After all my threats tied to missing my window for an epidural, Anthony--smart man that he is--drops me off at the ER. I waddle in, gnashing my teeth and clenching my fists as I battle the increasing contractions while waiting on two thugs to empty their massive collection of cell phones out of their pockets. I tried to be patient, I really did. To no avail. I finally asked the security guard if I had to wait in line since I was in major labor. He--smart man that he is--let me bypass America's Most Wanted and check in.
Contractions were awful. I mean truly and utterly awful. I thought those little twinges of pain I was experiencing back in Tallassee were uncomfortable. The ones at the hospital meant business. Once we got settled into the room I asked the nurse when I could get an epidural. I'm fairly certain she forgot about me because it was HOURS before I got one. Keep in mind I came to that dang hospital 3 cm dilated, 75% effaced, +1 baby position, and experiencing contractions for almost 3 hours. It finally got to the point where I begged for the epidural. (I have plenty to say about that nurse, but I will keep it to myself.) Fortunately, the original nurse's shift ended and we were assigned a pro. Seriously, if you give birth at Baptist East in Montgomery, Alabama then be sure to ask if Dawn is working. She's an angel in scrubs.
Things got a lot better after the epidural. I'd been in labor all night long, Anthony and I had gotten 0 hours of sleep, and I was gearing up for the workout of my life. Ironically when I was in the worst shape of my life. With the epidural came sweet rest. We were able to get a little bit of shut-eye in between nurse and family visits.
I had been worried about how the actual delivery part being too much for me. It usually takes about 2-3 hours of pushing for first time moms, and I wasn't sure I'd have the stamina for all of that. Dawn told me it'd only take twenty minutes; I thought she was being highly optimistic. Fortunately, she meant what she said once the time came. I pushed for twenty minutes, with Anthony cheering me on and helping the nurses, and our sweet August arrived.
I was so blessed to have an easy and smooth delivery. August was safe and healthy, and Anthony and I were officially parents. It was surreal to have him in my arms. It was....I don't even know the word for it...to see him in Anthony's arms. It was perfect. Heartbreakingly perfect.
We stayed that way, a family of three, for about thirty minutes before inviting grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins into the room to meet the newest addition to the family.
We were in the hospital for the customary time and received lots of visits from family and friends. It was wonderful and we were grateful.
I would imagine this was taken after the epidural,
as I doubt I would have been able to even fake a smile before receiving one.
Anthony anxiously waiting for August's arrival
in his embroidered scrubs, his first Father's Day gift.
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