Sierra's Birth Story 11-30-10

After my appointment on Monday, I was a bit discouraged because I was so incredibly uncomfortable and was told there was nothing that could be done. My doctor stripped my membranes, but even with that, I wasn't sure what to expect. I came home, moped a little bit, and then had dinner with my family and decided to take a nice, warm bath and relax. I went to bed early with my sweet little Skylar...holding her close and getting as many snuggles in as possible.

I woke up about 1:30 having to go to the bathroom and that is when I felt my contractions. I didn't at all get excited over this. I had had plenty of nights of contractions that resulted in no labor. I never was able to go back to sleep. I just laid there and pulled Skylar even closer and watched time pass with each contraction. As time went on, the contractions started getting stronger and lasting a tad bit longer. Again I was still not getting my hopes up. About 3:20am, I actually started timing how far apart they were. They were consistently 5 minutes apart and some were intense enough to take my breath away. I had been told that with her being so low, to not mess around and get in when they were 5 minutes apart. So after having 13 contractions that were painful, I decided it was probably time to go in. My water hadn't broken, but I had a feeling that it wouldn't since it only leaked with Skylar.

So, at 4:30am, Eli, Skylar, and I made our way to labor and delivery. I was hooked up to the monitor and checked. 4cm. The nurse said she could stretch me farther, but didn't think I was in labor...that they would monitor me for about an hour and see how I was after that. I knew in my heart, it was labor. I knew because those were the contractions that took me to the hospital with Skylar. I knew because I know my body and what I was feeling. After an hour of contractions taking my breath away, I was told that it had to be either false labor or the real early stages of real labor. So at 6:30am, they sent me home...in pain and not happy. I had to stop no less than 3 times on the way to the car to get through my contractions. Once home, they just got worse. They continued coming every 5 minutes, started lasting longer, and boy did they start hurting worse.

I couldn't wait for 8:00am to hit so I could call my doctor's office. Swae and Seth got home and they were both stuck to my side and worried about me and at one point during a contraction Seth said, "Stephie don't look so good." Got to love him! 8:00am came and I called right away. I was called back within 3 minutes. I explained to them about my contractions, about going to the hospital, about being sent home, about my contractions being 5 minutes apart and lasting around a minute and a half. The nurse I talked to was floored. She was so upset that I was sent home. She told me to get into the office ASAP. So that I did. Eli took Swae and Seth to school and my mom drove me to the doctor. I seriously give the women in this world so much credit for having kids with no meds because I was in so much pain and wanted it to just go away!!!! I had a heck of a time making it up to the office. They took me right back to a room and I was checked and at 7cm!!! They were even more mad at this point that I was sent home and sent me straight to the hospital.

As soon as I walked into labor and delivery, the nurses were already talking about me and getting everything ready. My doctor's office had called them and let them know I was on my way and that I wanted the epidural. I had four nurses getting me in the room, changed, hooked up, blood drawn, IV in, and ready to go. The nurses were so fabulous...so much better than the night ones that were giving each other massages and wanting to go home for the night. I was one happy momma to get that epidural. Once that was in, I was good with everything. I didn't mind that they had to poke me six times (4 for my IV and 2 to draw blood). I was comfortable and I had my hubby with me and my parents, Eli's mom and Skylar. Swae and Seth were there once Seth got out of school. We pulled Swae with him so that we could all be together. We didn't want Swae to feel left out.

The next few hours were just a waiting game. I relaxed as much as I could as I was tired from being up since 1:30am. Not only that, those super crazy painful contractions totally took it out of me. All I kept thinking about was having enough energy to push! This time the epidural took the pain away, but I was still able to feel my contractions and the pressure down low. This made me a bit nervous and anxious after not being able to feel anything with Skylar. While I knew what was ahead, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect where feeling was concerned or even pushing for that matter.

But when the time came, I knew it was time to push. I knew I was ready. And it took all of 5 pushes to get Miss Sierra out. Her cry was heart melting. Seeing her was incredible. When they placed her on my belly, I couldn't help cry tears of joy of seeing my little beauty. It was so surreal to know that she was really here, to know that I was really looking at her, touching her, wiping her off. Seeing the tears in Eli's eyes melted my heart. It was such an amazing experience, one that I will forever cherish.

It is hard to believe that our family of 6 is complete. I want to always remember the looks on both Swae and Seth's faces when they came in the room with their dad to meet their littlest sister. I want to remember Skylar's sweet little voice when she saw her baby sister and said, "BABY!!!!" I want to remember them all crowded on the bed with me, admiring Sierra, kissing her, and taking it all in. I am so thankful for each and everyone of my kiddos. I am so blessed and happy.

Welcome Miss Sierra! Mommy loves you more than words could ever describe. What I feel in my heart is the most wonderful feeling in the world. Thank you for being such an amazing little baby. You are a great eater and an even better sleeper. You hate being changed and are just as content not being held as you are being held. Skylar absolutely adores you. She is always kissing you and wanting to hold you. Swae doesn't stay far away from you at all. She is always wanting to hold you and help out doing any and every thing for you. And Seth, well he loves you as well. He is protective of you and quite the big brother. And now that you are here, he is wanting me to have a big belly again and hoping for a baby brother. You, my dear, are your daddy's little princess. There is something about the way he turns so soft and gentle when you are near him and in his arms. I love watching him look at you, touch your little fingers, rub your soft little cheeks. It makes me fall in love with him all over again. You sweet little Sierra are a perfect little package. I love you with all my heart and soul!