12:30am I woke Jacob up because I was SOAKING wet. He handed me a towel and rolled over.
I knew it had to be my water breaking but couldn't believe it so I started researching (aka googling) how you know if your water has broken. After about 30 minutes of panicked "research" I went to wake Jacob up. I literally had to shake him to get him to listen and once it registered he jumped out of bed and called our doctor. It took quite awhile for the doctor on call to give us a call back so I gathered some last minute things to put in my hospital bag (which I had packed weeks ago, thank goodness) and just laid down and waited. My mind was racing, what if my water hadn't really broken and I had just wet the bed? How embarrassing would that be! When the doctor called us back he said to go to the hospital right away. We live across the street from The Woman's Hospital and before I knew it I was walking into the hospital!
2am I checked into the hospital and the litmus test confirmed that my water had broken and we would be having this baby within 24 hours. I hadn't been having distinct contractions- more like steady, painful menstrual cramps but once the nurse hooked up the monitor she said I was having very regular contractions. I was 3 cm and 90% effaced.
I have no concept of time...but I remember contractions starting to get distinct beginnings and endings and were getting unbearable. I am a pansy for pain. And I know it. I cried with my face in the pillow every few minutes when they came. The nurse told me it wasn't too early to get the epidural and the doctor wanted me on pitocin which meant they were going to get worse. I quickly agreed. The epidural hurt. bad. I didn't know it was going to hurt...but then I couldn't feel any contractions. It was worth it.
Soon after, the doctor came in to tell me they might have to do an emergency c-section because the baby's heart rate was too low and that meant he wasn't handling labor well. The nurse put an oxygen mask on me and my mind started racing. I started praying- with my eyes open to watch the baby's heart rate. I didn't get a wink of sleep after that. Looking back, I wish I had been able to give my worry over in my prayers because getting some sleep would have been nice for later that day. The nurse turned off the pitocin and reassured me that everything would be fine. I probably drove her crazy with my questions after that. Each one she answered patiently and kindly. I was very fond of this nurse.
8am brings shift changes at the hospital. My nurse had to go home. I was distraught. I had just been through so much with her! She told me Judith was coming in and was very good but my response was, "will you be back tonight?" She said yes, but hopefully I would be long gone by then (out of labor and delivery and in postpartum). The new nurse measured and I was 9cm and 100% effaced. WOW.
At some point David brought Jacob breakfast tacos. He had been hungry since 3am and this was a lifesaver because he needed energy to help me later :)
9am the nurse told me it was time to start pushing...she was amazing. I didn't know someone could be so encouraging and reassuring. Jacob was a big help too. Little did I know this would last 2 hours...
10:59am Joseph Gordon Moore was born! 8lbs and 20 inches.
11:00am I fell asleep. I could still hear everything going on around me but I could not move or open my eyes. I guess I was so scared about the pain and possible complications I overlooked the fact that labor is HARD WORK. And let's just say I was a little out of shape...I basically did a 2 hour cardio and weight class...
soon after...I got to meet my little miracle! He was beautiful. He is even more beautiful every time I look at him. God sure knew what he was doing with this one! I can't describe what I felt holding this sweet baby in my arms the first time. Yes, I was relieved that labor was over but even more than that I was just in awe of everything. God had everything planned out so perfectly. Before Joseph came Jacob and I had an entire week together without work or school to get our apartment ready and to just spend time together. It was so special for us to get to pray for our baby and plan for him without any other distractions! Although I went through various emotions of fear of things going wrong and guilt for going on maternity leave I had an overwhelming peace that God was in control. I knew that if I made it 5 months without knowing I was pregnant that God would take care of the rest of the pregnancy too. Joseph couldn't have been more perfectly timed. I made it through almost the entire school year with my 6th graders and had the baby a week after I went on maternity leave. Jacob is in the middle of his 2 week break which means he gets to spend a whole week at home with the baby before having to go back to school. My mom is able to come stay with us right now which is a huge blessing. We are so thankful for all of your prayers and support and look forward to our new lives as parents!
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