I guess I'll tell you why....
On Monday morning,(38 weeks and 2 days) I woke up not feeling well. I hadn't had more than a couple of contractions for more than a week. After trying to make an early appearance at 34.5 weeks, our sweet baby had decided to settle in for the long haul. I was totally fine with that, but it was getting more and more difficult to sleep at night and move my body...anywhere. ANYWAY. On Monday, I had several episodes where I felt very dizzy and short of breath. Remembering that is what happened the day I had James, I remarked to Barry that I would probably have the baby that night. I hadn't have a single contraction all day though, so it didn't really seem likely.
Around 8:30 we decided to go to bed. I went to the bathroom, then I laid back down and felt a tiny bit of fluid leak. After having 4 babies, this was totally normal, except I had just used the bathroom, so I got a little excited and thought "Hmmmm maybe my water broke.." I got up and caught a little of the fluid in a disposible bag. Nope, totally NOT amniotic fluid. I tried to go to sleep. Around 9:40ish I had my first contraction of the day and it was STRONG. I told myself, "gosh if I have another one of those I better go to the hospital. Within 5 minutes another very strong contraction followed, I couldn't stand up. I woke up Barry, and told him I had had TWO very strong contractions, and to call the neighbor. I am so glad he didn't argue with me, because afterall you are suppose to have 5 contractions 5 minutes apart or something before you call to go into the hospital. My neighbor was completely on the ball and rushed over.We were in the car by 10:10. On the way to the hospital, Barry, sensing I was in quite a bit of pain, asked me if there was anything he could do for me. I said, "YES! Pray! Pray, that this baby isn't born in the car." He did pray, and he also sped up quite a bit. :)
We got to the emergency about 10:25ish, and I hopped out of the car and ran in. The ladies at the desk asked what they could do for me. "I said, I am having a baby." They were quite sluggish, I don't think they believed me, but sent Barry to park the car and pushed a button to call someone to take me up to labor and delivery. I sat down in the wheelchair, and the man asked if I wanted to wait for my husband. I said NO! We need to go NOW and you need to hurry! I guess he could tell I was serious, because the poor man ran the length of the hospital and took me up three floors in probably less than 5 minutes. I had another contraction when trying to get to the bed from the wheelchair. They asked me when my water had broke, I told them it hadn't as far as I knew. They asked me how long I had been having contraction, I told them about a half an hour. A silly nurse tried to get some more information from me and another nurse tried to put in an IV, they were both unsuccessful. I had officially checked out because of the pain. Barry had caught up to us in the hall and attempted to answer their questions. He kept telling them over and over that my babies come really fast. They said they would call the Doctor as soon as they got me "settled" When they said that, I knew he would never make it. The nurse checked me, said I was at a 4. After two more contractions back to back, I told her it was time for baby to appear. (Okay, I didn't exactly say that, but something very eloquent like SHE COMING OUT NOW!!!!) She didn't really believe me but checked again and said in disbelief that I was at a 9! The moment she walked away, baby Emmaline decided to make her appearance. (strangely with no gush of water, another mystery) A Family Practitioner who happened to be there walked in the room and watched for a moment, he said. "Wow! Great Job! Now that's the way to have a baby, no messing around! Baby Emma was born at 10:41, just about 1 hour after my contractions started. The Family Doctor cut the cord, and while we were waiting for the placenta to be delivered, my OBGYN showed up. He successfully delivered the placenta, and kindly stopped the nurse from giving me any Pitocin. He said. "She said she didn't want any, so don't give her any." (Imagine that, someone actually listening to me at the hospital. yeah!)
Emma, who was nameless at the time was beautiful, she had lots of dark brown hair, and dark eyes. I remember noticing how big her hands and feetss were. I couldn't focus much on her because of the pain, I started shaking all over and my teeth clacked together. I couldn't even hold her. Having a baby from start to finish in 1 hour, might be convenient for babysitters, for doctors, for husbands, and maybe even for the baby, but it hurts like I only imagine HELL can feel for the Mom. I DO NOT recommend it! Unfortunately, I am not sure how to prevent it in my case, but I'm going to think of something before next time. ;)
I am soo very happy that our little Emmaline is here though, safe and sound. She is such a sweet little spirit, and is perfect in every way. She is a wonderful addition to our family, and I couldn't feel more blessed. :)
