing me out the door. I figured I could stay home longer, but I really didn't need my kids to see me in labor, so we were off. We had called our neighbor to come and help Chad give me a blessing, but apparently Chad and Darik got their messages crossed because we were waiting at home, and he was headed to the hospital - thanks for you help Darik.

Once we got to the hospital, I waited for the midwife, and she told me I was only a 3, but I was moving quickly, so she decided to let us stay. I progressed quickly and by 9:30ish I was ready to push. They were sure this baby was coming quickly. However the baby had other plans. I was stuck at a 9 1/2 for forever, and with the way the baby was positioned, I wouldn't progress any more. It was lovely!! I just continued to push, and seriously tried every labor position possible, but nothing was happening. They finally figured that she was turned transverse (which means sideways), and there wasn't much they could do. They started an IV and gave me some pit to possibly help the labor go faster. I was sooooo ready for drugs by hour 3 of pushing, and I signed the forms. Of course it always takes a few minutes, so by the time the lady got in there to give me something, I was able to finally get the baby out. I told Chad he cursed me that morning by telling me the baby would "slide out." However, we were very relieved to have a healthy baby. She had a serious cone head for the first few days, but the caps always cover that up. She has been such a good baby. She has a very nice temperament, and seems to be very mellow. After she was born she hardly cried, and just laid in Chad's arms for an hour wide awake. She is such a blessing, and we are so grateful to have her in our family.
So much for getting ready and looking good! I don't know how women go through labor and then look fantastic. I need to learn their secret!