Turning Four

The week before I was due with Shey, I was so sure that he was coming that weekend that I called mom and dad and told them to pack their bags and head this way. Our baby was coming! When my doctor's appointment rolled around the following Wednesday, I was all but begging my doctor to induce me. Bless that man, he booked me the following day in not one, but two hospitals to insure I would get in somewhere.

Mom and I woke up early that December morning to head to the hospital, hoping I would be hooked up and dripping pitocin by 7 am or so. At 9, we were still in the waiting area and I had already sneaked part of a muffin to eat when my ob poked his head in and wondered what was going on. I had been forgotten! The staff was very apologetic and promised to get me in as soon as they could and by 11 or so, I was hooked up and getting the baby birthing stuff going.

Because the nurses wanted me to be able to help push when the time came, I was not completely numb from my epidural and as the contractions grew stronger, it felt like a searing hot needle was being pierced through my vah-ga-ga. The head nurse wasn't really taking me seriously until mom finally said, "look, if she's saying anything, then it is serious." Which is true, I do have a high pain tolerance and I was not tolerating this well.

My ob came in to check me, found that I wasn't past 5 or so, and he went home to light the menorah. Poor guy, no sooner had he gotten home, then Shey's heart rate started going crazy and the nurse asked me if I had the urge to push. Since I was totally numb with Peyton, I didn't know what to look for, but no sooner had that question exited her mouth did I find out. Oh, yes, I want to push and NOW! They checked me and I was fully dilated and ready to go.

Even though I felt the whole extraction process, ring of fire and all, it was so much easier pushing out Shey since I could feel that elusive pressure and with Peyton paving the way a few years earlier, Shey was out within 20 minutes.

When I had Peyton, they whisked him away right after he was born due to a myriad of things, but Shey was right there and barely left my side the whole stay in the hospital. I felt that rush of emotion and instant adoration with Shey, that I didn't get to experience with Peyton and even now he has a tender place in my heart. He's my baby boy.

Happy Birthday, Shey. I pray for you a long, healthy life filled with much happiness.