I went to the doctor on the afternoon of September 4. The doctor determined that my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart and they were putting some stress on baby. So, she sent us over to the hospital for monitoring. We were told not to stop at home and get our bags or pick up dinner, just go and get things checked out.
However, we did stop to take a picture by this sign while walking into the hospital from the parking lot:
However, we did stop to take a picture by this sign while walking into the hospital from the parking lot:
We were all checked in by 8PM. Grampie watched an episode of Hot in Cleveland and I ordered a chicken sandwich. Grammie went home to get her bag, Eric's bag, my bag, and baby's bag. Needless to say, security gave her a thorough check when she came back into the hospital. Grampie checked out for the night.
Sidenote: Long before I knew I was pregnant, or even before I met my husband, I imagined that on the day my baby would be born, my Mom would be there. She has delivered babies for 38 years, she birthed me, and now has delivered my child. In a way maybe only mothers and daughters can understand, having her there was one of the most cherished memories of my life.
At 3:15AM my bag of waters broke. (Eric thinks there are few phrases more disgusting than "bag of waters".) We were all having a good time as I laughed, straddled a birth ball, and drowned the room in amniotic fluid. The good times lasted for all of five minutes and then things got intense. I was not laughing anymore.
At 4:30AM I asked for the epidural. My contractions were 1-2 minutes apart but I was not dilating. After the crochet hooks were removed from my back (sorry for grabbing you by the collar during that, Mom), I was able to rest. At 8AM my body was ready to have a baby and at 8:47AM, Clay Matthew was born (though he was nameless for a few hours).
At 4:30AM I asked for the epidural. My contractions were 1-2 minutes apart but I was not dilating. After the crochet hooks were removed from my back (sorry for grabbing you by the collar during that, Mom), I was able to rest. At 8AM my body was ready to have a baby and at 8:47AM, Clay Matthew was born (though he was nameless for a few hours).
What I would give for the words to describe holding my son for the first time. Here's a picture instead: