September 3rd, what a whirlwind of a day it was. I had been having contractions the last couple of nights. So much, that I would time them every once and a while. They were uncomfortable and at times, quite painful, but I didn't think it was enough to figure out arrangements for the kids in the middle of the night and head to the hospital. Yes, the contractions always came in the middle of the night. And I hate inconveniencing people. So, I went in for my 36 week routine doctor's appointment on September 3rd. Chelsea was with me and both the kids were in school. I told the nurse that everything was fine, but I was experiencing contractions for the last couple nights that were anywhere from 5-10 minutes apart, but would disappear altogether in a few hours. She went ahead and decided to hook me up and monitor my contractions, in case I was currently experiencing any then and there. And, no, I haven't been feeling them at all that morning. Sure enough, 20 minutes later, they were showing up as steady contractions, fairly strong. Steady and strong enough to send me across the street to the hospital where my doctor could then monitor me and decide what the next step will be.
Wade and I talk every morning, so I sent him an email, knowing he was near a computer. And told him to call me asap. He calls and I explain the situation. Had a doc appointment, blah, blah, blah. They're going to monitor me for a bit at the hospital, blah, blah, blah. I'm sure it's nothing. I should be in and out. I don't think that this is "it." So, you can go to bed if you'd like. Wade responds with, "No, I'm going to standby."
So, stay up he did. Meanwhile, I stroll upstairs to the labor and delivery unit, thinking, why am I here? This can't be the day. I get buzzed into the unit and I explain that I'm there to be monitored. They have a triage set up with curtain cubicles, I guess is the best way to describe it. There were probably 6 or so "rooms" with women in the early stages of labor, or being monitored and sent home. And, frankly, it was just awkward. I've never heard of a triage for women in labor. I'm all about privacy, especially going through labor. I was escorted to a bed and hooked up to monitors. I got an IV, step 1, to make sure that I wasn't dehydrated. If in fact, I was dehydrated, the IV would help the contractions lessen and disappear completely. In the meantime, it's time for Brenner to be picked up, so Chelsea goes to get him and then returns to the hospital. And kids are not allowed in this triage area, so they are sitting in the waiting room. I have no idea how long I'm going to be, so I tell her to hang out for a bit. That is, until the nurse tells me that my contractions aren't lessening. I receive a medication too that also doesn't assist with stopping contractions. So, now my doctor finally comes in and gives me a choice. A) Take magnesium and have that baby stay in for at least a couple more days or B) Have this baby today.
After talking with Wade and discussing our options and pinching myself, because I can't believe these are my options, we decide that it's best if we just have this baby today. Chelsea has both kids situated with friends. And she goes home to get all our hospital gear. And makes it back to the hospital with not much time to spare. All that waiting all day for fluids and IV bags, and now here I am, sitting, waiting for surgery, waiting to meet my baby. This baby that's been growing inside me, who I still don't know. Boy, girl? It's gotta be a boy. We couldn't all be wrong. I mean, strangers come up to me and tell me that I'm having a boy. It's clearly obvious I am growing a little man.
Before I know it, I'm being prepped for the operating room. Chelsea and I are nervous and beyond thrilled. Okay, I was way more nervous. Then I'm sitting on the operating room table receiving my epidural. And I'm laid down and my head is still spinning. I'm finally digesting what's on the horizon. My baby is coming. I'm going to see my baby soon. I'm going to hold my baby soon. I'm going to know what this baby is. I can finally name my baby. And oh how I wish Wade was here.
Chelsea comes into the room with my computer, camera and video camera in hand. We get to call Wade on the computer which is the first time they've ever done a Facetime birth in an operating room. So he was there and got to experience and be part of this birth. Chelsea sets the computer next to my head and I remember looking back, behind me and telling him it's coming, it's coming. And I asked if he thought it was a boy, and he wholeheartedly responds with Yes. Then I feel the tugging and they pull that sweet, sweet baby out. And I'm waiting, waiting for the announcement. Then I hear the doctor and team say, It's a GIRL!!!!!! Chelsea and I were in shock and then all I remember are tears. Tears streaming down. Prayers have been answered. We did it. She's here. She's healthy. And it's a she?!! The computer was going in and out. Calls were being dropped, pictures and video were being taken. I don't know how Chelsea did it all, but she did. Wade saw most of it and I'm so very thankful for technology, especially on this particular day. My goodness this day couldn't have gone more seamlessly.
What a blessing you are, our sweet Zuri Jane. I got to meet you on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:09 pm. You were 6 pounds and 9 ounces of baby goodness. You were 19 inches long. And you had lots of dark hair. You are mine. And you are beautiful.
