August 19, 2013

4:30 am
Our alarms go off!  I get my shower and double check that I have everything I think I need.  Your Daddy loads the car and we are off.
6:15 am
We arrived on the 3rd floor of the birthing suites at St. Vincent's Birmingham and were directed to Room 323 where we immediately began prepping for your arrival!

7:30 am

As my nurses Amy and Brooke prep my IV's and fluids, Dr. Stone arrives and breaks my water and informs us that I am dilated at a 2 still.  They start my pitocin drip and before I know it, we are literally awaiting your arrival!

Shortly after, your Honey Sue and Nana arrive along with Pops and Gene.  

12:00 ish

Everyone is wondering if and when I will take the epidural.  I am feeling contractions by now, which I wanted to experience in part, so I decide I am ready.

I dont like the numb feeling but am convinced it is better than intense contractions.

3:30

Still in labor.  I have dilated to a 4, barely.  They have tried moving me around and now I am sitting up, hoping you will drop down.

 Shortly after this picture is taken, I realize that my epidural is wearing off.  I am starting to feel contractions and they are very intense.  A nurse comes in and tries to give me a boost but nothing changes.  Your Dr. Daddy realizes that the entire epidural has come out of my back.  So for about 45 minutes I feel strong contractions (but let me say it was completely worth it!) as we wait for the anesthesiologist to come back in and give me a complete new line.

5:45
Dr. Stone comes in to check and I am barely at a 5.  I can see the concern in his eyes as I am now 11 hours into labor and haven't progressed as he would like me to.  He proceeds to tell me that he would advise his own wife to have a c-section at this point.  I immediately get emotional as I really never expected to make this decision.  I look at your Daddy and I can tell he agrees although he is wanting me to make the decision...Dr. Stone tells me that you aren't as far down as you need to be and that your little head is already starting to cone.  I think that alone convinces me that its time...
All of your grandparents had gone to dinner so I make sure your Daddy goes to find them all before they take me back for the cesarean.

6:00
All of the family joins us in the room and I know they are exhausted themselves and sooo ready to meet you.  I get a little emotional as I am nervous but everyone reminds me that I am literally about to meet your sweet face!  Aunt Mimi brings me a blue cross to hold in my hands which makes me cry because it is like the one Honey held.  Everyone joins around the bed as your Daddy prays over me and you!  It was a beautiful moment truly!

Daddy getting ready!  (I've never seen him so handsome!)

6:28 pm

Our last picture together before your arrival!

They take us back to surgery and begin prepping me.  Dr. Stone and your Daddy keep telling me that I am about to meet you in a matter of minutes!  I became a little sick from the epidural and nerves, so they give me nausea medicine during the procedure.  They wouldn't let Daddy come into the room until I was prepped, but he would talk to me everytime the door would open, saying "I'm right here Lanny".  Shortly after Dr. Stone comes into the room, your Daddy joins me and the process of your birth begins!

6:47

I hear your cry.....and my world is changed....