Lauren's Birth Story

On August 9th, 2006, I was very pregnant with you - 5 days "late" to be exact. Daddy was getting more and more nervous with each passing minute, and would answer the phone in a panic each time I called him during his work day. We lived about an hour from the hospital and Daddy was convinced I'd be stranded at home when labor started with no-one near to bring me to the hospital. That evening, "Auntie" Lori was over for our usual Wednesday night visit, and we decided to go for a nice walk because it was such a lovely summer evening. After the walk, Auntie Lori gave me a foot massage to maybe jump start labor - we were trying everything in the book because we were so excited to meet our little boy! (And Mommy was HUGE!)

Daddy and I went to sleep that night and all was well. Around 4am, I awoke with a mild back-ache, and woke Daddy up to let him know that maybe, just maybe, something was beginning to happen. Just to be safe, I climbed in the car with Daddy and he drove me to Nana's house (which was closer to the hospital) before he went off to work. In the car, I was having mild contractions that intensified some as the ride continued. We were timing the contractions, and getting more and more excited as we realized that we were going to meet you soon. Daddy went to work, and I sat with Nana Ellie for a few hours, timing contractions and calling friends and family. Everyone was so excited to hear you were on your way - especially Grammy, Grampy, and all your "Aunties": Mara, Val, Susan, Kristy, Jaime and Lori (who was happy that some of our tricks from the night before may have helped). When the contractions became really intense, I called my midwife Emily to ask when I should come to the hospital, and she said to wait another hour, then head on over. At this point I was in a lot of pain when the contractions would come, and had to put the phone down to concentrate on getting through them. I couldn't believe the pain, but was so happy. This was labor! All I read about was happening to me! It was amazing! Nana called Daddy and told him to leave work, (Daddy is a mailman and was out on his route when Nana called), and to get to the apartment as soon as possible. Daddy arrived around noon, and we headed out to the hospital...for the 1st time. That's right - I was sent home from the hospital because I was only 2 centimeters dilated at the time. I couldn't believe the news - I felt for sure I was at least 6 centimeters because the pain was so bad, and I had been in labor already for 10 hours! I was really upset and Daddy had to calm me down - he was wonderful throughout the whole experience. The car ride back to Nana's was tough - I cried a couple of times and fought through each contraction. We stayed at Nana's for an hour, then went back to the hospital to be admitted - at this point I was 3 centimeters dilated and ready for my epidural. Before the epidural came, the contractions were so painful - thank God for Nurse Judy - she was so calming and used soothing words and mental images to get me through each one. I will be forever grateful to that kind woman. After the epidural (ouch), I felt a little nauseous, just in time for "Auntie" Lori to arrive to give me a massage. I couldn't feel much and didn't feel too well, so she stayed for a little while, gave me and Daddy hugs, and left.

Around 10pm, Daddy asked for me to be checked out to see when you might be arriving, so we could tell Grammy, Grampy, Nana, Uncle Matty and Uncle Jimmy when to come to the hospital. Emily said I was around 6 centimeters dilated and that you wouldn't arrive until around 3am. We called the family and told everyone to come in the morning - it was going to be a long night. They could all meet the baby then, and Mommy and Daddy could get some sleep before you arrived. I was feeling much much better now that the epidural was in place and my nausea had passed. We decided to catch some Z's, but around 12:30am, I started feeling the need to push. Daddy got Emily and sure enough, I was 10 centimeters and ready to go!!!! I'll never forget when Emily announced "Oh boy - there's the head - you're ready to push!" I started pushing around 12:55am, and delivered you at 1:35am. I was told that most first time mothers push for 2 or 3 hours, but I wasn't having any of that - I wanted you out! The pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced, but I believe that motivated me even more to deliver you. Emily and Nurse Katie were there with Mommy and Daddy - the room was dimly lit and very calming. I wouldn't have changed a thing - for the most part I felt in control, and the few times I almost lost it, Emily was amazing at calming me down. Daddy was a great coach too! The moment you arrived was one of the best moments of my life - I felt instant relief from the pain, and I started crying, saying, "There's my baby, there's my baby!!!" over and over again. Daddy cut the cord, and when they placed you on my belly, our bond was instant - I have never been so in love in my life. You were perfect and Daddy and I were so proud. Anthony James, Born August 11th, 2006, 7lbs., 6oz., 21".

Daddy and I got maybe 3 hours of sleep that night, but we didn't care. After 21 long hours of labor, you had arrived and we were the happiest new parents ever. I was awoken to breast-feed you every two hours or so and you took right to it - I was so happy about this and felt like Mommy Of The Year! In the morning, Grammy and Grampy arrived first and they fell in love with you as we did. Visitors throughout the day included Nana, Uncle Jimmy and Auntie Carrie, Uncle Matty and Great-Nana Rose. It was a wonderful day.

After the 3 days in the hospital, we brought you home. With each day we fell in love over and over again. Your first smile brought me to tears. Daddy loves singing to you, and it melts Mommy's heart. Even now, at 3 months, rolling over on your play-mat, I can't believe you're here and you're mine.

I love you Anthony James - welcome to the world.

Big Hugs, Mommy