labor and delivery...

If I could relive these moments again...I would.

I started having contractions at midnight on August 30,2010...I had contractions off and on throughout the night...at around 7 or 8 in the morning we made a call to labor and delivery, told them the contractions we're 5-8 minutes apart and I had a follow up doctor appointment at 2:00 P.M. They told me to keep the appointment but be prepared to possibly be delivering today...We packed up and headed out...

Yup...That's me...all leaned up against the house having a contraction...ouch. On our way to the doctors appointment it was blurry...I was trying to not concentrate on the pain but focus on what was coming, my sweet little girl. I won't say I wasn't nervous...I was. (Also...the fact that we almost got into a car accident on our way didn't help either of us with our nerves.) The rest of the drive was peaceful, just the husband and I...I'm sure we asked each other how we were feeling and we exchanged a few "I love you's" but for the most part, I was focused on breathing and he was focused on driving safely. We arrived to our doctor's appointment and let them know I was having contractions...they seemed a bit confused as to why I was there and not the hospital...Thanks Kaiser. We were in the exam room and a few time a nurse poked her head in to be sure we weren't ready to deliver. The doctor came in, checked me...you betcha...5cm dilated. He made a call to labor and delivery and we were on our way. We made calls to our parents and sister and brothers...it'll just be a few short hours until the arrival of the first grandchild and niece.

We checked in around 4ish...met with our family. The excitement was over flowing. I always knew who I'd want in the room for delivery...the husband, of course. My mom and my dad...(dad of course off to the side.) My sister...(besides being my sister and bff she's a nursing assistant...she could hopefully be of some help.) I wanted the husband's mom in the room but she ended up with a cold and waiting in the waiting room..(and waited a week before holding the baby! Stupid colds.)

Considering we had A LOT of time left...some of the family left for a few hours to get rest...We'd call them as soon as the action got closer. I was instructed to get out of bed and walk the halls. I wasn't to return to bed until 7:30 P.M...As we made our way through the halls, stopping every few minutes for a contraction, passing a few nurses stations and making small chat with a few passer byers...suddenly my water broke. I paused. I stood there in slight embarrassment as people starred. Luckily, we were a few feet from a nurses station and they were able to assist me. One cleaned my mess and I up...the other wheeled me back to my room. The contractions grew stronger and more intense. I could tell this was it...my sweet Makena Renee would be arriving soon. Calls were placed with the family again. The room started getting busier. I remember visitors in the room talking what seemed to be very loudly about the Giants. I was concentrating on the pain. I requested my epidural STAT. The room cleared, I started shaking. The husband was told to sit in a chair...I sat to the side of the bed, leaned over a pillow and they poked my back with pure heaven. I instantly became unaware of the pain. I got some quite time. My support was back in the room and we all sat in silence until it was time.

Contractions pre epidural...

Ice chips...the only snack you're allowed.

The moment drew closer. I was checked and they said I was ready to start pushing. I did...Well I tried. I couldn't feel anything....my epidural was that good. I was told to push as if I were going to the bathroom. I couldn't tell what I was pushing...but by what they told me...I was more pushing a booger out then a poop. A few things on my "birth plan" went out the window...The mirror... I did NOT want that. Who WANTS to see THAT?? They suggested if I saw it would help with my pushing. So, that was that...I saw...whew. Also, as she was crowning I was asked if I wanted to touch her noggin...ummmm NO THANK YOU. But, my hand was grabbed and reached and...touched. I believe my exact words were, "ewwww....gross." I know...very mature. I pushed and pushed....at 1:21 A.M on August 31,2010 I was given the best gift...

Makena Renee

Makena was placed right on my chest for what seemed to be forever. Tears started flowing down my face. That moment, it was just my daughter, myself and my husband. The room was at a standstill. It seemed quiet and peaceful. I remember the husband leaning over and kissing me...then our baby. I can't remember the words we exchanged but I'm sure it was love. I instantly felt this love overcome me. Something I'd never felt....this is what it was to be a mom. I had this tiny little one in my arms...a head full of black hair...a little girl who looked like her daddy's twin. I was in heaven. I'd forgotten that I'd been awake for two days...I forgot about the pain. I just had a baby. I just created a life. I had my own family....

My family was starting to feel complete. I'd been in love with my husband since I was 16. Married when I was 20 and now a baby named after the beach we'd gotten married on...Makena, at 26. We had a home to go to and our little dog to greet us...life couldn't be anymore perfect...

Our hospital stay seemed long and short...very busy. The fact that Makena arrived at 1:21 in the morning made everything even more blurry. We moved into the post partum room at around 5:00 A.M. only to learn about breast feeding and our first poopy diaper. By 10:00 visitors and doctors were in and out. My main focus was 100% on my sweet little girl. The one I'd been dreaming of since I was a little girl. The one my husband and I talked about and made future plans around....I became a momma on August 31, 2010.

Moments and memories became clear...I created my own family. I promised to love my husband til death do us part....we created a life together...Our life was feeling complete...

xo,

dani