Thursday, March 26 (11 days early)
1:30 pm - I am at the doctor's office for my weekly check up. They also scheduled a nonstress test to check on our big girl. The week before's ultrasound estimated she was already right at 9lbs. The nonstress test was just to make sure she was healthy and then we would move forward with a scheduled induction on Mon the 30th. The test showed baby with a strong heart beat and showed contractions coming about every 10 minutes! Talk about encouraging.
4:45 - Will is home from work. I am making supper. "Will, just warning you; these contractions haven't stopped yet." Slightly large-eyed, Will says to keep him posted.
5:45 - Middle of supper. Contractions have been strong and coming pretty consistently about every 5 minutes apart. I can see Will starting to get his my-wife-is-in-labor serious face on. According to Will, my face showed how strong the contractions were.
6:30 - I call the doctor. Dr. Beatty says to "Come on to the hospital. Third babies can come fast."
7:40 - We have Anna-Kate and Benjamin settled with Oma and Opa. They also drop off Gladys with Uncle David and Aunt Ashley for us.
7:55 - Favorite moment! Will is in husband of wife in labor mode. He doesn't see the red light and makes a left turn on red (on Blue Ridge Rd, making a left onto Lake Boone Trail, last turn before turning in to the hospital).
8:10 - Checked into the triage area at labor and delivery of the hospital.
8:20 - The triage nurse says, "Well, your contractions have slowed to only about every 6 minutes. You are only about 3cm dilated. I doubt you will be admitted right now." It took everything in me to not start crying right in that moment!
8:21 - Dr. Beatty walks into the triage area. The nurse tells her what is going on. She looks at me and says that based on what the nurse is saying, I might not be admitted. Policy says I can't encourage labor along until after 39 weeks and you are only 38 weeks, 4 days right now.
Me, still trying to not ugly cry, "I understand policy. I respect what you have to do. But, I am going to cry if you send me home."
8:22 - Dr. Beatty: Let's not cry yet. Before I send you home, why don't you walk around and then we'll see where you are in an hour. Do you mind if I check you first to have my own sense of comparison?
8:23 - Dr. Beatty: I would say you are 4 cm. Your chart says you were 2 and 60% this afternoon. I would put you at 4 and 80%. You're in labor. Want to have a baby? "Yes!!"
8:40 - Checked in!
10:30 - Epidural. Followed by a big blood pressure drop and lots of nausea. Not a fun part of the process.
11:20 - Blood pressure back on track. Nausea gone. Dr. Beatty breaks my water.
March 27th (10 days early)
12:15am - Checked. Only about 5cm.
1:20 - About 6cm. "Why am I not further along?!" Dr. Beatty: Well, third babies either come really fast, or they take their time. "Thanks for telling me now! Come on girl, it's time to get out !!" Realizing she is not going to come as fast I want her too. I finally relax enough to doze some.
2:55 - I woke up. "Will, I think I need to push!" Don't. Not yet. Call the nurse.
3:10 - Okay. We can start pushing. After figuring out she has to turn a little as she arrives, finally...
3:47 - Bethany is here!
My baby is here! Skin-to-skin is the best post-delivery thought ever!
4:50am - Time to check baby and clean baby. Blood sugar low. Only 26, when its supposed to be >46. Bethany has to be taken back to the nursery to watch to make sure her blood sugar comes up and, with family history, watch for allergic reaction to the milk they had to give her.
6am - Mama is in post-partum room. Baby is back where she should be, in Mama's arms! Bethany is healthy, blood sugar back up and no reaction.
Daddy is finally able to hold his baby girl. First daddy images with baby...Melts my heart every time!
Welcome to our family Bethany!
