Birth Story

On Sunday morning, at about 5 AM, I started having intense contractions that woke me up. I didn't really think much of it, because I had been having some pretty intense contractions on and off for several weeks. These were a little more intense but they were 10-15 minutes apart, so I decided to go ahead and get ready for church because the kids really needed to practice for the primary sacrament program, and I had gotten to the point where I was convinced I would never be in labor. So, we all got ready to go. At about 8:30, a half hour before church was to start, I had a few really intense contractions that made me decide to stay home. Thinking I had plenty of time, I called a friend in the ward and asked her if she would take my kids to church with her. A few minutes later, Elena informed me that her tummy hurt. I thought she was probably just excited that I was having labor, but I decided to keep her home. Thank goodness I did because a few minutes after McKay and Alexia left, Elena threw up and then again a half hour later. My contractions at that point were intense enough that I decided to lay down and listen to my hypnobirthing relaxation CD's. By 11:00 AM The contractions were 2-5 minutes apart and I knew that I needed to get ready to go. We packed bags for the kids, grabbed my previously packed bag and called my mom and the nurse/midwife to let them know we were coming. When the kids got home at 12:00, we had them hurry and change and then we left. Clarence stopped at his work to get his boss's cell #, then off we drove to Cedar Hills to drop the kids off to my mom. Clarence asked me if I was sure we should go to the hospital because I was so relaxed, he could not tell how intense the contractions were. I reassured him that I was sure we should go right now. When we finally got to the hospital, a little after 1:30 PM, I knew that I was in labor, but I figured it would be awhile. Much to my surprise, they told me I was dilated to an 8+. I was so elated. At exactly 4:00 PM, Oliver made his grand entrance into the world. Because of meconium in the amniotic fluid, and the cord being wrapped around his neck, he lacked oxygen, and was wisked away from me before I had the chance to bond with him. They sucked a bunch of meconium out of his stomach, and then I only got to hold him for a few minutes before he was taken away again because he was so pale from lack of oxygen. He is a wonderful reward and I am so grateful that he is doing so well now. We left the hospital Monday night at around 7PM and we have just been taking it easy and enjoying him since. I hope this all makes sense as I have not had much sleep in the past few days and I am a little delirious but very happy.