Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Happy Birthday, Princess Moo

One year ago yesterday, I spent a few moments hoping that I didn't have the baby today.  It's hard enough having two birthdays on the same day (in our immediate family; we actually have four in our extended family).  Three seemed like it would be pushing it.  Still, I refused to let it stop me.  We were busy most of the day and, although we had done the birthday party for Prince Berryboy two weeks early "just in case," I didn't feel the slightest stirring.

We were convinced, of course, that this was probably Boy #4.  We never found out with any of the kids and we weren't going to start now.  There were a few things that seemed different.  My legs weren't as hairy (don't laugh!).  I was carrying differently, too.  The boys had all been your classic basketball.  This one was more like taking an inner tube and stretching it across my waist.  I figured that was just less muscle tone and didn't worry about it too much one way or the other.

On September 25th, I wasn't feeling too terribly hungry at dinner, but I ate anyway.  We read to the boys and got them down to bed, then I had this uncontrollable urge to clean the floor.  Down on my hands and knees, I looked up at DH and said, "I think we're going to have a baby."

I started pacing and we called our friend who was going to watch the kids.  Uh oh.  She wasn't home.  Okay, we called another friend of mine.  She said she'd be glad to come over.  She even brought clothing so she could stay the night if she needed to, although she had to leave in the morning.

I paced a little more, rocking on occasion, then breathlessly told my husband, "I think we need to go."  I had to stop once on the way to the car, then I just closed my eyes and tried to count.

I had to stop twice on the way from the car to the check-in, but it was better than sitting in a wheel chair (which they made me do as soon as I checked in).  Fortunately, once I was in a room, I was able to walk freely, which I did.

One hour after I was admitted, I said, "It's time."  My midwife, who had delivered #3, hadn't been doing any checks until that point.  She did a quick look and nodded. 

It was so-- well, easy isn't the word, but it had a rhythm to it that I'd never managed with the other deliveries.  I counted through the contractions until I could push... then I pushed.  It took four pushes, squatting, but I was the first person to see my baby girl.  At 8 lbs, 4 oz, she was the same size as her previous brother, but there was a delicateness to her that persists to this day.  She is all girl, even if she will skip the "baba" (baby) for the "cah" (car ) anyday. :)

Happy First Birthday, sweet Princess Moo.

Untitled Comment

8:02 PM, Sep. 26, 2006 .. Posted by tallenmomof5

I love birth stories!
I had #4 squatting in the hospital room floor. It happened so quickly that my midwife didn't even have her gloves completely on and my sister (ungloved with no birth experience) took it upon herself to reach down and put pressure on the baby's head to keep her from dropping completely on the floor while the midwife attempted to get said gloves on.
My sister is still grossed out by that moment.
I though it was the best birth ever.
Happy belated birthday to you all!

Blessings,
Trish