Bella's Birth Story Part 1

I wish so badly that I was better with words than I am. I would love to have some really awesome way to share my angel's birth story with you. So I guess I will just tell you how it went...

On Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at around 6 p.m., after Noah had left for school, I started having some contractions. I had been having contractions for several days, so I was not too surprised when they started again. I timed them and they got closer together at about 6 minutes apart. But they had done this same thing before so I waited because I did not want to go to the hospital and get sent home...again.

I sat on our couch, reading my new Max Lucado book that I had bought earlier that day. At about 8 p.m., I realized how strong my contractions were and that I had been having them for over 2 hours now. I was still not convinced that I was in labor. I continued to read. It finally got to the point that I had to stop reading during each contraction and grit my teeth while clenching our couch cushions.

I decided at that point, around 9 p.m. to call my doctor. He, of course, told me to go to the hospital. I could barely walk down our stairs because of the pain of the contractions. Noah was still at school. By the time I got into my Mother In Law's room I was in tears. She got ready in record time and took me to the hospital. I called and texted Noah several times to let him know we were heading to the hospital.

After getting checked in to the hospital, the nurse checked me and I was dilated to 5cm. I then asked if I was going to be admitted...her reply was "oh yes, honey, you are staying." I was scared, relieved, shocked, and excited...all at once.

Teresa (my mother in law) called my mom, dad and step-mom, they headed to the hospital from AR (which is about 3 hours away). I am pretty sure they all made it there in record time. Noah finally arrived and we settled in for a long night. Teresa and Leroy (my in-laws) went home and got some rest while the rest of us rested in my room, which I might add...was HUGE and really nice. The women's and children's pavilion that I delivered in was brand new...it opened in February, 2010.

At about 11 p.m. that night I got my epidural. Best. Decision. Ever. I am so glad I got an epidural because I do not handle pain well.

I didn't sleep much that night. I think I was too anxious knowing that very soon I would be holding my baby girl. It was an unreal feeling.

More later....