Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Story

People are always interested in hearing "the story" of giving birth. I'm not sure why, it's quite painful and should be forgotten as quickly as possible. But for all those interested...

All day Saturday I was feeling contractions, they were pretty painful but irregular so I didn't think much about it. We went and got our weekly breakfast burrito, bought sunglasses at the mall then came home for nap time (Scarlett and Mommy). During my nap I was having more contractions, again irregular. I woke up and prepped for my photo shoot. On the way to the shoot I mentioned to Jared that I was going to start timing my contractions because they seemed to be coming more frequently. I realized they were coming every ten minutes and getting more painful. I did the shoot and by the end was having contractions every eight minutes. This was the first time I thought, hm... maybe I could be in labor!

We came home ate dinner (a hot dog I later regretted) and called my parents. By this time it was 8:00. While I was on the phone with my parents Jared called the doctor to make sure he was back in town (he had been on vacation for the last ten days). He advised us to go to the hospital. Jared and I were both kind of in denial but after my parents suggesting we go and then the doctor telling us to go we got our bags packed, dropped Scarlett off at a friends and called the taxi. We arrived to the hospital at 9:30. I was checked and the nurse announced that I will be having a baby tonight. I was already dilated to a 5.

The mid wife arrived at 10:00pm, prepped me for my Strep B antibiotic and then broke my water. At this point things moved really fast. Contractions were often, painful, and need to be forgotten. The dr. came in at 11:00 and said if everything goes according to the book you will be delivering in two hours. 35 minutes later Lila was born (I'm not one to go according to the book :)

After they cleaned me and the baby up we were left alone. I looked over at Jared and said, "Really, did that just happen?" Suddenly we had a new baby, when a couple hours before we were debating what to do.

At 2:00am they move me to my "recovery" room. It was shared with two other women and their babies (a lot better than last time, where I was put with four other women). Jared left and they brought Lila to me for the night. She of course would not stop crying (just like Scarlett her first night) and so I found myself walking the halls all night.

Overall our hospital experience was a lot better this time. By the second night they were able to move me into a private room so Jared could stay with me. This made it possible for the nurses to communicate with me via Jared, so I received a lot more attention.

I guess that's the "story" sorry it wasn't too exciting...

6 comments:

Monique said...

I love me a good baby story. Again, we just need the reminding every once in a while. It was nice meeting your mom today. She is GREAT! Hope you are recovering well!

Jamie said...

In my opinion, the least exciting birth stories are the best - it just gives you encouragement and confidence for next time!

Rhonda Riley said...

A very good read :) I'm with Jamie on this one ~ the quicker and 'less exciting' the better! It was funny though...I got a call from your 'mama' that you were in labor...called my kids (you know the Riley connection still exists) and by the time I had called the last 'Riley' your mom called back and said, "We have Lila!" I got to call all the kids again :) So fun! Love the pics :) love you!

Heidi said...

Thanks for sharing Kelli! As a soon mom-to-be I'm just happy to hear that it can actually be this short & sweet! Granted, your 2nd child, but here's to hoping I will also come out of it wondering "did this just happen" ;) Lila is precious, enjoy!

the dowiaks said...

so no drugs??? i'm so proud of you going to the state hospital for the SECOND time! you go girl! and, way to go fast! love it!

Erin said...

you are amazing for doing it natural! i def would try to forget it if i had to push without drugs! what a fast delivery you lucky girl! i can't believe scarlett is already 2!