Welcome James Daniel (The Birth Story)

Finally! I am in a position where I can sit down and record the arrival of our fourth child, James Daniel.

The birth story:

On the eve before James arrived (Friday, October 16th), there was a Fall Festival at our local elementary school. After David got home from a long day at work, we ate dinner and decided to walk the mile to the school. As we walked, I noticed contractions that felt like early labor contractions, however, I didn't think too much of them since the previous three nights I had been having comparable contractions. [In fact I was having these contractions every 3 to 5 minutes two nights prior after going for a long, brisk walk.] We enjoyed our time at the festival, the kids decorated pumpkins to take home, we saw several people we knew from church, it was a good evening. 

As we walked home the contractions continued. I tried not to get my hopes up because of the past three nights' contractions. I knew that the only way for me to know if it was time, was for me to try to rest and wait and see if the contractions continued or if they went away. 

After getting the kids all ready for bed and in bed, I did the same. I showered and tried to go to sleep. The contractions didn't go away and they were painful enough for me to know it was time. I got up, put on a little make-up (for pictures!), got dressed and gently woke David. By this time, I was really having to stop, breathe, and brace myself during contractions. I called our sweet neighbor who had previously volunteered to come in the middle of the night if needed, and whom I had just chatted with at the Fall Festival.

She came and we were out the door at 12:30am. It was pouring rain! Both mine and David's Google Map apps decided to freeze up. We drove to the hospital earlier in the week to make sure we knew how to get there but we couldn't remember the exit! After 30 minutes in the car and some intense contractions (I was in ACTIVE LABOR!), we made it to Summerlin Hospital. David dropped me off at the Emergency entrance and went to park the car. I gave my paper work and identification to the registration desk, David joined me and we walked to Labor and delivery. 

I changed and was checked in the Triage room. The nurse said I was dilated to 6 cm. David informed the staff present that I progress quickly, but it was clear that they did not understand the importance of what he was saying. There were about five women in the room, all performing various tasks, trying to get me in their system and physically set up for delivery. Reminder: I was in ACTIVE LABOR! One lady was asking me to sign various documents between contractions. Another was drawing my blood. Another was at the computer. And another was trying to put an IV in my right hand. I felt it! I felt the urge to push. I did it... my water broke! In one breath I announced my water broke, the next I used to push. The nurse trying to place the IV in my hand checked and announced that he was crowned. I pushed again. The nurse had one hand trying to steady the needle she just stuck in my hand and the other hand catching the baby. It was quite dramatic!

At 1:29am on October 17th, James Daniel arrived. He is beautiful! He came weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz and measuring 20 in. long. We are in love with his sweet spirit and are grateful he has joined our family.