This is a story that is extremely close to my heart. A story
to be documented. The story of Mason.
I started my maternity leave on the first of August (keep in
mind my "estimated" due date was the 5th). Most people just knew that I would have him
early since I seemed to be a good size.
Well, I heard this quite a bit, and started to believe it as well, even
though my due date had never changed.
This is not the mindset that you want to have, especially as you watch
your due date come and go.
On Tuesday, the 7th I had a doctor’s appointment
to make sure that my fluid levels were still good and that Mason was still
okay. (Just in case, I had my bag packed and with me.) My vitals were great, fluid level was where it
needed to be and most importantly, Mason was healthy. My body had begun the labor process. My
doctor said that one week past my date was the recommended extended time to go
and at that point I would need to be induced, so I was scheduled for Monday,
the 13th. I did not want to
be induced…I wanted labor to progress naturally (even as miserable as I felt). When
Hubby and I left that appointment, I cried.
Oh how I cried. I was so ready to
meet our Mason. My body was huge. I was tired and extremely uncomfortable. I was tired of being watched for labor
symptoms. (With the big move to the
country, while Hubby was at work all the way in town, someone would hang out
with me, just in case I needed to be taken to the hospital. I do appreciate my
family, especially my brother, for taking his time to come over.)
I had been experiencing Braxton Hicks on and off for several
weeks, so when on August 9th I started cramping, I didn’t think too
much of it. As the day progressed, I
began to pay more attention. My dog,
Savannah was sticking extra close to me and I was feeling uncomfortable
with pains in my lower back that wrapped around through my front. The times were not consistent though…not what
is drilled into your head, but still, something was different. 10:00 p.m. that evening rolls around and I’m
still having pains. I’m debating in my
head and with Hubby if I should actually go to the hospital. I was even texting with my best friend to see
what she thought. I definitely did not
want to drive all the way to the hospital and then be sent home…I did not want
to experience that disappointment. And
my contractions were not to the point where talking was difficult and the times
were still inconsistent. But I could not
get comfortable no matter what position I was in, so Hubby decided for us to
just go on and see.
While gathering my stuff, it hit me. I was going to be bringing a child into this
world. Our dynamics as a family were
shifting. At that point, my emotions
overwhelmed me. I literally stopped in
my tracks and just started crying. So much was going through my mind. I was excited to meet this little one and
ready for him to come out, but also scared.
Scared of the actual delivery, of both of us being okay. Aware that our life as we knew it was getting
ready to change. Hubby reassured me that
all was okay, that I could do this. And
with that, I gathered up my bag, took a last look around at our home and
waddled (yes, I admit, I waddled) out to the car.
There was no crazy driving with our hazard lights flashing
speeding through traffic. Just a regular
drive into town. At one point we were
even stopped at an intersection for an extended amount of time due to the power
company putting up new lines and poles.
My pain still wasn’t too unbearable during all this. At the hospital we parked in the parking
garage and made our way towards labor and delivery. In order to enter, you have to be buzzed in. Apparently the magic words to enter are “I’m
in labor” because the doors swung open instantly. The nurses got me checked in
and dressed in my snazzy gown by 11:00 p.m.
Yes, I finally got to stay. I was almost 4 centimeters and my water was on the verge of breaking. Then we settled in for the wait. I continued to listen to the comforting sound of Mason’s heartbeat and watched my contractions come and go. Several hours later, my doctor came in and broke my water. Can I just say that is the craziest feeling ever… This really moved my delivery along and about an hour or so later, I was dilated to 7. At this point I received my epidural and was able to rest up for a bit, until I started experiencing contractions on one side. Evidently, Mason’s head was positioned in just the right spot where he was blocking the effectiveness of the epidural.
Yes, I finally got to stay. I was almost 4 centimeters and my water was on the verge of breaking. Then we settled in for the wait. I continued to listen to the comforting sound of Mason’s heartbeat and watched my contractions come and go. Several hours later, my doctor came in and broke my water. Can I just say that is the craziest feeling ever… This really moved my delivery along and about an hour or so later, I was dilated to 7. At this point I received my epidural and was able to rest up for a bit, until I started experiencing contractions on one side. Evidently, Mason’s head was positioned in just the right spot where he was blocking the effectiveness of the epidural.
Finally the nurse
declared that it was time to push. Now, during this time, my mother was in the
delivery room but the plan was for her to leave before I actually started to
push. Well, plans change and before we could even think, the nurse had Hubby
and my mom helping. For 2 hours, I pushed and I prayed for strength. Strength
to keep pushing as the waves of contractions swept through my body.
At 10:21 a.m. on Friday, August 10th, Mason made
his appearance. 8 pounds 14 ounces 20 inches. A head full of dark hair. At that moment, my heart was open
and exposed for the entire world to see. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I took
in this miracle of life that was given to us. That first feeling is unlike any
other, that first time you see this life that has been growing and nourishing
within you, that first time your baby is placed on your chest, that first time
your baby instinctively latches on to feed. The magnitude of what your body has
accomplished. Unreal. Life changing. It’s
an experience that I want to forever hold in my heart.
One year ago, we became a family of three. Honestly, we had no idea what to expect, no idea what that first year would bring. Parenthood was and is uncharted territory. I will tell you that you learn a lot about yourself and you realize that you are stronger than you can imagine.
Mason, you are my greatest accomplishment. You are beautifully and wonderfully made.
