Your Arrival

Hey you.

This morning you threw up in a niiiiice looong line right on Daddy's side of the bed. Lucky for him, he's in Virginia right now on a business trip.

So. Do you wanna know your birth story? I haven't recorded it yet, so hopefully my memory isn't too fuzzy by now.

Daddy and I got married October 18th, 2013, and we both wanted to start having kids almost right away. Luckily, I got pregnant in February after only a couple weeks of trying. Your due date was November 25th, just a day after Dad's birthday. 

Now, as much as I love you, being pregnant was THE WORST. I was on two different medications because I couldn't stop throwing up. I'd just crawl back and forth from the bathroom to the bed. Luckily, Daddy took such good care of me. 

When you started kicking, everything changed. Yes I was still sick, and my back killed, but feeling you live and learn in my belly was the most beautiful motivation. 

Hiccups were the norm for you, along with back arches, and STRONG kicks and punches into my ribs. We'll just say you were trying to hug me, right? 

Chewing ice was the norm for me. That was the only craving I had really, but BOY I HAD TO HAVE THAT ICE. 

Fast forward to November 25th. 

I had an appointment that morning to see if I was at all dilated. Dad came with in between class and baseball practice. We were so eager to meet you, sweetheart, that when we learned that I was only at a 1, I wanted to scream. (When you have your first child, and you're 40 weeks pregnant, you'll understand). The plan was to wait until I went into labor myself, and if I didn't they'd induce me a week later. 

November 26th, 4:00 am.

I was up most of the night feeling so sick and uncomfortable. I was having some minor contractions, but nothing that seemed pre-labor. 

All of a sudden I sprint to the bathroom and throw up. And throw up. And throw up. And throw up. And have diarrhea. Over and over again. This lasted, non- stop, for 12 hours. 

Dad was getting super worried. He went out and got me Gatorade, and kept calling the nurse to see what we should do. I wasn't really having contractions, so going to the hospital wouldn't do much. 

4:00pm.

Contractions begin. I was so weak at this point, I could hardly move to brace myself from the pain. They were instantly close together, so Dad said "NOPE. THAT'S IT. WE'RE GOING." I started nervously laughing. I'm a procrastinator, and hadn't packed a hospital bag yet, so Dad threw some stuff in a bag, and I hobbled my way into the car. 

We lived about 4 minutes away from the hospital. I remember that drive was so surreal. Dad and I kept looking at each other like "WAIT. This is actually happening...Oh my gosh. We're going to meet her...WHAT IS HAPPENING!??" I remember laughing a lot during that time. Your father is the best husband, because he can make the scariest, craziest, worst experiences the absolute best. He calmed my nerves by making me laugh so hard. I hope your future husband does just the same. 

We walked in and they led us to our room. After a few tests, we learned that I still wasn't far along. I was at a 2, if I remember correctly. However, the contractions just kept on coming. I remember Grandma had told me that when she had us, (Aunt Sydney, Uncle Calvin, and me) that she had tons of contractions, but they didn't cause dilation. 

It was miserable. 

Luckily, they said we could stay. 

Contractions. Again and again. I was so weak and exhausted, the thought of trying to push a baby out of me seemed impossible. 

Dad was so sweet. He'd watch the monitor and warn me when the contraction was coming. At this point I was crying and shaking from the pain. And then, an angel walked in the room.

The anesthesiologist.

After the epidural went in, I remember almost passing out. I was shaking violently, and threw up, and then something happened to your heartbeat, so they put an oxygen mask on me, and did something else, I can't remember. It all happened so fast, I remember crying because it scared me. 

After everything calmed down, it was just a waiting game.
Eventually, our awesome nurse informed us that it was time to push. I suddenly felt very nervous. I hadn't read any birthing books, or gone to any classes. Honestly though, I'm glad I didn't. I think my ignorance allowed me to fully trust and rely on my nurse, my doctor, and my instincts.
The pushing time flew by. It only took thirty minutes, and you were here.
Thanksgiving morning. 5:06am. 7lbs 10oz. 19.5in.
I remember Daddy saying " Oh my gosh, I see her head, I see her head!"
And then I got to see you.
This perfect tiny little girl.
Dad and I both started sobbing. It was hands-down the most spiritual moment either of us had experienced. We were instantly so in love with our little Sadie Jane.
Later that day, Dad started throwing up and had diarrhea too, sooo turns out that's not how I go into labor, we simply got the flu in a really bad way. Impeccable timing.

So there you have it, little one. One of the best days of our lives.
Also, while I wrote this out, you were crawling all over me, pulling my pants down, and pressing all of the computer keys. Excellent participation.

Now you're sleeping. I want to wake you up, but I won't. Promise.

xo//xo
mommy