Ok, I've finally gotten some time to get on the computer and update my blog.
I guess I'll start at the beginning (of labor, that is).
I had been doing a lot of walking on Wed, Thurs, and Friday two weeks ago (has it been that long already?). Saturday evening, I started to feel a different type of contraction. These were different from the Braxton Hicks contractions in that I felt them come on in my back first then they radiated around to my sides then down to my pelvis. They were short at first, but then became longer and stronger. When they were between 2 and 5 minutes apart, we decided to head to the hospital. Since the hospital is only 7 minutes away, I told Jason to go ahead and get a shower then pack up the truck. By the time Jason got out of the shower, I was really urging him to hurry and pack up the truck. When we got to the hospital, they checked me out and told me that I was no further along than my Friday appointment (75% effaced, 1 1/2 cm dialation). Bummer! Well, my choices were to go home or walk for an hour and they would check me again. By then it was 1:30 am, so we figured we had nothing to loose but more sleep, so we walked. Mom, Sarah and Holly came just in time to get extra early morning exercise. So we walked, and walked, and walked. Very boring after the first 2 laps. I couldn't leave the Labor and Delivery area, so I was literally confined to walking in a U-shaped pattern for an hour. Contractions continued to get stronger, but further apart so we felt sure they would send us home. At 2:30 am the nurse checked me again and said no progress and (I'm sure) was about to say go home and sleep on it (You faker!), when a strong contraction hit and Chloe's heart rate droped from 140's to 38. The nurse made a quick phone call and about 6 other nurses rushed in. Wow, talk about scary stuff! The nurse said I was definitely staying so they could monitor how Chloe continues to respond to contractions.
They took me to a Labor and Delivery room while Jason, Mom, Sarah, and Holly went to get out Labor bag and "accessories." The hospital staff did a stress test on Chloe using Pitocin. That made my contractions really start at 3:00 am (Let active labor begin!). New level of pain, now. I stayed on the Pitocin for and hour and a half, and Chloe never responded as she had that first time, so they took me off the stress test. After that, my contractions came more naturally and felt more natural (coming gradually instead of suddenly with the stress test).
I'm not sure what time it was, but I remember them saying 7 cm, 8 cm, and then I felt pressure. a deep, hard pressure and I new it was time to meet Chloe. I told Jason, "She's coming."
Unfortunately, I had to hold back from pushing for about 10 minutes while my doctor was paged and got to my room. When he got there, he explained that I was to push to the count of ten when a contraction hit. It took me about 2 contractions to figure out that I was supposed to push to ten, then push again one contraction after the other. When I figured that out it took me maybe 7 pushes to deliver.
My mom has always said that as soon as she saw her children, she forgot all about the pain of labor and delivery. I never, ever believed her. How could anyone forget that kind of pain. She was so right. As soon as I saw my baby, I could not remember the pain. No matter how much I tried to remember; to hang onto the experience.
As a highlight, I need to thank my wonderful husband, Jason, for all his wonderful coaching. He helped me stay focused from the beginning to the end. He stayed with me the whole time and held my hand, and sacrificed his fingers for me. Thank you, Jason, I love you. Without you there, I don't think I could have had the labor I wanted.
I also would like to thank my mom. She was also there throughout the labor and delivery. She was invaluable to me. She kept everyone updated in the waiting room and helped get water, ice packs, heated blankets, etc. This left Jason free to stay with me and coach me through labor. Again, without you there, I don't think I could have had the labor I wanted. I hope you "enjoyed" being there for the birth of your granddaughter. I know I'me very glad and greatful for you being there.
I know this recounting is somewhat scatter-brained, but that's what I am right now. :) Hopefully my blogs will make for sense in the future.
She is such a strong little girl.
Thank you, Aunt Deah, for the rattle.
Brown eyes
Grandpa, Grandma, and Mamaw Shanks
Sleepy girl! 
Mommy and Chloe getting ready to leave the hospital. Are you serious?!? Can't I have a nurse come home with me? Do you see the terror in my eyes?
In her car seat and ready to go home. Home? What's that. She fussed getting into the seat, but after that, she was very content. We are very happy about that!
