One year ago today I was discouraged. I had my weekly ob checkup. I had not dilated in a week. I was walking around town at 4 cm. I still had 10 days to go until my due date, but I was DONE. The day went ahead as usual: kids home from school, snack, homework, and then off to piano practice. It was at piano practice that I started having regular 5 minute contractions. I didn't think anything of them as they felt like the ole' Braxton Hicks I had known so well. I drove Abby and I home. Still contracting. Sent Eric to SCC meeting at the school at 6 p.m. Still contracting. Trying to keep the kiddos happy until Eric got home. Contractions getting noticeably more painful. Hmmm. Start pacing the floor holding my back. Breathing through a contraction. Waiting for Eric at the back door as he arrived about 7:15. I tell him it's time to call Kerri and go. 7:45 on our way out the door. Walk to van and try to get in seat. Stop to breathe. Somehow I get in and have HORRIBLE contractions all the way to the hospital. Realize I had waited too long at home and started to worry the baby would come in the car. Eric drops me off at the curb. I leave him and walk in by myself, almost in tears. Eric catches up as he decides to leave the car in the drop off zone. Make it up to labor/delivery. Can barely speak. Tears come. Water breaks. Rushed to room. In SERIOUS pain. IV in. Get checked. I'm between an 8 and 9. Get epidural as contractions are now 30 seconds apart. No time to catch breath. Eric decides to not move the van just yet. Good idea. Get checked again. Baby's head is there. Time to push. Two pushes. A quiet baby is put on my chest at 9:04 p.m. on her Bapa's birthday--11/20. That bloody baby is instantly beautiful to me. Love at first sight! Eric moves the van.
I can't believe that drama happened a year ago already. I'm thankful Evy and I are here both safe and sound as there were some touchy moments during that delivery. I'm thankful for my Rosie and the happiness she has brought to our family. I'm thankful that from all the hardship and misery of carrying and delivering my baby, a little rose was born. I can't wait to watch her grow even more. Here's to Miss Evelyn Rose!
