In fact, the "sitcom" day included me going to work(timing contractions along the way), coming back home early and sitting in a tub while trying to determine if what I was feeling were real contractions or false labor. I was so adamant about not wanting to go to the hospital and getting told to go back home... that by the time we did go in around 6:00pm, I was 6cm!
The drive to the hospital from West Seattle to Ballard was also like something off of "Friends." Although, by then, there was nothing friendly about me. After reassurance from Phil that we would make it, even though it was Friday rush hour, we called my parents to tell them we were going to the hospital and set out. I probably had about 7 contractions on the 25-30 min. drive, desperately clutching Phil's shoulder each time. I may have even cried out a bit - just like the movies. But, believe it or not, I was still concerned that this may not be the real thing. I remember telling Phil, "If this isn't the real thing, they have to give me drugs anyway." The other infamous quote came when I cursed at a red light and Phil said, "Honey, I need you to be positive right now."
Phil pulled into the round-about of the hospital, but was worried about blocking the sidewalk a bit. This was not a concern for me. I kindly/firmly/demanding-ly asked him to go get a wheelchair. He left to do so, but was taking too long for my liking. I busted out of the car and made a run for it. There wasn't anyone at the front desk(which I found appalling at the time) and Phil was nowhere to be seen. I impatiently waited and then walked to the elevators, thinking that I should probably wait for Phil before going up to that blessed fifth floor where they would relieve me with blessed drugs. Luckily, the elevator door opened and there was Phil with a nurse and wheelchair. "It's me," I sighed to the nurse and eagerly climbed in the chair.
The sight of the hospital room was pure elation. I stripped down without reservation and had a few more contractions with the nurse telling me to breathe through them and that I was doing great(I told Phil she was a lot better than him at this). True elation arrived with the news that I was 6cm. The anesthesiologist gave me an epidural that gave me incredible relief.
I stayed at 6cm for awhile and Phil even got a little shut-eye. Mom and Dad arrived during that time, too. The main event isn't something that I care to remember, but it was over in half an hour! Here's hoping any future births move as quickly.
Audrey Lou was placed on my chest for a bit, but then taken into the nursery to get some extra oxygen. They assured me that she would be okay and the doctor continued stitching me up(she was taking so long with the stitching, I asked if she was making a quilt). The doctor was a friendly blonde woman named Dr. Cabodi. I also had great nurses named Laura, Arlana and Debbie.
We were visited by Andy and Jen, Ann and Colleen, Lindsey B., the Kyles and Chris. Cory and Ann sent sweet pink flowers with a balloon. Mom and Dad brought us Red Mill Burgers and Starbucks which tasted SO good as my appetite finally came back after 9 months.
This past week with Audrey has been magical. We've been out almost every day for a doctor's appointment, lactation appointment or just a walk. She has truly been spoiling us by sleeping really well and fussing very little. She is so beautiful - such an amazing gift. Was she really in my belly?
She's got a fair amount of dark hair and her eyes looked blue at first, but apparently, all babies start out with blue eyes. This was news to Phil and me; they now look more brown. Greek genes: 1, Redhead genes: 0. My mom says she looks just like me when I was born, so we'll see.
I think that's about all the words I've got for now. The main idea? I am one happy momma.
