Grace's Birth Story

I never really understood the allure of birth stories until I began pondering your birth.  Then, I watched every episode of "Baby Story" and read every book, magazine, and website I could find.  All this research did not prepare me for the emotion that comes along with every contraction and push.  Your birth story is not so unusual in its events, but what makes it extraordinary is the result - you.

We knew that depending on my body's ability to handle blood pressure and the other pre-eclampsia warning signs, I could be induced any time after 32 weeks.  Thankfully, my body behaved until 37 weeks when you were deemed "full term."  When we went in for my regular twice weekly appointment with the OBGYN on March 12, 2007, my blood pressure was sky high and my body was favorable for induction, so Dr. Hulse sent us to the hospital.  With our hearts thumping and excitement taking control, we raced home to install the car seat and pack our bags.  Why in the world I hadn't packed bags before now is beyond me.  I suppose I didn't want to jinx the progression.

Anyway, we made it to the hospital, completed the necessary paperwork, got settled into a room, and got started on pitocin at about 2:30 in the afternoon.  Hour after hour went by without the first labor pain.  The nurse kept upping the pitocin and nothing.  Zilch.  Nada.  By nightfall, I was thinking either this was the easiest labor in history or the pitocin wasn't working for me.  A few hours later the on call doctor, Dr. Craig, arrived and agreed with me, so she broke my water at 12:30 am.  I remember immediately thinking "Ahhh, there we go, finally a contraction."  Within minutes however, those reassuring little cramps turned into full on labor pains.  It was as if the dam had broken (pardon the pun) and labor was intense.  After contractions came right on top of each other with no relief in between, I requested an epidural, and at 2:30 am, the anesthesiologist arrived.    The epidural allowed me to rest until time to push.  After only a handful of pushes, at 5:27 am, you were laid in my arms.

I had never worked so hard and never received such a reward.   The first thing I noticed was the dimple in your chin.  Then, your full head of black hair caught my eye.  I was completely in awe.  The baby I had been feeling in my tummy for months, planning for, dreaming about, praying for was now before me.   As you exercised your brand new lungs, then looked at me with wonderment and peace, a lifetime of dreams came true.

On March 13, 2007, you entered the world and made me a mama.  Happy Birthday, sweet Grace.