I got a text early this morning (like 12:45) from Danielle letting me know her water had broken. Ahhhhhh! So exciting. She was due yesterday, so this moment was greatly anticipated. We texted a few time through out the night but her labour wasn't starting, so we met at the hospital around 8:30. She was admitted and assessed. She was 4cm already, so they decided to start the oxytocin as soon as possible.
She still didn't have any contractions, so she and Shean did a little bit of walking and stair climbing. We went down to the cafeteria and had a little snack. Still no contractions.
She got a labour/delivery room around 11:45. Contractions still had not started. They added the Oxytocin to her IV. The doctor warned us that once labour started, it would be fast and aggressive, especially as this is her second baby.
We hung out. We chit chatted. Still nothing. Shean rubbed her feet and kept everyone updated. I looked over at him at one point and he had a phone in each hand, texting on both. It was so funny.
Contractions started to be regular around 1:30pm. The mood in the room was still lighthearted, and we were all still waiting for the fast aggressive labour.
Things progressed oh so slowly. It felt a little discouraging. Contractions were getting more painful. Another exam was done and only 5cm dilated. Whaaaaat?
Around 7:00pm the contractions were definitely getting serious and Danielle decided to have an epidural. She was getting tired and things were progressing so slowly. The anesthesiologist came and tried three times to administer the epidural. It didn't work. It was so hard to watch. I actually got up and left when he started to try for the third time because Danielle was in so much pain, and then whole procedure was a little alarming. When I came back into the room, the anesthesiologist was packing up, she was crying, and the nurse and Shean were comforting her. I think that was harder to witness than the actual birth!
After that, the mood in the room changed. Contractions were slowly getting stronger and closer together. Danielle used a TENS machine to help with the pain. We could tell when a contraction was going to start because she would reach for her machine.
Shean was so incredible during the entire labour. He was supportive and helpful. He stayed right by her side the entire time. He was game to do anything that would help her or relieve any of the pain. It was so lovely to see.
Little James finally made his appearance at 12:08 am. A beautiful healthy baby boy. He weighed 8 lbs and 10 oz. Lots of hair and incredibly cute.
Wow. Birth is such a miracle. I'm awestruck every single time I get to witness it. I'm truly grateful to anyone who invites me into this sacred space.

still my baby

me & my (big!!) baby

uncle bruce's baby

waiting

baby olive