On the day you were born: Lucy Ann Brown

Lucy's story of coming into this world is quite different than her brother Isaiah's.  She was born on her due date, February 11th.  I had anticipated having to wait days, but she said, no, I like to be on time :) Mikey's mom had been visiting the week prior.  We enjoyed a couple days of getting ready and eating good food.  I had been having some sharp pains at night before going to bed, but I thought they were just braxton hicks, since they were not too painful.  Monday afternoon I dropped Carol off at the airport and then came home to put Isaiah down for his nap.  I had been feeling a little off that day, so I tried to put things in order at the house.  My mom was planning on coming on Wednesday. So the back up plan, if I were to go into labor before she arrived was to have my friend Mary-Claire from church come over and stay at our house.  I didn't think I would need to call her.  We went to bed Monday night, I was feeling fine.  I woke up around 4:30 in the morning to a sharp pain.  The same pains that I had felt before.  I tried to go back to sleep but then I had another one.  I looked at my phone, read some emails, and responded to an email to Lesley.  I told her that I thought the baby could come soon.  Around 5:00 I got up and the contractions continued.  They were about 8-10 minutes apart.  I was waiting until I knew for sure that it was labor before I woke up Mikey.  At 5:15ish I knew I was in labor.  I woke up Mikey and I took a shower and got ready.  I didn't think that things were too far along because I was actually able to get dressed and blow dry my hair.  I couldn't do that when we were leaving for the hospital to have Isaiah.  I called Mary Claire at 6:00am and asked her to come over. I then called my OB midwife and told her what I was experiencing.  I told her I was pretty sure I was in labor, but not totally.  She said that I could come in and just get checked.  So we left for the hospital.  We got there at 6:45 am.  We were standing at the hospital registration desk, and my contractions were coming faster.  The lady phoned for a nurse to come get me from labor and delivery.  The registration lady asked if this was my first, I said no my second.  She said oh boy, "I am timing your contractions at 2 minutes apart."  She then called the nurses station again, asking if they were one their way.  I started pacing.  Thinking, I better get there in time to get an epidural.  The nurse finally came and she asked if I wanted to walk or go in the wheel chair.  I said I would walk.  I started walking fast.  They were like you can slow down if you want... We got to triage and the midwife checked me.  She said wow, you are 8 cm already, good job.  I said, can I get an epidural please?  Lisa the midwife said we will try... but I kinda knew it was too late.  By the time they wheeled me to my room I was fully dialated.  The nurse couldn't get my IV started, so she had to call two other nurses to get it.  My midwife said, well it looks like you are doing this all natural!  I told her that I hadn't prepared for this and didn't think I could do it.  She said, well you are going to do it.  So at about 8:00am I started to push.. the midwife left me to go check on another girl in labor.  So it was then just Mikey and the nurse in the room.  I turned on my side and I asked the nurse, "is there anything you can give me for this pain!"  I need help!  She then checked me and immediately called the midwife or doctor.  She asked for anyone that was available.  The doctor rushed in and said let's deliver this baby!  At 8:35 Lucy Ann Brown was born.  My midwife missed it but it really didn't matter.  Lucy was out and I felt so much better! The most painful parts came after she was born, when I had a postpartum hemorrhage.  But those details don't need to be remembered and thankfully we had such great care at the hospital.  After a couple hours I was able to hold Lucy again and we were wheeled to my recovery room.  And guess what was happening outside?  A snowstorm! There was no snow when we left for the hospital and then when I looked out the window there was at least 5 inches!  Later that afternoon Mikey left to go pick up Isaiah to come and meet his sister.  When he saw her for the first time he said baby... but then he became more interested in the room and my IV.  He didn't stay long :)  We went home the next day on Wednesday.  There was snow and freezing rain.  I was so nervous on our drive home, we only had to drive two miles.. but it was a scary two miles!  Mikey felt fine driving though, I guess he is from Colorado :)  So Lucy Ann came on her due date, with a short and speedy labor, and in the middle of a snow storm.  We love you so much and are so happy the Lord has blessed us with a beautiful daughter.