The Baby Story, Part 3

The nurse came in a little over an hour later to check on Sarah's progression. During her nap, she moved to 100% effacement and was dilated to just about a 9. The nurse began to prepare us for the transition phase. At this point the epidural was doing its job, we were able to watch all the contractions on her monitor. Sarah felt pressure, but no intense pain. It was amazing to see Sarah with a renewed sense of vigor. Jolena Adams, our best friend and inherited sister, was able to be with us throughout the delivery.

Ladies I recommend, if possible, have one of your best girlfriends in the room along with your spouse. Looking back, Jolena really was amazing in helping us focus on Jesus that afternoon. By the time the doctor came in the room, Sarah was encouraged and ready to begin pushing. Some last instructions were covered and away we went!

I cannot describe in words what it felt like to see my baby coming out to see us for the first time. Up to this point, I could only rely on imagination. But again, reality was hitting me every second. Sarah was pretty psyched although...she said some pretty odd things while she pushed, things the nurses had never heard before like, "Oh, this is fun," and "Oh, look her head is so small!" Apparently most women aren't very thrilled when the bottom half of their body is doing things it doesn't normally do. Sarah, although, was having a blast!

I didn't know how I was going to handle watching Sarah go through so much turmoil, but it was over before I knew it. Doc said to cut the umbilical cord and I was right there to make it happen. I was a pro! (This is my version of course!) Maci was born on January 19th, 2004 at approximately 1:24 in the afternoon. She was 19 3/4" and weighed in at 6lbs 3.5 oz. I watched the nurses clear her airway and clean her up a bit. Looking cute with lots of black hair, I got to bring Maci to Sarah bundled up tight!

Maci was unusually quiet the entire time. In fact, the only noise she made amounted to some little grunts and extremely short whimpers. I was excited, but at the same time I was seriously alarmed inside. I knew something wasn't right. I went through all the Hollywood movie files in my mind and I distinctly remembered kids screaming when they were born. The nurses tried to comfort us by telling us some babies didn't cry, which was true, but I wasn't buying it. This was different...