It was Sunday, August 22nd, 2010, five days before your due date. I had been having contractions off and on all weekend keeping me up late Saturday night. I felt too tired to get up early for church so I slept in until 10:45 a.m.
By the time I woke up, my contractions had stopped completely. I remember I looked out the window to see a perfect, sunny day. I was full of energy. I took my time getting ready for the day and had a relaxing morning. I would pat my belly and say "Hi Baby!" whenever you would give me a big kick.
Daddy made us a big, yummy lunch with fresh pineapple. His friend at work said he had heard fresh pineapple might put me into labor. We thought we'd give it a try.
It worked.
I called Doctor Ed to let him know I had been having contractions off and on all weekend and they felt different, like they were accomplishing something. At 12:30 when I called, my contractions were about 20 minutes apart.
By 2:00, big brother, Justin, was timing them at about 5 minutes apart. But they still seemed pretty light to me.
The doctor called at 3:00 to check up on me and told me to come on over to the clinic to get checked. I thought he'd just check me and send me back home. But then I knew that if this really was it, I'd need my things. So, I quickly finished packing our bag and gathered some snacks. By 3:45 we were ready. We hadn't told the boys yet.
Justin and Tyler had been playing Legos in their room. When we told them to get ready to go over to Aunt Nicki and Uncle Lance's house, they hooted and hollered with excitement and immediately hopped up and cruised downstairs pulling their overnight suitcases. They were so excited to finally see you.
Justin said "Mom, now I know what you mean about being ready to go at ANY time!" They had had their bags packed and ready to go for weeks.
In the car, I asked the boys what they thought you would look like. Tyler said, "I think she will have pink hair." Justin said, "I think it will be blonde. All girls have blonde hair, Mom." Little did we know you would have auburn hair.
A while later, Justin said, "I can't stop smiling! It's just like Christmas!" He was right. Except this was even better than Christmas. We were nearly bursting with excitement. I remember feeling so happy right at that moment as we were driving down the freeway. I said a prayer in my heart that I wouldn't be sent back home. I really, REALLY wanted to hold you in my arms today.
We arrived at the Natural Family and Childbirth Clinic in Portland at about 4:30 in the afternoon. Travis drove the boys over to his sister's house in Vancouver (15 minutes away) as I checked in at the clinic. When the doctor checked me I was already at a 3 1/2. Yay! He said "Don't you think things will just keep moving along now?" I said, "I sure hope so!" He told me to plan on staying.
Travis got back at about 5:30 and joined me in bed timing contractions with his iPhone. He played games on his phone until I took it away from him and told him we needed to "focus". When the boys were born, they took their own sweet time. I was determined this time that we were "off to the races" and there would be no "dilly dallying" for me. I remember feeling so giddy and excited that you were going to be born soon.
The doctor assistant was observing me from across the room and trying to time my contractions. At one point she said she couldn't even tell when I was having a one. They really weren't intense at all and I was surprised I was dialating so fast. I think I even knocked on the wood night stand as I expressed my awe at the situation. I was just praying that things would keep moving steadily along.
I talked (O.K., begged) the doctor into breaking my water at about 6:15. I was at a 5 then. An hour or so later, at a 6, he told me I could get into the warm tub whenever I liked. I wasn't sure I needed it yet.
I stood up and while walking to the bathroom, had a big contraction. It stopped me in my tracks. Travis held me up. I decided I was ready for that water....
Only Travis and I were in the birthing room with periodic visits from the doctor and his two doctor/assistants, Chrissy and Paula. I was in the water from about 7:45 until he checked me again at about 8:45 when I said I felt like I was ready to push and had sent Travis running down the hall to summon them. I was at a 9 1/2. Let me tell you that "1/2" is worth its weight in gold! Such a relief. I wanted to yell "Hallelujah!" Really? I couldn't believe I was that close and still felt so good. Dr. Ed knelt down next to the tub and said, "I couldn't ask for a better labor...at least for me!" I laughed and agreed that yes, it had definitely been ideal so far. I couldn't believe I was laughing while I was dilated to a 9. Amazing. This was by far less intense than when your brothers were born. Either that or I somehow had been blessed to be able to handle the pain more easily this time. I felt so blessed at that moment.
I pushed for 12 minutes and you were born in the warm water at exactly 8:57 p.m. Daddy was kneeling right behind me next to the tub looking over my right shoulder.
You had the cord around your neck. Doctor Ed easily removed it just after your head came out, but your face was still blue when he handed you to me. I talked to you and loved you until you finally took a breath and started to cry. Hard. It was music to my ears. I can't find the words to describe the rush of relief I felt when I knew you were o.k. It was incredible and still the thought brings tears to my eyes. We just love you so much!
It was then that I realized we hadn't taken any pictures yet. I asked Travis to go grab the camera. Then after he took some pictures of us in the tub, I handed you to him so you could get to know each other while the doctor got me all taken care of.
After I was tucked in the big bed with you cuddled to my chest, it was just the three of us again. I will always remember the total elation I felt knowing you were ours. Such a sweet moment of bliss. The doctor came in later to measure you. You weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces and were 21 3/4 inches long.
You were our cute purple princess that night!Another baby was getting ready to be born that night, so we were moved to another room upstairs in the clinic for the night. Dr. Ed wanted to keep an eye on you through the night before we would be leaving to come home.
I could hardly sleep all night I was so happy. I just held you next to me and listened to you breathe as I gazed at you in the dark. I told Grandma Davis the next morning that you were like my own little squeaky toy. That is what you sounded like to me as you slept so soundly in my arms.
In the morning, the sun shone brightly through the windows and Daddy got up to go pick up your brothers. Grandma and Grandpa Davis flew in that Monday morning from Salt Lake City, Utah. Travis and the boys picked them up from the Portland airport on their way back to the clinic to meet you.
We could hear the boys' excited talking echo as they hurried up the stairs to our room. Tyler came over smiling and immediately sang to you his adorable version of your song, "Baby Face". Ty had been singing it to you daily for the past 5 months while you were still in my belly. It was so sweet to see the adoration in his eyes and voice as he already knew his baby sister. And you knew him, too. He had been waiting so long for you to arrive. Justin was so happy to see you he couldn't stop smiling. After a while, he said his cheeks hurt but he still couldn't stop grinning and giggling. I'll always remember the utter joy we all felt welcoming you into our family.
Grandma and Grandpa Davis gave you cuddles and kisses while we took lots of pictures.
Then Daddy tucked you in your car seat and we carried you outside for your next adventure...Coming home.
I love you, baby girl! XOXO, Mommy
p.s. I nearly typed this whole post left-handed while holding you. Most of it at 2:00 in the morning during your first month. That seems to be when you would be wide awake. I hardly ever put you down. I am just enjoying every second with you.
