Penny's Birth Story

Dear Penny,

I started to write this not long after your birth but just finished it on this eve of your first birthday. This is your story and the theme seems to be that you bring sweet surprises to us - from the moment we found out about you to your grand entrance into the world, you have helped me each step of the way realize when I am busy making other plans God is always weaving the best one.

Your brother and sister came both 3 days before their due dates so I thought Friday the 25th would be the big day and you were born just a few hours past that!

Well for a few weeks I had contractions on and off but it wasn't till Thursday night before I really started timing them and thinking they might get more intense but it was a good thing they stalled out because Rhett ended up having a stomach virus so we were up and down with him throughout that night. Ava told me that night before she went to bed that she didn't think that night was the night you would be born and per usual her old soul intuition was correct.

Friday night when I was going over again what would happen if you came in the night, Ava said she thought tonight was the night and a little after midnight I woke with contractions. I went to sit in your nursery alone, I rocked in your rocking chair and thought of you and prayed over you as I timed them, they seemed to be consistent and had some intensity, so I woke up your dad and we called Amy around 1:00am to come over to stay with your bother and sister. Amy and I were talking and laughing in the kitchen as we packed up the last things and the contractions were still around 7-10 minutes apart. I thought we better go ahead and leave for the hospital to be on the safe side. We drove to the hospital and things were still mild and manageable, another middle of the night car ride. It was my easiest car ride of the 3 experiences, not to much pain yet and could soak in the unique place of quiet and calm all around knowing our lives and family are about to start a new chapter this night.

Your dad offered to drop me off when we arrived but I asked that we park and walk in together because again things were pretty mild. We checked in around 2:30 and went to triage. The nurse said they were pretty slow that night and no one else was in line in front of me for an epidural so they would speed things along. As we are in triage things start to pick up speed and the intensity was building, I notice the contractions were only about a minute apart. There was a lot of trouble getting my IV going but once it was in we headed to labor and delivery around 3:30.

The nurse accidentally set off the baby alarm in transit so we had to stop for a baby count. We talked and joked with the nurses at nurse and I could easily talk in between contractions. We were then into our room and I just set on the edge of the bed so I wouldn't have to get up again for the epidural. The contractions starting to feel more overwhelming. We are waiting on my IV bag to finish which is a requirement for the epidural. I feel like she's being a little evasive on my questions, "how long does and IV bag usually take?" etc. She asks me some questions that make me start to realize I mat not get that epidural, like "Have you ever wanted to try natural birth?" among other things. I told her something like "a part of me always wondered but not right now". Your dad has been sworn to secrecy the other things that came out of mouth during this time.

Then in about a 5 minute span one of the contractions hits me hard again, my water broke and I am screaming and panicking with the level of pain as I let her know my water just broke, She has me roll onto the bed, she checks me and makes a phone call and then I let her know I felt pressure and had to push and out you came! The nurse was right there to get to you, others start entering the room and I remember thinking I can't believe that just happened! I'm glad it happened this way and I'm glad it's done! There you were, tiny and perfect and loud.

You are so many firsts for me including my first "all natural" birth.
It was a special day for sure and one I will never tire of celebrating. I love you sweet girl, my baby is turning 1 and that is all parts heavy and wonderful. For all the sweet firsts you brought me you are all so many tender lasts. I love you Penny-pie, we can't picture our family and life without you and we love you dearly! Happy Birthday!