So yesterday Jennifer and I got the car loaded up and headed to the hospital for a journey that would change our lives. Prior to leaving I took Jennifer's picture for one last shot at her belly.
We were scheduled to arrive at the hospital at noon and got here at around 11:45 a.m. Under the impression that we would have a few minutes to settle in I began to leisurely unpack. That's when I hear the nurse say to Jennifer, "Ok, I need you to change into the gown, lie down on the bed, and we're going to get an IV going." Thinking this is going to take 30 minutes or so I turn around to find that Jenn is on the bed and the nurse is already looking for a vein. Knowing that I've now got to get engaged in the process I stop packing and hurry bedside to comfort Jenn. Not long after the IV went in providing Jenn with fluids, in comes the Pitosin to get labor going.
After Jennifer was on Pitosin for an hour or so she began having contractions that were causing her some discomfort. The nurses a
dvised at this point we consider having the nurse come in to administer the epidural. I barely blinked before the nurse had entered the room with his cart and was telling me to sit down. Apparently husbands aren't allowed to stand during this procedure for fear they'll pass out. I grabbed a seat and began watching. Less than 10 minutes later the epidural was administered and Jennifer was much more comfortable. The nurses came in shortly thereafter to check the progress. Stalled at 3 cm, the nurses noticed that they could not feel the baby's head. After doubling checking, the Dr. was called in to confirm their thoughts...The Dr. also checked Jennifer and administered an ultrasound to find Miss Emma completely upsidedown! So, things rapidly began to change. Jenn was taken off Pitosin and the staff began to prepare for a C-Section.
Initially a shock to Jennifer she quickly turned brave and knew that baby Emma's arrival was now closer than ever. I was so proud of her throughout the day yesterday.
Jennifer was taken to the OR and I was given scrubs and told to get changed quickly because it wouldn't be long before they would come and get me to go to the OR. After 15 minutes of sterilization, Jennifer was ready and the nurse came to get me. By the time I got there, the Dr. was already half way done with the procedure! I came in, sat down next to my beautiful wife and awaited the miracle that would change my life forever.
I hear the doctor tell me that legs and arms were visible and then suddenly Emma was just there. Her little lungs filled the air with a healthy cry that was the most amazing sound I've ever heard. Words cannot describe the feeling of
meeting Emma. I watch the nurses begin to clean her off and turn to Jennifer and smile. We're both the proud parents of a new, beautiful, healthy baby girl.
Emma Claire weighed in 6lbs even and was 19 inches long.
Currently momma and baby are doing well. Emma has lost 3 oz since being born, which isn't entirely unusual, but the doctors are still keeping an eye on her. Looks like we will be in the hospital until Saturday to ensure that both mom and baby are all A. OK. to go home.
Thank you everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support.
