I figured I better write about our labor story before my memory became too hazy from being a busy mommy! So here is a true "Throw-back Thursday" edition on the blog; Abby's Labor Story!
On Saturday, April 30th, 2013, I started having serious contractions. These contracts were painful and consistent. I was up the majority of Saturday evening, but I was able to get a few hours of sleep, Thank the Lord! The next morning, Easter Sunday, we went to church and continued to keep track of my contractions. Mind you they were becoming stronger and closer together. They eventually reached the point that the doctor said to call, and we headed to the hospital to get checked out. I was in pre-labor, but still only dilated 1 cm so they sent us home. False Alarm. We were bummed, I mean really bummed. Let me just tell you what a humbling experience this was, walking out of the hospital pass the staff that was just previously gushing over you having a baby. Well, in retrospect, I am THANKFUL that I was not admitted at that point now knowing how long I would of been in the hospital.
Sunday night, was a very long night. Very little sleep again, contractions getting stronger and yet I went to work on Monday. While in discomfort at work, I tied up any items that felt I needed to do if I went into labor. I was 38 weeks, and I knew it could happen realistically at any time. I went on with my day, keeping track of contractions, and seeing clients as usual.
After work I was ECSTATIC to see one of my best friends visiting from Michigan. Angie and her little family were visiting in Florida and we had dinner planned that night. From work Scott and I went to meet them and before hand, while at Target, I told Scott how much my legs had been sweating. We laughed and thought it was another humorous pregnancy symptom.
At the Cheesecake Factory, we indulged in an amazing meal. Let me be blunt, I was so hungry that I ate more than I have ever ate in one meal in my entire life! I told Ang how my legs would not stop sweating and asked if her water broke slowing before the big gush. That was the moment, the first moment, that it occurred to me that it was happening.
Scott and I had a 45 minute ride home to discuss our options. With the False Alarm still fresh in our heads, we decided to sleep until the baby decided it was time. We figured since there was no gush of water breaking, that we were in the clear.
We. Were. Wrong.
Scott fell right asleep and I was kicking all over the place. When they say that you will know when it is time, YOU KNOW. I tried my best to let Scott sleep and started bringing all the bags and hospital stuff to the door. Eventually my painful yelps woke up my hubbs and I let him know the infamous "It's TIME!". And we were off to the hospital again.
Well, I learned something new when we were admitted. There is a test paper that reveals if your water has broken, and it was POSITIVE. The big gush came later. I had been in active labor all evening and early afternoon.
I was admitted and my labor didn't progress at the speed we expected. The epidural was administered at my 24th hour of labor, I finally caved in. Let's be honest, it hurt, but the contractions hurt more! Even though I could still feel a lot, it was exactly what I needed to keep going. I know this may be too much info for some people, but for my future mommy friends, this is crucial. Ask for a mirror during your pushes; it really helps you to focus on using muscles that you can't feel due to an epidural and you also get to see the miracle that God is granting you!
After 30 hours of labor, Scott was honored with the opportunity to deliver Abigail Grace. Hearing her first cries melted my heart; what an immediate and truly selfless love God has granted us to share with our daughter. Once the staff left the room, we were alone as a family for the first time. It was a beautiful moment. Then Scott said to me "Are you ready for another one?" I replied, "We can adopt.".
Truly, I would do it all over again for another child, if God blesses us with the opportunity. Enjoy the pictures from the delivery room and hospital room below.
