Then the pain started. Small but sharp cramping. Hmm odd. With more than 2 weeks left until my due date, I put the feeling aside and tried to read. Again pain. Must be Braxton-Hicks. Then my cell rang.
Karey.
Me: Hello?
Karey: Are you in labour?
Me: No! Why!?!
Karey: I just suddenly had this feeling you are in labour.
Me: Umm I don't think so! Having some random pains but I don't think I am in labour.
Karey: you better let me know if you are!
Most random phone call of my life but all I can say is I love my best friend and she gets these 'feelings'.
As the afternoon went on, I couldn't sleep and the pains kept coming. Both Brian and I didn't know what to do at this point, so when all else fails, call Mom.
Me: Mom I think I am having contractions.
Mom: Nah, you're 2 weeks early, it can't be them.
Me: but they huuuurrrtttt (read whiny voice)
Me: can you come and be with me???
Mom: Ok, but it's probably nothing.
So my Mom came and helped me finish the rest of the party preparations while Brian and my Dad went to church. As the afternoon went on, the pain continued, convincing my mom that, yes, possibly I could be in labour. Brian told me to pack my hospital bag, another thing I had been putting off until last minute.
After church, everyone came over to celebrate Cassidy's birthday. I kept busy and tried not to think about the pain. It was nothing. Now is not a good time to go into labour- Cassidy's birthday is tomorrow. What are the chances of having 2 kids born on the same day 2 years apart? (Apparently good for me!)
After dinner and cake I was standing in the dining room talking. I had a wicked cough that had been driving me crazy for a number of days. I went into a violent coughing fit and suddenly felt a GUSH. I ran to the bathroom, passing Brian on the way. Brian just talked louder to everyone in the dining room, figuring that I was again puking up my dinner, a regular occurance with me and pregnancy.
After calling to him, he came 'what's up' he asked. 'ummmm I think my water broke'. ' Really? Want me to get your mom?'
Seriously, what would I do without my mom.
So the party was over. Mom and Dad took Cassidy home, everyone cleaned up and we were left to have a baby.
Except baby wasn't ready to have us. We end up in the hospital and my midwife checks me. I am not even dilated But where did allllll this water come from!!
And so began the longest 24 hours of my life- labour, check, 1cm. Labour, check, 2cm. Labour, check, ummm maybe 3cm.
I made it to 4 after 24 hours. Gah! The OB on call came for a visit. I was the only patient on labour and delivery- a big deal for McMaster! After a few checks and talking about a few scenarios, a decision was made to go ahead with a C-Section. Since it was quiet on the floor, I was on the operating table within 45 minutes and at 8:34 pm our baby BOY was born.
Seeing all 9.2lbs of him for the first time made me cry. no bawl. He was beautiful and he was mine!
Welcome Eli James!
So needless to say, December 10 is a very special day in this house. We have the privileged to celebrate the birthdays of 2 beautiful children God has entrusted into our care. Some days I get scared and overwhelmed of the job I have been given, to raise these tiny beings into full grown adults. But then I think of who is really raising them and I don't worry so much. I know that they have an awesome God taking care of them. Thankfully.
I am BLESSED.
