{Birth Story} - Delilah Fawn.

On May 12th at 12:18am, we welcomed our little Delilah into the world. She weighed 9lbs 3oz, and measured 22.5 inches long! Much bigger than I expected her to be! (Simon was 8lbs 12oz).

The labor & delivery were one from heaven, and I can't describe it any other way....
I had been having regular contractions for about a week or so, each day hoping they would progress. I would get them every 10 minutes for hours on end. We would go for walks to try to keep them going, but eventually they would diminish, and I was starting to think I would end up needing to be induced, just like I was with Simon. He was 14 days overdue, and the labor was 21 hours long.

On Tuesday, I had regular contractions again, just like other days, but these felt different... I had a feeling something was changing in my body. The contractions never went away, and only got stronger. I texted Ryan at work and told him that I was going to need a back rub when he got home.... Jenna & Kelsey invited us over for supper, and I figured it wouldn't be a problem. We arrived there and while I was helping with the potatoes, it was getting tougher and tougher to stand through the contractions. I had a feeling that night would be the night. We ate supper, and afterwards we decided to go for a walk to the park, and make sure my contractions wouldn't diminish like they had been doing. We made it there, and Jenna & I sat on a bench while Simon played. I started to wonder if I was even going to make it back to their house! I felt the need to hurry all of a sudden, so we started back. Once we got on J & K's street, I asked Ryan to drive home (like right now!) and grab the diaper bag, and a bag of my things and come back asap. I wanted to go to the hospital sooner rather than later, because I knew that I planned on having an epidural. We drove Simon to my Mom's and she could tell I didn't look like myself.

We arrived at the hospital at 8:30pm, the nurse checked me and I was 4cm dilated. I told her my wishes of having an epidural and the anesthesiologist was there very soon after. He told me the risks involved, but I knew 100% that I wanted one. (I remember very clear while in labor with Simon that I never wanted to know what it felt like without the epidural, because that labor was SO intense, and I had the medication. I didn't need to prove anything to myself, or be a wonder woman.. I wanted to make this an enjoyable and comfortable experience) The Dr. gave me the epidural and said it went as smoothly as they come. He was super nice, and I trusted him. Once I had the epidural, the contractions were very manageable. Ryan and I were chatting about the salon, and I told him he probably had time to go do the cash-out and then come back. He asked me "Are you sure?" and I said "Of course, I'm sure it'll be a while yet."...

A little while later, my contractions started to slow down, so I got up and sat on the birthing ball to hopefully keep them going. My Dr. came to check me again after being on the ball for 10 minutes or so and informed me I was 8am dilated already!! I almost didn't believe her. When she checked me, my water broke. The amount of fluid was INSANE. I remember feeling pretty grossed out at all the fluid, when I heard my Dr say "We've got Mec." That being short for meconium. I was concerned for a moment, but she assured me that Delilah was still happy, with a good heart rate so there was no reason to worry. She would just have to suction her mouth/nose right away, instead of having her given to me the moment she's born. Not a problem.

I asked her if I should call Ryan to come back, and she said "He left?! You could be pushing very soon!" So I called him, and he was very pleased that he could "speed" over. He didn't want to miss it! He made it back in time to see me in the worst stage of labor... transition. Even with the drugs, it is a very intense time.... I managed to breath through each contraction, clenching Ryan's hand, and making my silly "airplane" buzzing noises with my mouth, each one. It wasn't very long until my Dr said I could start pushing. It was SO crazy the pressure I felt, and the urge to push was very intense.

I kid you not, 8 minutes later she was born. 3 pushes, that's it. I couldn't believe it!! Once her head was out, they told me to slow it down, so she could suction the toxic fluid from her mouth and nose. She also discovered that the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, so she had to cut it. Man, when you're pushing though, it's sure hard to tell your body to stop! I managed to stop while they did what they had to do, and then one more push and she was here!
She had a lot of bruising to her face from going through the birth canal so fast, but other than that she was perfect. Just perfect. She let out a tiny little cry at first, but then just looked around in silent amazement while they cleaned her up, weighed and measured her.
Ryan did such a great job of encouraging me, and I was happy he didn't end up missing it! Our nurses were so wonderful too, and Dr. Braun was the best. Everyone was so calm and happy, and made for a very enjoyable environment. I was never worried or scared.
Simon was thrilled to meet his new 'sister baby' and was showering her with kisses from the moment he lay eyes on her.
We stayed at the hospital until Thursday morning, and have been enjoying time at home now. Our first night at home was great. She slept and would wake up only to be fed. I fed her 4 times throughout the night, but still feel fairly well rested. I feel like I'm on cloud nine.....

These times are so precious, and I'm trying to soak it all in. I finally have my daughter, and she's perfect. A gift from God. I had the labor & delivery from heaven, without a glitch. I'm so happy, and I've never felt more thankful for my family, and how I've been blessed. I'm right where I want to be, who I want to be, and it feels great!!

Welcome to our world, Delilah Fawn! XOXO