McKinsey's Story

The day had finally arrived...or so I thought! Never would I have believed that at this time the following day, my little one would still be in warm and cozy in the womb. I had been feeling sad that I had not gone into labor yet (on Tuesday, April 6th, it had been 9 days past my due date), and didn't want to be induced the following day. I wanted it to just "happen." On Tuesday morning, around 7am, just as Mitch was leaving for work, I started feeling my first contractions. I told Mitch to go, because this was not the first time I had felt contractions and they always seemed to just go away. About 2 hours later, I called Mitch to tell them they weren't going away and were getting stronger and stronger. Mitch quickly told his principal and was soon on his way home. It wasn't until around t 11:00am when they started getting harder and more intense, about 3-4 minutes apart for 45 seconds. I called my doctor and she told us to come in. We drove into Woman and Babies only to find out I was only dilated 3 cm. They won't admit you until you are least 4 cm dilated. They told us to walk around and come back 2 hours later to see if I had progressed any more. Two hours later my contractions were taking my breath away and were coming every 3:30 for more like 60 seconds. The doctor examined me and told me that I was still 3cm! I could tell she felt sorry for me, but told me to go home and relax. Take a hot shower and walk. She said that she expected to see me later that evening, and was pretty sure that by then I would be dilated enough to admit me. I was in so much pain when we got home, but we walked around Lititz, took a hot shower, and did all those "childbirth relaxation techniques." At around 7 that night, I couldn't take it anymore and we decided to head back in. If anything, I was hoping they would take me since I was getting induced the following morning. They contractions were coming so quick that I didn't think I could make it through the night. So, we went back in to find that, yes, yet again I was only 3 cm! I wanted to cry. I think I did. The doctor said she had no idea how this could be happening because I was in active labor. She decided to keep me and break my water to help get things going. They broke my water around 2 AM and checked me at about 4am and again 3 CM! it did get things going because my contractions really intensified. Finally, at 4:30am, they suggested that I get an epidural because I was too exhausted and my contractions were coming to close together to get any break. I think I only grabbed Mitch's shirt once and yelled "I AM RELAXING!" I felt wimpy getting one at 3cm dilated, but I'm glad I did. I went to sleep--it was WONDERFUL!

To make a long story short, they put me on pitocian in the AM Wednesday hoping to intensify my contractions ( I had an epitural) and open the cervix. That lasted most of the day Wednesday. I got to 7 cm with pitocian, which as GREAT, but then got stuck. Waiting and waiting, but nothing. My cervix was then beginning to swell, and they said that they would advise a C-Section. They didn't think the baby was big, but they weren't sure what was the problem. They said the baby might have been angled wrong, which might have caused me not to be able to dilate. Sometimes things like this happen. Definitely not the end result I expected, but the product (McKinsey) was amazing. She's beautiful, and it's so amazing to see Mitch with is daughter. WOW! He's amazing:)

McKinsey is a very healthy baby and is thriving in this new world. She spends her days eating, sleeping, and pooping--sounds great doesn't it? We are enjoying and savoring every minute of being a Mommy and a Daddy, and feel blessed beyond words with this little miracle God created within us.

We can't wait for you to meet our newest addition!

Still Waiting

I'm not sure why--but I was convinced I'd have my little one early. I just assumed that by the time Easter rolled around we would all be settled here at home and loving every minute of our newest addition. However, fast forward to one day before Easter, and this baby of ours is still rolling around in my tummy, seeming very content with where it's at (much to his parents dislike!). I've felt disappointed, sad, and frustrated these last few days wondering why I haven't gone into labor yet. I've tried everything--washing the floor on my hands and knees, cleaning everything in sight, walking miles every day, and, well...you know. Yet still, no baby. Everyone says the baby will come when the baby is ready, but I hope he or she decides sooner is better than later! Perhaps we'll have an Easter baby... The good news is that we will be parents before next Thursday for sure and that really makes me smile :) C'mon Baby Swords--we're ready to hold you!!