How my January baby became my November baby.

My January baby turned out to be a November baby!

Yesterday at 32 weeks I was woken up in the early a.m by light contractions. I used the restroom and as soon as I noticed blood I woke up hubby to go to the ER. I'd had a 100% routine and enjoyably boring pregnancy, so this was a bit of a jolt. 

My bleeding was increasing by the time I was checked into labor and delivery at 6:00 a.m,  but sweet mystery gender baby's heart rate was strong and their kicking brought me comfort. Soon I'm seen by the on call OB who explains that my midwife can be called but due to circumstances I was sort of "there's" now. I am just glad I at least got to use midwifery for my prenatal care, if not the birth. Although an ultrasound shows no visible placental abruption they explained that now for baby's and I'd safety we are to assume I AM having an abruption. I cherished what unexpectedly became my last hours of pregnancy. I stroked my bump, thanked the stars for the time I had growing my precious angel inside of me, feeling her move and grow. I let acceptance take over and felt an ease as my birth plan flew out the window. I was buckled up to bring my tiny human into this big world. Let's get ready to rumble.

After the ultrasound and no more than 45 minutes after I've arrived my new OB(shift change)checks my cervix and we are all quite surprised to know I am 100% effaced and 5 centimeters dilated. That would explain why my contractions started coming at me like a freight train. Between 6 and 7 a.m my pain level has shot from a modest 3 to a very difficult to endure, white knuckling 8. They asked if I wanted the epidural and at that moment, it sounded pretty darn sweet. Sign me up!

It's only 15 minutes or so and the epidural is placed. Watching it be inserted almost made my DH pass out, he said it was the worst part haha. The anesthesiologist is asking me follow up questions to see how its working as my OB checks me again. "All the way", she says. NO WAY! She's hardly got her hand out of me from checking and suddenly I felt it- my precious baby drops, I know he or she is ready to meet me! I immediately understood what women mean when they say you'll just know when it's time to push. They asked me to wait just a moment to push as the delivery and NICU team made their way in. But baby was coming, ready or not!

Suddenly it's a frenzy and my head is spinning. It was dizzying how rapidly all of this was happening. I push for less than 10 minutes and there SHE is! ITS A GIRL! And with that she let out a beautiful, strong cry. My daughter took my breath away, my heart felt such relief I can hardly describe. My daughters fave was so magnificent; practically ethereal. I was so fortunate that she was strong and stable enough that mommy could hold her before the NICU took her away. It was the greatest moment of my life. 

On November 16th at 8:54 a.m, after 3 hours of labor, 10 minutes of pushing, 1 little first degree tear, Lyla Felicity joined the world- instantly making it a brighter place.

She is 32 weeks; 3 pounds, 12 ounces, 16 inches, and I am obsessed with her forever.

Please send my angel good vibes as she becomes stronger in the NICU. She is a fighter, but my arms ache to hold her. All I want is to take the light of my life home..