Paige is here! I know, it is kind of old news, well two-week-old news, but this is the first opportunity I've had to write it out. It was the most amazing experience and it already seems like it was so long ago. All the worries and concerns, wondering if I'd end up with another c-section or if my vbac (vaginal birth after caesarean) would be successful and safe, are over and it was just more than I could have even planned for it to be. Tuesday, November 11th my sister Meghan had come to visit. We made soup and coffee and sat and talked while the kids played. I was having contractions throughout the day, but it was so nice and calm. Really the perfect day to go into labor.
It was 4 days before my due date and I had started to believe it would be awhile before Paige would decide to come. Meghan got ready to go shortly after Tim got home from work at 5: 30. But, as she got ready to get her coat on, I stood up and walked into the dining room and felt a little gush. I was convincing myself that I just peed my pants a little (pregnant women do that...or so I've heard) but then it happened again and again. Meghan, Tim and I packed my things as we called family and then headed to the hospital around 6:30. It was so perfect that Meghan was there. We said goodbye to Ainsleigh who was totally preoccupied with playing with her cousins, she didn't seem to understand what was happening no matter how much we had prepared her for it.
We got to the hospital, I stepped out of the jeep, and my water completely broke, soaking my pants. It was a little embarrassing walking into the hospital that way, but I think everyone understood! We were all checked into our room and ready to settle in for a long night at around 7:30. My wonderful midwife called and said she'd be on her way in about an hour. My contractions really picked up right before she got there and I was in active labor. I am just so glad that I had her and I sort of doubt that I would have had the experience I did without her. She stayed the entire night and talked TIm and I through each contraction. It was the most pain I've ever experienced, but by 11:30, just a few short hours later, it was over and my daughter was in my arms, safe and healthy. My parents were in the room the entire time, my Dad snuck behind the curtain when I'd get checked and when I pushed. My midwife was so surprised at how big Paige turned out to be and so was I. Tim was really great. He took the midwife's instructions well and rubbed my back as I cried and screamed, or breathed loudly(!) in the shower and in the bed. When it was time to push, it was really neat to have everyone there encouraging me because I honestly didn't believe I could do it at that point. I did have an epidural right before I started pushing, but I still felt everything. I think it might have taken the edge off the contractions, but not by much. Really though, I wouldn't change anything. It somehow makes me feel really strong and proud of what I accomplished and I will never have to wonder what it all feels like. Tim wasn't into cutting the cord, so my midwife called my Dad over and told him to do it. I think Dad is really proud that he played a part in everything. I can't believe my labor was so short. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I hope I never forget it.
It was all so peaceful, even with the pain. It felt like I was among people who loved me, wanted to encourage me, and were as excited to meet Paige as I was. I am so glad for that comfortable environment in which to welcome this third baby. It was nothing like the sterile, surgical environment we had with Addie and we are so glad to have made the new, joyful memories we have made. It was such a lesson in God's faithfulness. My midwife laid Paige on my stomach the second she was born, and I got to to hold her and cuddle her as they cleaned her up, then breastfed her right away. I'll never forget that feeling as I sat there looking into her little eyes for the first time, comforting her after the trauma of being born-the first of many comforts, touching her little back and thinking about how much she looked like Ainsleigh, the dark wavy hair, the brow, the sweet little pink lips. She is here, she is sweet and calm, she is so loved already and we are all just ecstatic!
What will the future hold for these two? I am so excited to find out. I wonder what my life would be like without my sisters and I am so glad that Paige and Ainsleigh will always have each other.
