Evelyn’s Birth Story
Much like Ellie’s birth, nothing really went to plan. But of course, there was a happy ending! The entire pregnancy, I thought that Evelyn would come early—that’s what all second children do, right? Mommy was very uncomfortable (read: LARGE) for most of the last tri-mester, summer was heating up and we were just ready to meet this little girl! But, no sign of her at Mommy’s 39 week checkup. That is when Dr. Denman basically said that we were scheduling the induction! She said I had gone long enough and the baby was ready. Since it was my second child and the first birth went pretty smoothly, I had very little to risk with getting induced, so I decided to do it! That was after a lot of encouraging from my husband, family & friends …
Saturday morning, May 28th, 5:30 AM: Mommy and Daddy arrive at the hospital. Daddy thought it was too early, but mommy was ready to get going! They both got what would probably be their last decent night’s sleep for a while and headed out. Grandma and Grandpa were here to watch Ellie! Grandma and Grandpa took us all to Outback the night before for the “last supper”.
Around 6:30-7:00 AM they started me on the Pitocin. Although I didn’t really feel anything, I did start feeling regular contractions. The only thing I really didn’t like was being hooked to an IV and several monitors around my belly to check the baby’s heartbeat. I felt like I was stuck in the bed (which I was). The morning seemed to DRAG on endlessly! Time was just ticking by. While Mommy sat and twiddled her thumbs, Daddy went to eat twice! In the cafeteria and took SEVERAL naps (see pictures). Finally around 12:30, I was dilated to 5 and they decided to break my water.
Keep in mind, the Doctor and Nurses had asked me no less than 20 times already if I wanted my epidural. I kept on saying no. Not because I was being brave, but honestly my contractions just didn’t hurt at all yet! Yeah…………….. that all changed QUICKLY as soon as they broke my water!! Within about 15-20 minutes of breaking my water, my contractions really ramped up and started getting more and more painful with each one. I promptly called the Anesthesiologist. She did a great job. I guess the better job they do, the more you can feel in your legs—I honestly could feel and move my legs the whole time—I just couldn’t feel the really painful stuff!
Next thing I know (maybe another 20 min later?), there is INTENSE pain in what I would describe as my left side groin. I was pushing that nurse button frantically wanting them to increase my epidural… the nurse called the Dr. in to check me and she said, “Ok, are you ready to push?” I say, “Ummm I really think my epidural isn’t working!!!!!” She says (something like), “Yeah, that is not your epidural wearing off—that is the baby!” We looked in the mirror and there she was! At this point, it was time to push!! I only had to push through four contractions and there she was!!! The NICU nurses whisked her away and got her all suctioned and cleaned—in the meantime my Dr. had Craig and I checking out my placenta and they brought Evelyn to us!!! She looked JUST like Ellie!!!
Back up a few minutes. I left one important detail out! During the pretty gruesome part of the pushing and delivering, I look over at Craig and he is turning sort of white… he says, “Ummm I’m gonna have to sit down for a minute!” He says he wasn’t going to pass out—he just felt a little nauseous J
We had a great stay at Clarian North (IU Medical Center is the official name now). The nurses there were all SUPER fabulous… I can’t say enough great things about it. We had lots of fun visitors including our dear Ellie. She was so sweet wanting to see the baby (beebee as she says) and give her kisses! As a matter of fact, she has been SO sweet to the baby since we brought her home! We’ve only had a couple of jealousy incidents where she really just wants mama to hold her, but I can’t because I’m feeding the baby.
We are all adjusting well. Poor little Evelyn is struggling a bit with Reflux, but we started her on medication this week, so keep us in your prayers that it works as well as it did with Ellie! Other than the fact that she will not sleep on her back (because of the reflux), she really is a GREAT baby. She is so sweet and is already spending a couple of hours a day with her eyes peeping wide open.
Mema is here staying with us (spoiling us!) now and when she leaves, Grammy will be back! Grandpa was able to be here when we brought Evelyn home and he will be back several more times this summer… as well as Papa, Kim & Tate! They are coming to visit in August.
All of our family and friends have been SO AMAZINGLY helpful throughout my pregnancy and these first few crazy weeks. We are so blessed to have two healthy baby girls and wonderful family & friends!!!!
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