Julia's Story

The real story begins two weeks before she came. I began having labor pains two weeks before my due date! I would get all excited because they would be consistent for about four hours and then abruptly stop! It was so hard for me to deal with physically ( I was exhausted and so, so, sore) and emotionally ( going in out of labor is hard on the tear ducts!) I finally went into my midwives clinic on the 8th because I was having really strong contractions and I hurt (my pubic bones were killing me) so bad! I went in and was only at a 3 but my blessed midwife so how utterly miserable I was  and sad that if I had didn't have the baby that night that I could be induced the next day! I wasn't sure how I felt about being induced but with the next contraction, I was game! She called the hospital and came back with the news that the hospital was full till Monday, but she didn't think that I would go that far. (I really hate it when they say that because it never happens!) 

All through the weekend I waited for her to come because with her brothers it only took a little threating with inducement for them to decide to just come! Julia had different plans and a totally different outlook! Monday rolled around and I was still pregnant and so we headed to the hospital! We got there about 8:00, checked in, got hook to the iv, and then the nurse injected the most horrible thing into my IV. You guess it, PIT!!!!! It was horrible! Never again!  After about thirty minutes, my midwife came in and broke my water (also not a fun experience!).  I was finally able to get an epidural after about an hour of contractions. I have never watched a IV bag empty so slowly in my life!!!  After the epidural, I thought I would be much better.  The majority of the pain did disappear but I stilled had some pain but thought it would go away. Nope! It intensified and started to go along my tail bone! Usually at this point, it means I need to push and the baby will be here but I had only been in labor for about four hours and couldn't possibly be that close! (My other labors were at least 12 hours!)  They injected something into my IV that they promised would make me feel better but that it would take about thirty minutes! Helene, my midwife, came in and checked me and to my surprise and hers, I was at an 8 and Julia's head was coming down! She rapidly threw on a gown and told me to get ready to push after they drained my bladder. I couldn't believe it! I had only been in labor for four hours and she was here! I kept saying that this couldn't be happening! But with the next contraction, I was thankful it was almost over!  

So everyone got ready for her to come and then the pushing began! I pushed and pushed and the pain was so intense! I began to scream and grunt! I have never had to do that before! They encouraged me by saying that she has such beautiful hair! They then told me that she was turning herself! She was positioned to come out face up but as I began to push, she turn herself over and came out face down! Hence all the pain! She finally came though and I was so relieved! 

Julia Elizabeth has been a blessing to our home and I am so thankful that she is here and that I am no longer pregnant!!!  It took a while for it to sink in that she is ours, this beautiful little girl! I think Anth summed it up when he commented about how weird it looked to see little bows on the top of our baby's head!  Now bows,ribbons, and flowers are a part of daily life! Girls are just so special!