Oh Happy Day!

October 15, 2008

Arwyn will be turning 2 in a few days and I keep thinking about the day she was born. While it was so long ago, it is so fresh in my mind and I thought I might share. The first moments came around 1am when I woke up thinking I might be in labor. I watched Gilmore Girls while I decided if I was actually in labor. By the end, I was certain. I woke Jeremiah up to let him know and we stayed at home until 3:30am. I took a shower to relieve the pain then decided it was getting a bit too intense to stay at home. I really didn’t want to have a baby in the living room. We told my mom we were leaving and were at the hospital around 4am. I hate being at the hospital and being in labor. It is cold and uncomfortable. Although Arwyn was doing just fine, they wouldn’t allow me to get up and walk around nor would they let me shower for pain relief. So, I got in the shower anyway. Jeremiah was there, putting blankets on me when I got cold, taking them away when I snapped at him because I was too hot. He was bossed around all morning long and didn’t say a word. What a great man. The nurse we initially had been assigned to was beside herself. She never really had to deal with natural childbirth. She had no idea what to do with me. Then, praise the Lord, there was a shift change and my new nurse was a doula. What a lifesaver that sweet girl was! She came running into the room, knowing my situation and instantly putting me at ease. She helped me get comfortable, encouraged me to walk and stand up a bit. She didn’t leave my side and I adored her instantly. Finally, she said those glorious words, “It is time to push.” and 15 minutes later, Arwyn Eva was born at 7:45am. 8lbs 4oz. My first moments with Arwyn were unforgettable. This is something I had missed with Breckin and have always been deeply sad about. I was given narcotics with Breckin, so remember very little about his first moments, plus he was quickly taken away to be bathed and tested. With Arwyn, they just wrapped her up and instantly handed her to me. There she was. An adorable, wide eyed baby girl with dark brown hair and fat, fat cheeks. In the first hour, she nursed nearly the entire time and pooped on me 4 times. I didn’t care though. I was smitten. They never took her out of my room. The nurse, still the doula, stayed with me and bathed Arwyn in my room. I took pictures of her first bath and never missed a second. Jeremiah knew this was something I had missed with Breckin and was happy to sit back and let me hog her a bit. I so am glad I have those moments to remember. Happy birthday Baby Bear!

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