One Year

Last year I was having contractions regularly beginning at 5 in the morning.  I was keeping track, and then they stopped.  I had a doctors appointment, so I got up and got dressed. The nurse assured me that real labor doesn't just quit.  I was scheduled to be induced the next day, so I went home content that it wouldn't be too much longer. 

I had a pretty busy day for a gal who looked like a planet. I went to school to take care of some business (even though I was on maternity leave).  I went to the ophthalmologist's office to beg for new glasses, as Ben had broken mine.  I ended up with these horrible red frames because they fit my lenses. I had to wear them for a few weeks until my replacement frames came in. 

As the day wore on, I'd have strong contractions randomly. They became more regular around 4:00, about 10 minutes apart. Being a veteran at child birth, I did not want to go to the hospital too early. In the past I have always dilated quite slowly, so I knew it would take a long time. Looking back, I wish I had gone earlier. The hospital is kind of nice. Relaxing. People take care of you. Its good. 

I dealt with fairly strong contractions until about 10:00. Aaron had fallen asleep, and suddenly the contractions were 0coming every 4 minutes. I woke Aaron up and told him it was time to go. In the movies, when it is "time to go", dad goes running around like a crazy person and drives way too fast to the hospital. This was not the case with Aaron. He packed a bag (slowly), got dressed (slowly), ate some food, and drove 20 mph on the highway, the long way, to the hospital. I was confident I was going to die.  

We got to the hospital, checked in, Aaron thought he wanted to wander around and find the room where Ben was born. I told him no. After getting settled, my doctor decided I was dilated to a 6 or a 6 1/2.  I asked for the anesthesiologist immediately, because I knew it was getting close and I didn't want it to be too late.  I waited an hour for the anesthesiologist to come with the epidural.  That was fun.  After the epidural, they broke my water, and about 20 minutes after the epidural had kicked in, I was complete.  It was 11:30, and everyone in the room joked "Let's have this baby before midnight." I told them I would try my best. 

I've always been lucky to have an easy time pushing. Amelia was born at 11:58 PM on May 5th 2008. Cinco de Mayo! I promised her she could have a pinata every year for her birthday.  

She was perfect, and healthy, and lovely, and very red for about 2 months. Happy Birthday Millie. We love you!