The following story from a dear friend of mine and is written to her son, Rhett. Thank you, Tara, for sharing!
I was super busy during the beginning of September. Your
Daddy was in the field, working very, very hard to finish harvest before you
came along. We would both talk to you at night time and ask you to please wait
until Daddy was done. I am so thankful, for so many different reasons, that you
listened.
I was trying to get my 2 businesses to a good spot where I
would be able to leave them for a few months. So I was working really hard
during the day and at night. Poor Aubrey! She spent a lot of time with Grandma
Carla and Randi those first 2 weeks of Sept. I felt like I was constantly on
the go and getting nothing actually accomplished. Truthfully, I would have been
quite ok if you went over your due date. I actually hoped you would be.
 |
| 35 weeks pregnant |
We still hadn't had
any work done on the basement, but knew that we wouldn't be able to leave the
office upstairs much longer. I asked Gramma Cheryl and Papa Gary to come help
me the middle of Sept with painting and moving; I wanted you to have a room
just for yourself.
The 14 and 15 I was in Medicine Hat and then Lethbridge. I
had an appointment at the Mat Clinic and met with Michelle one last time. She
was just coming off of 2 births within 3 days and was super tired, but she
still managed to converse coherently, and tell me I still didn't look pregnant
(this was at almost 39 weeks). I
mentioned I was feeling some tightening in my lower stomach a little bit,
something I hadn't felt with Aubrey’s pregnancy and Michelle thought it was
likely Braxton Hicks. For Lethbridge I was a little nervous to go by myself,
but decided that if I didn't feel ok I could head home. I booked a wax and hair
appointment, and ended up being able to fit a pedicure in (nice nails are a
MUST while giving birth). I also had a meeting to attend, and I did end up
leaving early, but that was because I needed to pick up paint for your room for
the weekend. Your Daddy also finished harvesting the night of the 15th!
We were so excited to celebrate the end of the crop season!
On the 16 (Friday) Aubrey and I had planned to go visit a
friend with another friend of mine and her girls. She sent me a text saying that her
girls had a runny nose and did I still want to go? I was feeling a bit off, as
well, so I decided to stay at home. I made myself a chai latte and called your
dad. I think that I maybe knew something was going to happen. We talked about
how it was the first day during the whole pregnancy that I actually felt pregnant.
(I think you had maybe dropped that night and were putting a bit more pressure
on my lower back). As I sipped my drink I could only think that this would be
the last time I’d be able to have a quiet morning for a while. I got a lot of
cleaning done that day and made a delicious homemade pizza for supper to
celebrate the end of harvest. And then I tackled the office. (I look back now
and wonder WHY I left it so late.) I chatted with Gramma Cheryl, they were
scheduled to come down the next morning, and at about 7 or so I called her again
and asked her to make sure that she packed for a week, just in case; I was
having some light contractions. At this point the office was packed up and I
had left instructions on where to put things.
Your Daddy came in during one contraction and decided we
should start timing them. At 9:30 I called Michelle to tell her I was
definitely starting in labour, as I would have to stop every time one came and
breathe through it. We decided that it wouldn't be a bad thing to head into
Medicine Hat, and that we could assess there with Michelle, and then decide
what to do. With Aubrey being a c-section, and my labour with her being only 3
hours, we had no idea what to expect with your birth. We packed Aubrey up,
called Grandma and Papa to make sure they could take her, and dropped her off.
I continued to time all the way to the Hat. We decided to go to a hotel at the
south of the city. We checked in (received a really nice, big suite) and waited
for Michelle. Around midnight we thought it best to just get some rest and call
her in the morning after we woke up and she would come over. I slept for a bit,
and the contractions slowed down, but was up at 7 when they started to pick up
a bit more. When Colin got up we went down to get some food and then called
both sets of grandparents. Aubrey was doing well, and my mom and dad were on
their way down. We told them we wouldn't be there when they arrived, but to
call Colin’s parents and they could pick up Aubrey for the day.
Michelle came back and we settled in for what ended up being
a long day. The contractions stayed very consistent, and I kept moving around,
hoping to get them picked up a bit. We went for a walk around the building
where 2 firemen came out to see if we needed any assistance. In the early
afternoon they became a bit more intense and I found that I like having someone
talking to me in a low voice to relax and breathe. I would go into a state of
concentration when this happened and Michelle or Colin would repeat positive
Hypnobirthing affirmations to me. I found I was able to relax better. Once they
finished, we talked and kept the mood very light.
Around 4:30 I decided I wanted to go to the hospital to get
checked out and see where things were. As it turned out, it was a premature visit
and I hadn't needed to. We arrived there and by that time the contractions had
slowed down considerably. I got hooked up to the monitors, and by then they had
pretty much stopped. The nurse wanted to send me for some blood work, seeing as
my blood pressure was up and there was some concern from Aubrey’s pregnancy. So
we waited around and I decided that I was tired of walking and didn't want to
anymore. When we got sent “home” at 8:30, we dropped Michelle off then grabbed
some food and I fell asleep fairly early. (I found out later that your Daddy didn't).
Around 1 am I woke up and started timing again. About every
10 minutes. So I went to have a bath as I couldn't get back to sleep. I took my Hypnobirthing relaxation sound track with me and just had it on repeat as I
laid there in the nice warm water, feeling weightless. It was such a nice
feeling as I talked to you, relaxed and sent love your way. I told you how much
I loved you and how excited I was getting to meet you. It was an amazing
feeling to know that I would soon be holding you in my arms, kissing you and
wrapping you with my love.
About 3:20 your Daddy came to see where I was. He was pretty
sleepy. I decided to get out of the bath, and when I stood up I ended up losing
my mucus plug. Once that happened, the contractions became even stronger in
intensity and I had to really concentrate on breathing and relaxing into them.
I had him put counter pressure on my lower back as well. He was so sleepy that
he would go to bed for the few minutes between, then I would call him for
pressure. I decided to call Michelle and let her know that things were picking
up and asked if she would be able to head over as soon as she could. I went
inside myself at this point, the only thing I was concentrating on was breathing
through each contraction. All the sudden I started to feel a lot of pressure,
which was eerily similar to the feeling I had when I was in labour with Aubrey.
In that moment, I told Colin that we needed to get to the hospital. He wanted
to know how long he had. I told him NOW. I was so ready to go in, and I knew
it. He was able to get me down to the vehicle; we were unfortunately on the 2nd
floor and I was in my own world. It felt like it took forever to walk to the
car. I leaned on him the whole time, trusting him with us, knowing we would get
there safely. I called Michelle again and told her to meet us at the hospital.
The drive from the
hotel to the hospital is roughly 8 minutes during the day. At about 4 am with no
traffic and me telling your Daddy to drive faster I think we made it in about 4
minutes. I couldn't sit comfortably, so I leaned over the front seat, hoping we didn't get pulled over. I called Michelle on the way and told her to meet us at
the hospital. We drove into the Emergency entrance and I had to time getting to
the doors between contractions. I remember the look on a man’s face who was
standing inside as he saw me come up to the doors. Needless to say we didn't have to check in there, but headed quickly up to the L&D area.
When we got to L&D I quickly explained to the nurse there
that I needed to be checked immediately and how I thought that maybe you were
breech like Aubrey had been, which is what the pressure reminded me of. They
got me into the bed and checked just as Michelle arrived. I was excited to
learn that you were head down (YAY!) and that I was about 8 cm…. very close to
start pushing; which was also the reason why I had felt so much pressure.
Michelle stayed with me until your Daddy got back from moving the vehicle. Michelle
and the nurse started to move me into the wheelchair to take me to the delivery
room from the assessment room, but I couldn't sit. So I walked. Now, this was
the longest, hardest walk ever. I had Michelle on one side and your Daddy on
the other, and they held me up, carrying me (of course we had to be in the room
the furthest away). I met the doctor who would deliver you, Dr. Prince, on the
way to the delivery room. He asked how I was doing. I believe I answered with
“why the hell did I think a VBAC was a good idea?” And I`m pretty sure he
laughed. We got into the room and I got settled on the bed. My energy was
starting to wane and I was starting to feel like I needed to push, which I told
Michelle and our nurse. She checked again and told me I was able to. In a
matter of 10 minutes I had gone from 8 to 10 cm’s. And so I started what turned
out to be a very long time of pushing. In that first push my water broke….
which was an odd experience for me as there was no gush like there had been
with Aubrey: it was a slow, constant leaking.
I took a while getting into the rhythm of birthing you. At
this point, I have a very skewed sense of time that even now is still off. It
felt like only a short time, but I knew it wasn't I was in myself, talking to
you in my head and out loud. I would constantly repeat “I want him out” and
there were a few moments when, in my very exhausted state, I said “I can’t do
this” after a contraction and pushing. Michelle and your Daddy told me “You CAN
do this”. After hearing the positive affirmations I then continued to repeat “I
can do this” over and over again. At 7 the nurses changed, and we were lucky
enough to get Cherry! She was so amazing! For the most part I birthed you
squatting on the bed, so I would hold your Daddy’s hand in my left and
Michelle’s in my right. When Cherry first started with me she held my hand and
just talked to me in the softest, kindest English accent. Michelle was excited
to work with her, and we soon found out why. (Even your Daddy felt her effects
too). When I would look at her I just felt calm flooding through me.
Around 8 am Dr. Prince came in to talk to me. I had been
pushing for a long time at this point, and he wanted to let me know that he was
concerned by how long it was taking, especially since I’d had a previous
caesarean. He wanted me to get you out before they started to get worried about
you being in distress (though you weren't and there being a necessity for
another caesarean. I was so adamant that I was having a VBAC that I refused to
listen to that (especially after all the work I had done- you have a very
stubborn mother). He also wanted to tell me that there had been meconium in the
water when it broke and that they were worried you may have inhaled some of it,
so they were going to have NICU come in to assess you after you were born.
 |
| Mommy and Rhett moments after birth. |
I concentrated so hard on birthing you. I couldn't understand what was taking so long and why you weren't coming out easily (turns
out your head was turned a bit funny). Cherry finally recommended that I get
some help in birthing you. Just a little incision and then you would be out. I didn't want to at first, but I knew that I was getting so exhausted and to a
point where my exhaustion wouldn't allow me to push much longer. So I agreed.
From there I moved onto my back and they got ready to make the incision. The
room was full with people, NICU staff, nurses and 2 doctors, and yet it was so
quiet and calm. I really didn't notice them at all. They were so respectful of
my space and my birthing. It seemed to take a while to set up, but as soon as
it was made, with the next push I could feel that it was what I and you needed
to be born. I felt your head, and was told to wait for the next contraction,
and then the rest of your body came out. At 8:57 am on September 18, 2011, you
made your way into the world for your birth day.
Even now, more than 5 months later, I remember that moment
clearly. You were born onto my tummy, all purple and covered in stuff. And your
Daddy and I just stared at you, taking you in, falling unconditionally in love
with you. I looked at him and at you and said “we did it” and started crying.
That was the most empowering moment of my life. Dr. Prince asked if Daddy
wanted to cut the cord. He said no, I asked if he was sure. He said no again.
Then NICU took you over to the cart and cleared out your lungs, gave you a
quick check and cleaned you off a bit. I
could hear your sweet, soft cries and I longed to hold you and reassure you
that I was here. At this point Dr. Prince and the nurses started to get me cleaned
up and warm as I was shaking. They put blankets over me and then you got to
snuggle right on me. You settled almost immediately, and we talked to you,
looked at you, kissed you, loved you. My little baby boy! I was already so
deeply in love with you. I said to your Daddy, “look at him, he looks like
Aubrey” and the nurses commented on you looking like your Daddy, with the same
amount of hair. We took some pictures and Daddy sent them to your Grandparents
and Aunt and Uncles to let them know the good news! You also were weighed
(6 lbs 10 oz) and measured (18.9`).
I wanted to start feeding you right away, but Michelle told
me to wait until you started to root. I believe you fell asleep. We decided to
call you Rhett Arthur. We wanted to have a name before Aubrey saw you. Daddy
decided to quickly get us checked out of the hotel and pick up our bags. I was
so involved in watching you that I didn't mind at all. Michelle stayed while he
was gone and we talked. I was on the most amazing adrenaline rush and where I
had been so sleepy even 30 minutes before, I wasn't any more. You finally
started to root and I stuck you on and you started sucking. You were a natural!
I couldn't believe how you knew exactly what to do, and had no issues what so
ever. You ate for a bit and then fell asleep tucked up on my left shoulder,
cozy and warm. I loved feeling you snuggled against me. You slept for a while,
and we didn't want to wake you up, so the nurses delayed your Vitamin K shot
and eye drops. Your Daddy came back and Michelle left, and then Cherry came
back to get me cleaned up and ready to go to the Maternal/Child area.
 |
| Rhett Arthur |
I felt so good after having you that I even walked the whole
way there. She got us settled and then Daddy and I talked and held you until
everyone started arriving to meet you. We wanted Aubrey to meet you first, and
hear your name first before we told anyone else. Gramma Cheryl and Papa Gary
were first to arrive with Aubrey. She was a little scared of me, in the
hospital bed and gown, and so she just wanted Daddy. She started to warm a bit,
and when we let her hold you, she noticed a bit of blood still on your head and
said `he has bird poop on his head`. Needless to say that gave us all a good
laugh!
Then your other Grandma and Papa came. I had decided to go
for a quick walk to see where your Daddy was (he was having a rest on the
couches) and they were both really surprised to see me up and walking around.
(I think they had remembered how I had been with Aubrey- heavily drugged). Your
Uncle Kyle and Karmyn came and then Uncle Ryan. Cindy, Josh and Chloe Hume also
stopped in to visit as well. Later on that afternoon your Auntie Linz arrived
with your Nono and Sue. They had come at a really good time as they were able
to have you all to themselves. You were so sleepy that day, but good for new
baby snuggles. They even tried changing you into some clothes that they had
brought for you.
Our first night was unlike any that you have ever had being
at home. Maybe you were a little mixed up on your days and nights, or didn't like being in the hospital, but you seemed to want to be up during the night
the 2 nights we were there. I was worried that you would maybe continue that
when we got home, but I really needn`t have worried as you are an awesome baby!
My adrenaline had started to wear off that evening, so I was getting pretty
tired and wanting some rest. I finally just propped you up in my arm while I
dozed that night. I think the nurses came in and moved you when they came to
check as you were in the bassinet when I woke up.
We stayed in the hospital for Sept 19 as well. Daddy brought
Aubrey with him that day, and Gramma Cheryl took her back to our house with her
as she was staying for the week. It was so nice to know that Aubrey would get
the attention she deserved while Daddy and I got to know you those first few
days. Karmyn, Grandma Carla and Michelle also came to visit that day and Daddy
went to get you a crib. You and I relaxed and cuddled a lot your second day
with us. We were able to go home on the 20th, also Grandma Carla`s
birthday! Daddy came to pick you and I up, we got you in your car seat (which
you weren't real happy about) and then we went to Wal-Mart to pick up more
diapers, Canadian Tire to get Aubrey a big sister gift, and then decided to
stop for lunch at Moxie`s before heading to your home; you slept the whole
time.
.JPG)