Thursday, June 23, 2011

Birth Story

This little journal here just wouldn't be complete without Miss Taylor's birth story.  I kept a journal for Storknet during my pregnancy with Kam, and it is such fun to go back and read it and remember.  Besides, the more time that passes, the fuzzier this poor memory gets ;)

{Disclaimer:  This is a birth story.  It may be too detailed for your liking.  Thank you.} 

Let's start with Friday, June 17th. 

I had my weekly appointment, and when my midwife checked me she said I was 4-5 cm dilated.  Holy moly, I was shocked, and not sure what to make of it.  I had never been dilated to 4cm and not been in active, active labor.  I left the office and stopped by Fred Meyer to pick up a few things for a birthday party/Father's day BBQ we were planning for Sunday {and also a cute little outfit for Miss Baby Girl to come home in}.  And headed home as quickly as I could just in case ;)

My sister called that afternoon and when I told her about my appointment she got a little irritated that they hadn't just admitted me to the hospital.  Then, of course, I started worrying about it, fearful that if I did finally go into labor that I wouldn't make it to the hospital in time.  Anyway, I decided that prayer was probably more useful than worry, and we went about the rest of our day.

On Saturday morning, Jeremy got up to go to work.  I told him to go on ahead, I wasn't really feeling much, and I figured it could be days.  I went back to sleep for a little while, and got up around 7 to start getting ready for the day.  By 8am I was having regular, strong contractions, and I decided to call rather than wait.  The midwife on call {one of my two favorites!} told me that she'd heard it could be any day, and that I needed to come right in.  So I called Jeremy and told him the plan.  Jeremy's Dad drove me in to the hospital while his mom stayed with Sierra, Makenna, and Kam.  I wasn't sure how long it would be until we had a baby, so I didn't want them to have to hang around the waiting room {a very small waiting room} all day long.  {And by the way, we weren't purposely ignoring my parents, they just happened to have left to go camping earlier in the week and weren't around}.

We met Jeremy at the birth center about 9am, got checked in, and we were then told that if I hadn't progressed past 5cm and my water hadn't broken, I'd be sent home.  Because there was a discrepancy between the date that I thought I was due, and the date they thought I was due, the hospital policy was to not break my water or do anything to help labor along until after 39 weeks {according to my due date, I was 39 weeks 6 days, but according to theirs I was only 38 weeks}.  I sent up a quick prayer, because the thought of going home didn't really appeal to me ;)  The midwife checked and I was at 5-6cm and 100% effaced, so YAY, they let me stay.  She had to attend to a C-section, but told me that as soon as she was out, she'd come break my water if I wanted. 

Jeremy and I sort of just hung out for a bit.  I was pretty comfortable, so we filled out paperwork, and waited to see the midwife.  She came back in around 11ish, and asked if we'd like to break the waters and get labor going a bit.  Uh, yes please!  Right after it broke I could tell a difference.  My next contraction was much stronger, and I remember saying something like "Yeahhhh, I don't think this is going to take very long."  After that I just shut my eyes and concentrated on getting through the labor.  And then, maybe minutes later I felt like it was quite possibly time to push.  Sure enough, it was.

And at 12:19pm on June 18th, Miss Taylor Grace was born. {Uh, 8 pounds, 3 ozs. 20.5 inches long, I'm pretty sure my due date was correct.  Just sayin'.} Of course, at that moment we still hadn't decided on a name for her ;)  Jeremy had really wanted a Taylor from the beginning, and I had wanted a Hadley.  In the end, Jeremy won ;)  And you know what, about 5 minutes after we decided she was a Taylor, it just fit.  I think children sort of just become their name anyway.

Taylor4

And now we're here.  Our perfect little family of 6.  Four sweet little girls, ahhhhh, I could not be more blessed.  Life is definitely different.  There's going to be a bit of an adjustment period, I'd say.  But I'm reminded about every 2.3 seconds just how blessed we are. 

Taylor3

It's strange, though, with each new baby we add to our family, the longing for more babies grows stronger {for me, just to clarify}.  That's been the hardest part these last few days.  The overwhelming emotions, and sadness thinking that this is our last.  I just cannot imagine not being pregnant again, feeling that life inside you.  And the miracle of birth.  The moment you get to meet your precious child face to face.  Ohhhhhkay, deep breath.

Thank you SO much for all of the comments and emails of well wishes.  You cannot imagine how much they are appreciated.  I hope to be back in the blog loop soon.  I'm just a little preoccupied right now.  You understand ;)

post signature

28 comments :

Connie said...

I love birth stories!!

I know what you mean....that feeling never really goes away does it? I think I'll be 75 years old and in the nursing home still wishing I could have another baby.

Love you!

Erica @ All About Aleigha said...

She is such a doll! Love her name too!

Foursons said...

Wow, you went really fast from breaking water to holding sweet Taylor! And honestly, my jaw dropped when I read that if you weren't past 5 cm they were sending you home. That is INSANE. This is your 4th baby,what were they thinking?!

Anyhow, it all worked out and little Ms. Taylor is beautiful. Congratulations to all of you and that picture of you, Kam, and Taylor is precious. And by the way- you look FANTASTIC!

Jenny said...

She's so adorable! I'm so happy for you all!

Thanks for the birth story, I love reading them. No two are alike!

Jenny said...

Oh and very strange about the hospital policy. That's not a bad idea though. A lot of times, people try to make the baby come out before it's ready and it's not healthy. My cousin did just that and she ended up with a very long labor and then a c-section.

Anonymous said...

Tears...I can still remember so clearly my first delivery of my baby girl just 6 months ago. Its the most amazing feeling!

Taylor is beautiful and I love the picture with you and her big sister...SO sweet.

Congrats on the new little one and completing your family of 6! Thats what I am hoping for! :0)

Mama 2 Four said...

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing, I just love birth stories! Taylor is just precious!

Rachel Sue said...

I love hearing birth stories. Take advantage of every single second with that precious little doll.

Mandy said...

just soak it in, don't worry about us, we'll be here when you're in need of a break;) and yes, the descision to stop after 4 was very emotinal for me too...

mountain mama said...

sounds great!!!! she is truly precious!!!

Jessica said...

Wonderful story! I delivered Harbor much the same way- quickly with no epideral and he was 8 lbs. Children are a blessing from God. I'm so happy for you. And.. Hadley is our girl name! Great taste! : )

Jen said...

She is GORGEOUS!!!!!! Big smile on my face reading your story :)

I always measured farther along than my LMP would have had me be at, and after four kids we concluded I ovulate early, not mid-cycle. Doctors don't always know everything :)

Congratulations!!!! Enjoy your newest little girl while she's still so tiny! Almost makes me want another :)

Kelly said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! The pictures are precious. You are SO very blessed with those four beautiful girls. Hope you're recovering quickly and adjusting to your new family size with relative ease. Enjoy every moment!

Catherine Anne said...

What a beautiful story! She is just beautiful! How wonderful a family of 6!
I can remember feeling a longing to feel that life in me. Even with her in my arms I missed it.This only lasted a few days. Although, I will always be praying for another baby! Large families are just wonderful! So happy for you!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Her birth story is just perfect...so glad it all went well and quick for you!
She is gorgeous, as are the first three little ladies.
I would say you have a perfect family! Enjoy.
xoxoxo

Kelli W said...

She is just beautiful Liz! It sounds like everything went perfectly for you and I'm so glad she is here and healthy and beautiful! I totally get being sad about not being pregnant again. I feel like I spent so much of the last few years being pregnant that it is strange to think it won't ever happen again!

Colleen said...

SO you did it naturally? You are AMAZING!! And you need to give lessons on how to look so gorgeous after having just given birth :)

Kelli said...

Look at that sweet face!!! I'm so glad you had people there to take are of the girls and get you to the hospital. Also glad they kept you and that everything well smoothly and quickly (sending up prayers...great idea!). Looks like Taylor is going to fit right in.
Um, and you look amazing if I do say so myself.

Abra Clampitt said...

what a story--gave me goosebumps and the overwhelming urge to want a newborn NOW. eek!

you look beautiful and so is little taylor!

shortmama said...

Congrats mama! She is beautiful

jennohara said...

I LOVE her name!!! And she is absolutely adorable! :)
After they broke my water, I couldn't beleive how fast it went! I know the feeling too...I could never be tired of being pregnant either!

Amber Filkins said...

JUST the post I was looking for! I scrolled and scrolled through my reader, past tons of posts, just waiting to see one from you. :)

So, you did it naturally, as in no meds? Lord knows I'll be getting some.

SO happy for you guys! I can't get over it!

♥ Amber

Rhonda said...

One way mom's love to connect is through our birth stories! Love her name. She is so beautiful Liz...yes I understand!

He & Me + 3 said...

Congratulations. What an absolutely beautiful little girl. I adore the picture of you, Kam & Taylor. Should definitely be framed.

Susana said...

Oh, Liz! How did I miss your sweet baby girl's arrival?? She is beautiful, and so are you!!!!

I LOVED reading your birth story. Each one of mine has been so very different.

I can truly empathize with you on the feelings getting stronger to have more with each precious baby you have. In my head I feel that my Jesse, our fourth, will be our last, but in my heart, I cannot come to grips with that. When you find a way to make it easier on the heart, please share, because lately I am really struggling on a daily basis with this. He will be two in September, but it seems like yesterday that I held him for the first time.

I've read your other posts above this one and am so glad you are all doing well despite the 'summer colds', I have one too!

Blessings, Liz, and prayers. I pray nothing but health and happiness for your sweet family.

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

Gorgeous family! (I love birth stories.:)

Jessica said...

Yah for a beautiful, healthy baby girl! And you must share your secret for looking gorgeous after delivery.

I know exactly what you mean about wanting more babies the more you have. I taking it one baby at a time with hubs. He agreed to three but not four... when #3 is about 2 years old I'll start working on him again. ;-)

Maybe you have written it somewhere else, but what makes this the last baby? Medical reasons or something else?

onegirliegirl said...

WEll, I can't believe how long I've benn gone and ALL that I've missed!
Cried just missing you and reading about your newest blessing Taylor!! What a JOY!!!
Congratulations, Sweetie
Lots of Hugs and Kisses to all!!
Lisa

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin