Presley Elizabeth

When I woke up on Wednesday morning, I did not feel good, physically or mentally. Physically, my body was just so ready for the baby to be born. There was a ton of pressure on my pelvis from where the baby was resting (It was like I had been riding on a horse for days and days.), and I did not think my stomach could stretch any further. Mentally, I was struggling between having a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or just having another c-section. John and I decided before I was even pregnant that if the doctors felt I was a good candidate for a VBAC, then that was the way to go. I really wanted the experience of having a vaginal birth. I imagined having the baby pain free (thanks to an epidural) then having the doctor place the baby on my stomach. I wanted the experience of being aware of the events that follow the birth of a baby. I was robbed of that with Rebecca's birth, so I really wanted to experience it with this baby. But as time drew closer, I started to doubt by ability to have a VBAC. I questioned whether it was the right thing to do. Was it safe? Plus, I was just so ready for the baby to come. On the other hand, I wanted the baby to come when she was ready. I wanted it to be on God's time.

So that morning, I was in a funk. Luckily, I had a doctor's appointment. John met me there for moral support. This appointment was to be my pre-op appointment, since I was scheduled to have a c-section on Monday, Feb. 15th if the baby was not here already. Dr. Dawson reassured me that we were doing the right thing. He eased my worries. He also told me that I was already 4cm dilated, which gave us all hope that the baby would be here soon. We just did not realize how soon. Dr. Dawson did tell us to come to the hospital when I was having regular contractions 8-10 minutes apart for a whole hour, instead of 5 minutes apart that they tell most patients. He did not want me to labor at home because I was trying for a VBAC.

I spent the afternoon resting. I was feeling better mentally, but physically I was in more pain. I was not having contractions, but felt a lot of pressure. However, by 4:30 I was starting to have some Braxton-Hicks contractions. I was not alarmed by this because they were so irregular and I had been having these off and on all week. But by 6:30, the contractions were getting stronger. They were still irregular, but much more painful.

I ate a barbecue dinner (yum!) and went to lay down to see if the contractions would stop. They continued and were anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes apart. Around 8:30 they were closer to 10 minutes apart. At 9:00 we called the doctor to let him know we were on the way to the hospital. At this point, I was having major back labor. I could bearly put my shoes on because of the pain, but I was not panicked because the contractions were still about 10 minutes apart. John and I both were preparing for a long night of labor. My dad, on the other hand, was a nervous wreak, thinking I was about to give birth on the kitchen floor.

The trip to the hospital was the longest drive ever, and we only live about 5 miles from there, if that. My contractions were picking up speed and they hurt like nothing I have ever felt. Of course, once we got to the hospital, there was no parking up front, so John dropped me off and went to find parking. I somehow managed to check myself in through the pain. By the time I was finished, John was with me. They sent us back to Labor and Delivery room A6.

When I got there, I was barely able to tell the nurse, Sarah, that I was Group B Strep positive and that I was allergic to penicillin. I also informed her I wanted an epidural, stat! She gave me a gown and asked me to give her a urine sample. It took everything I had to change into the gown, and the urine sample was not going to happen. I was in too much pain.

Sarah then checked my cervix. She looked perplexed and said, "Let me get someone in her to make sure this is right." What? What do you mean? "I think you are already 10 cm." Okay great, but I want an epidural. Soon another nurse came in and said that I am more like 9 3/4cm dialated, but informed me that there was no time for an epidural. The baby was coming soon.

I do not really remember what I felt at this time, probably because I was in so much pain. Looking back, I almost seems like it was a dream happening to someone else.

Yeah right, like I was about to give birth without an epidural.

Well, I had no choice.

Most people who plan on giving birth naturally plan on it for some time. They prepare. They read books and take classes. They practice breathing and meditating. They have massage techniques down and tranquil playlist ready. I HAD NONE OF THAT!

Luckily, a nurse came in and taught me how to breath through each contraction. Then the fun began.

After about 45 minutes of severe pain, ice chips, counting to ten, a few choice words, screaming and crying, doubt, and tireless pushing, I naturally delivered a baby girl.

I remember the doctor saying, "Here she comes." I remember her crying. I remember her on my stomach. I remember John saying over and over, "You did it. You did it." I remember everything.

After the baby was taken to the other side of the room, I remember exhaling and thinking, "I did it."

Presley Elizabeth was born at 11:15 pm on February 10. She was absolutely perfect.

My mom always said that when you have a second child, you don't have to share your love with your children, but your heart grows to make room for more love. That is my description of this picture. Presley was looking straight at me, and my heart was growing for her.

Nannie and Mimi were at the hospital and waited patiently for the arrival of Presley.

Presley was my grandfather's middle name. It is also my sister Denise's middle name. Elizabeth comes from John's side of the family. Several of his family members share the name, including his sister, Amy.

I think she looks a lot like her Daddy.

After only 36 hours in the hospital, we were sent home.

We made it home just before the snow began.

We were so glad to get home to our own beds and especially to Rebecca. A post will soon follow that is all about Rebecca and her reaction to her new baby sister.