On Monday, November 22nd, I had a doctor's appointment. It was the first time she "checked" me to see how the baby was progressing. Jared and I about fell over when she told me that I was 2 cm, 90% effaced. Being first timers, we had no clue what that actually meant. The doctor said she thought I would have him early but, that I could also stay at 2 cm for a week or two. So, to be honest, I didn't think anything of it. I wasn't feeling any different. Jared was supposed to go to his annual "guys only" Raider game in Oakland on the upcoming weekend. The doctor suggested he stay home. I thought it would be fine for him to go. In the end, he decided to stay. Good thing he did, he would have for sure missed Caden's birth.
So, here is the edited (not so sure it would be appropriate to divulge certain details) version of the morning Caden was born.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
8:05 a.m. - I wake up to go the bathroom AGAIN! (the 4th or 5th time since I went to sleep the night before)
8:12 a.m. - go back to bed, attempt to get back into my only comfortable position.
8:15 a.m. - feel like I peed my pants (impossible since I just went) and realize that my water just broke. Immediately wake up Jared.
8:25 a.m. - call the doctor.
She asks if I am having contractions. My answer is NO. She tells us to take our time but, to definitely make our way to the hospital.
8:30 a.m. - real excitement sets in!
The hospital I chose to deliver at is 30 minutes away from our house. So, we took showers and packed our bags (which were not finished because I had thought I would have a couple of weeks to get everything together, talk about not being prepared). I also had just purchased my much desired Rebel camera on Black Friday. I planned to spend the next couple weeks learning how to use it. Instead, we took it still packaged in the box to the hospital.
8:45 a.m. - short contractions start, no pain yet.
9:00 - 9:45 a.m. - finish getting everything together. Contractions are getting stronger and closer together.
9:45 - 10:10 a.m. - quickly drive to the hospital. Contractions are hitting me full force. I can't talk. Jared is awesome during this time. He is calm, which helps me to focus.
10:10 a.m. - park the car, let a strong contraction pass. We very briskly walk into the hospital, directly to the elevator and hit the 4th floor button. I drop to the floor, in a squatting position and breath through the strongest contraction yet. Of course, the elevator stopped on every floor and each person took their time either getting on or off. My mean side felt like saying, "Do you not see a pregnant lady in pain on the floor here? Let's pick up the pace people" But, I refrained.
We get to the front desk on the labor and delivery unit and I again drop to the floor. Bless the lady at the front desk who is asking me questions about my address etc. I can barely say my name is. Jared takes over and does the talking. Then, a huge contraction hits and Jared kindly tells the lady that we called almost 2 hours ago when my water broke. She gets a panicked look and asks me if I want a wheelchair. Again, my mean side wants to say, "Are you kidding? Does it look like I can walk?" But, I refrained. I didn't want to be that pregnant lady that goes crazy on everyone.
10:15 a.m. - Next thing I know I am quickly being wheeled into a delivery room. A HUGE contraction hits while I'm in the wheelchair. As soon as it passed I got on the bed and asked if I could have an epidural. They check me and say, "Sorry honey, there is no time for it. The baby is right here." I start to panic, they give me oxygen. The contractions are non-stop at this point. The nurses are calling for the doctor.
10:25 a.m. - Mom and Jocey arrive. They are in shock that I am delivering since they just saw me 45 minutes ago at home and I was doing ok. Jared and Mom help me compose myself and focus.
4-5 pushes......
10:35 a.m. - Caden Thomas Kennedy is born.
