Andrew is 3 years old today!

February 16-17, 2006:

I had been having contractions over the course of two days. They would be frequent, but not strong; then strong, but not frequent. This day started the same way: contractions about 20 minutes apart, but not alarming. Dennis went to work and I started with cleaning and tending to Charis and Matthew. The day progressed with not much excitement. I could feel the tightening in my stomach with certain things I did, or ways that I moved. The time between contractions spaced out, but still somehow I knew that today was the day. So, I prepared the best I could. Everything was ready at the house. We would be having company, Dennis’ mom, while we were in the hospital, so I wanted to make sure all the laundry was done, house was cleaned and meals prepared somewhat in advance for a day or two. My overnight bag was partially ready. Then we headed out the door for groceries.

I went to the usual stores, starting with Wal-Mart. I leisurely strolled around, pushing my cart with Matthew in it and Charis walking beside me. I met several friends while there. Each one asked of my condition. I informed them I was walking around, preparing for labor. Then I continued with my shopping. It took a few hours to get all that I needed; going to three different stores. I returned home, put the groceries away and prepared supper. Dennis came home about 5:00 pm and we sat down to eat. My contractions had eased off throughout the evening as I cleaned up after the meal. We soon readied the children for bed and had our family devotion time. At 9:30 pm, Charis and Matthew went to bed, while Dennis and I sat up, watching T.V.
After a few moments, I felt a contraction strong enough that I began to time it: 40 seconds. Moments later another one hit, harder than the last. I stood up and paced, glancing at the clock as I did. The time was 9:55 pm and another 40-second contraction. Dennis took notice and asked if it were time. “I think so,” was my reply.

He headed to the children’s rooms and woke them up, gathering their clothes for the next day and placing them in an overnight bag. I finished packing my own. Another contraction at 10:00 pm and I realized we would certainly be heading to the hospital for baby #3 tonight. I called Dennis’ mom, she couldn’t make it until the next day, so we made arrangements with a friend to keep the kids over night. At 10:30, we walked out the door, contractions still 5 minutes apart and ranging from 30-40 seconds.

On the way to the sitter’s, I called the doctor. She told me to come on in and they would check me out. Between contractions, I felt fine. I would chat with Dennis and the kids, telling them their baby brother would be born soon. At the sitter’s, I gave instructions, told the kids bye and we were on our way to the hospital. I was excited; I was going to have this baby tonight. Dennis was skeptical, he thought we would be sent back home to wait for another day or longer.

We arrived at the hospital around 11:30 pm. Just before getting out of the car, another contraction started. Each one was still 5 minutes apart, so I knew when it eased off I had exactly 5 minutes to get to triage before the next one hit. I grabbed my purse, got out, shut the door and practically ran to the hospital. Dennis was right on my heels wondering how I could be so fast if I were about to give birth. When I walked into triage, I told the nurse who I was. She pulled my records and sent me to a room. I was evaluated, measuring at 5 cm dilated and fully effaced. She checked me into my own labor/delivery room at 11:55pm.

Hooked up to a monitor and waiting for the doctor, I continued to have contractions, now about 3 minutes apart and getting stronger. I immediately asked for an epidural and received it in short order. Dr. Zite arrived and checked my cervix; I was at 7 cm. She and the nurses hovered near the door for the next few hours.

At 3:00 am on Friday, February 17, another contraction hit and the monitor indicated a drop in the heart rate of the baby. Fearing the loss of another baby, I pressed the “call nurse” button and informed them of what was happening. Next thing I knew, Dr. Zite and 3 nurses were hovering around me telling me we needed to get the baby out now. I didn’t want another caesarean, so they fixed the bed and I began pushing. The baby did not want to come out and yet, I could not stop the urge to push. Contractions seemed to not let up for me to get my breath. A nurse brought in a mirror for me to watch progress. That helped as I was able to see the head crown, I bore down with more stamina to push him out.

What a relief it was when he came out crying. The clock said 3:15 am as Dennis cut the umbilical cord. The baby was weighed and measured at 7 lbs, 10 oz and 20 ½ inches. We were moved to a recovery room shortly after but it wasn’t until some sleep and breakfast that we finally named him. We wanted a Bible name and we wanted to use my grandfather’s name as well. And that's how Andrew Harold was born three years ago on February 17, 2006!

Tonight we will celebrate this special day as a family. Our plans are to eat at Incredible Pizza, play a few games, then come home for cake and ice cream and presents.