Mrs. Smith's Words of Wisdom

Baby by Sunrise...

Early in the morning of October 28th (4:45 am to be exact), Bryan and I arrived at Willow Creek Women's Hospital. When we would leave the next day, our lives would be totally different. When I went to the triage for a progress check amid those incredibly painful contractions that I mentioned in the previous post, the same sweet nurse (Holly) was there to greet us. The first thing I said to her after saying hello was, "If I get admitted today, how long before I can have an epidural?" She laughed. When she checked me I was progressed to 5-6 centimeters. For those who don't know labor talk, that means I was over halfway ready to deliver. So I had done half of the tough work at home. Holly smiled and complimented my toughness for staying at home so long. I met Dr. Duke (one of Leslie's favorites) and he told me that he thought we'd have a "baby by sun-up." I think he was quite sleepy after a long shift and had his times mixed up because it would be (*spoiler alert*) 6:09 PM before Amillia joined the bright world. Bre arrived first and helped Bryan do some major back massage during the contractions. Have I mentioned how great of a coach Bryan was? Mom arrived soon after and by 6:30 I was in a room with an epidural on the way. Leslie helped me get the epidural faster because she volunteered to help do it. I sure owe her! I was going through a contraction when the anesthesiologist did it- that was really fun! But once that epidural hit... I was a happy girl...

Here's a post-epidural pic or two. This one is Bryan and I reenacting a contraction with him coaching me through it. I'll never forget his forceful commands of "Look at me! You can do this!" Sometimes a bossy girl needs to be bossed around a little to not give up!

"I don't know what to do with my hands!"


Mema and Nini playing the "waiting game." I was so happy that I packed that blanket because I was very shivery.