A Most Precious Gift

Mike and I returned home Saturday night from the hospital with our daughter in tow. It was such a wonderful feeling to strap her in the carseat and finally bring her home.

I was a week and one day overdue and I didn't think I'd ever go into labor on my own. My doctors had scheduled me for an induction on Thursday night, so I was happy. However, to my complete surprise, my water broke on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. and the contractions came quickly after. Mom and I took a one mile walk around our neighborhood to make sure it was the real thing. When I got back, I had lost a lot more fluid and Mike called the hospital. They told us to come in right away.

I got to the hospital around 5 p.m. They checked me to find out I was only 2 cm dilated. But since my water had broken, I was admitted. My contractions intensified throughout the night and I thought I was going to die before they gave me the epidural around 3 a.m.

To make a very long story short, I dilated very slowly so they gave me pitocin. This brought on strong contractions. Unfortunately, the umbilical cord was wrapped around Abby Kate's neck and every time I would contract, it would tighten and her heart rate would plummet. So they'd have to back off the pitocin drip. This resulted in a 25-hour labor with very ineffective pain relief due to the position they had me in. The epidural numbed my legs, but nothing else. As we came up on the 24th hour, Mike and I could tell we were headed for a c-section. At that point, I wanted the pain to end so bad that I didn't even care. But thanks to our WONDERFUL labor nurse, and his confidence in me and encouragement, I delivered her naturally at the 25th hour. I only pushed for 29 minutes and she was here. He was able to cut the cord and then we were holding her in our arms not long after. Mike was a great help through the whole labor process. He never left my side and encouraged me at every step. He was in awe as she came into the world. I'll never forget the pride and absolute joy in his eyes as I delivered her.

We spent the next two days recovering in the hospital and getting to know our daughter. She is such a wonderful gift. We just stare at her in amazement and thank God for giving her to us. My heart melts every time I look at her. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this isn't just a dream and she's really ours to keep!

I'm feeling pretty good now that we're home and Abby Kate is doing great. She nurses like a champ now and sleeps just as well. She doesn't cry much, but when she does, it breaks my heart! Mike has been the best support I could ask for. He has taken to being a father like I never imagined. Abby Kate and I are so lucky to have him taking care of us. I didn't think I could love him more, but seeing him with our daughter makes it possible.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Finally, I'm excited to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Abigail Kate Wallace...