It was Friday December 13th, how freaking creepy now that I think about it!!!! We went out on a date even though I was having contractions. In fact, I had been having contractions all week on and off. But that night they really got bad. We were eating and I was really trying to enjoy, but I was in a lot of pain. So we cut the date short, missed the movie and went home. At that point I started to count the time between contractions! It was about 9pm when we got home and I just remember thinking wow is this it?? You can read about labor. Listen to your friends' stories about their labor. Watch videos about labor. Whatever! NOTHING prepares you. You don't know how or when or what it will be like, you just don't! My contractions at first felt like bad lower back pains, and as I progressed I could kind of feel the pain radiate to the front, and it would peak then subside. I'll back up a little bit and tell you that week on Wednesday (2 days prior) I had my doctor check things out and I was dilated to a 2.5 and 80% effaced. So back to my labor, it was midnight and I was really hurting. I kept timing my contractions and they were STRONG but they just weren't very regular! I called about 2 hours later in a lot of pain asking begging to come in. I told the nurse what was going on and she firmly told me not to come in until my contractions were exactly 5 minutes apart. I remember pleading with her like "Well, I'm in a lot of pain! Is this normal?? Are you sure I shouldn't come in??" and I swear they just think every patient is dumb as rocks. She said "No sweetie, you're in l-a-b-o-r, it's painful and it could last a lot longer! Don't call or come in until they are more consistent." Whoa man I was really hurting by then. I couldn't believe she wouldn't let me come in. So I just kept timing them! Five minutes, oww, five minutes, five minutes, owwwww, eight minutes, ten minutes... bawling, noooo please stay regular. This went on alllll night. I finally stopped timing and just tried to get some sleep. All together I labored for about 15 hours at home I think. Ugh! That morning I finally just called my doctor and told him what was happening and bless that man, he told me to come in! So I showered and took my time getting our things together and we took off! On the way to the hospital my contractions were less than 4 minutes apart and very very strong. They could see I was in serious pain but were still skeptical whether or not I was in actual labor (those terds) so they checked me and I was dilated to a 6. Holy Moses. I could have come in when I called the first time probably! But it didn't matter now, I was admitted and moved up to labor and delivery! Got my epidural... yes I got one, I'm not trying to be a hero people. I was not about to sit through more contractions and then push out a melon on my own. Get real. Women who don't get epidurals whether it's by choice or not, I salute them. That's seriously so incredible of them. Not for me! I just figure, if it were really bad for me or the baby they wouldn't offer it and why not enjoy my experience. And when I finally got my epidural, I was one happy camper. I believe I actually said, in a semi-drugged voice "Let's do this." Before and after my epidural was like Jekyll and Hyde for real. That stuff is a heaven sent! So obviously it's through your spine, I was given an IV that they just taped up my back and gave me a little button to press if I wanted to release more of the medicine. Easy enough right? Well I felt scared. and so I only pressed it like twice in the few hours I was waiting to progress some more and I before too long I was starting to feel really uncomfortable. I could feel a lot of pain in my hips from the way I was laying and I was having a lot of anxiety over it so they actually came and gave me another dose. They assured me I could press that sucker all night and I wouldn't over do it. It only released the medicine on a time table, so I couldn't over do it. So that's what I did. I pressed that little baby like crazy. It was about 8:30 I think, yet another doctor was in to check things out. (I delivered at the University of Utah which is a teaching hospital so I literally had anyone and everyone in to monitor and check me, it was insane) I was very sleepy by then. They told me they got ahold of my doctor and I was almost ready to start practicing pushing. All of the sudden it all was happening so fast! I was dilated to a ten, practicing pushing, my doctor showed up and Rosie was delivered in about 3-4 contractions with no complications! I couldn't hold her right away because she had swallowed some meconium so I just got to watch them clean her up as I was being sewn up (nasty image) and then I finally held her. And my heart exploded. And my world started over right then and there. This was my daughter.
This blurry little phone video is everything to me.
We did it.
One seriously proud Papa Bear!
Look at all her hair! Pleased to say she has kept it all and gained some more!
There is truly no greater blessing than to bring a child into the world. I feel so lucky my Heavenly Father chose me to be a mama and to take care of this little soul.
Also, if anyone works in a hospital that can get their hands on one of these little bow hats for me!!!! I will love you forever. I washed hers and it now it looks like a gross sock :( the bow fell apart. I desperately want another one!!!
Here are a few photos of my journey carrying baby Rosie! My pregnancy was a dream. I was a tiny but nauseous at the beginning, mainly just food aversions! I went completely vegetarian. I just couldn't handle the thought of meat. I basically ate like a bunny. But all of the nausea went away at about 14-15 weeks and the rest was just great, I really am so lucky! It's actually really funny how much you forget! I mean I was only pregnant just last year! And it all seems forever ago. I love being pregnant!
We announced while boarding our flight to Nice, France for Clayton's study abroad. Which is where we left off!! I posted.
"Au Revoir! The three of us are off to France!" Hashtag baby on board. It feels weird to actually hashtag on here.
Anyway, it was so fun to see everyone's reactions before I had to turn off my phone for the flight. What an amazing way to start of that trip! I was finally starting to feel great just getting into my second trimester and we really had the best time! I'll post photos and adventures from our trip soon.
Ok this photo might be so completely creepy for most people, but it is probably one of my favorites of my belly. Just a little snap Clayton took while I was watching Rosie kick, just in complete awe of my body's capability to carry her. At this point we were so ready to meet her and we had no idea when she was coming or just how in love we would be when she finally did!
We love you Rosie B!
Her nickname Rosie B was born with this photo
That's my baby girl, the real Rosie B. You'll be seeing a lot of her on here from now on!
Just kidding it's not small. I haven't updated this in over a year! As you can see we have a new little family member! More on that soon, but for now here she is.
