Our Birth Story

We thought that Eleanor Bea would come early throughout the entire pregnancy until the last couple weeks made us second guess our predictions. 75% effaced and 1.5 centimeters dilated was the update for three weeks in a row, so we were prepared for an induction on her due date, December 19. Little did we know, she would come two days early.

Jordan was sick with a virus all weekend, so I went to church with Jenna and my mom, followed by Chaia for tacos. After lunch I sent a text to Kimmy joking that I was in labor, and she said, "Of course she is too comfortable because you keep feeding her tacos." I went about my day working on calligraphy and watercolor and watching "Dumplin" while Jordan setup camped out on the couch. 

At 8:50pm my phone died when Yolanda texted me, so I went upstairs to plug it in. Then, I hopped in the shower as I did every other night during my third trimester bedtime routine. Jordan was already asleep because he took Tylenol Cold and Sinus at 7:00pm. 

Here is the text Yolanda sent. Foreshadowing much?!

"Jordan! Jordan!" I yelled to wake up my husband as my water broke. Praise that I was in the shower because this was not a slow, clean trickle like they tell you about in childbirth classes. He eventually came to the shower, and we laughed. It was time. 

I called my OBGYN, and thankfully Dr. Green, my doctor, was on call. She said we could come in whenever we were ready, up to six hours later. Our bags were already packed (yes, at week 36) so I blow dried my hair and painted my nails as loopy Jordan packed up the car. At 10:30pm Jordan drove us to CVS to get medicine to counteract the snooze drugs, and we drove the 8 minute "trek" to Sibley. 

We checked in on the third floor at 11:00pm. It was confirmed that my water broke, so we were moved to our luxurious birthing room. The doctor wanted to see if I would dilate further on my own, but no such luck. At 2:00am the nurse started my Pitocin and the contractions grew stronger and stronger. I listened to worship music and practiced my yoga breathing, yet remained increasingly uncomfortable. I was eager to have one more goodnight's sleep (Jordan was already on track to achieve that goal thanks to trusty Tylenol), so at 3:00am I elected for the epidural. 

Although I knew I wanted an epidural all along so that I could enjoy the delivery, I was anxious about the process. Jordan comforted me as the anesthesiologist did his thing. Surprisingly, it was not painful. All I could feel was slight pressure and cold fluid flow through my back. The next few hours were blissful. Caitlin Blaney told me to keep pressing that button - best advice that I took to heart that morning! 

By 6:00am I was 5 centimeters, and when I woke up at 8:30am I was 8 centimeters. While my legs were tingly, I couldn't feel any pain. Jordan and I chatted as the nurse continued to monitor my stats. She also asked if we would be willing for a student nurse to observe, which was agreed to. Never do this. She was awkward and watched our final moments as a family of two. I might have sent her on a few errands to get a little alone time... I digress. Jordan continued to keep our families updated - Jenna and my mom in the lobby, everyone else from afar. While my mom waited in the lobby, she also ensured that our heat at home would get fixed because of course it stopped working while I was in labor. SMH. 

At 10:00am I was fully dilated, and I could feel baby girl's head. She was ready to make her debut, but the doctor was not yet ready. We waited, played some Beyonce ("Halo" felt fitting since her halo was pressing out.) At 11:00am Dr. Lightfoote came in and the official party started. 

"What size gloves do you wear?" she asked Jordan. His eyes got wide and excitement filled his face. She offered him the opportunity to help with the delivery. I said it was fine by me as long as he would still find me sexy after being on that end. He promised in his amazing I Love Science shirt.

I started pushing. Inhale. Hold breath and push. Repeat three times. "You've got this! Push! You're doing great!" Dr. Lightfoote was perfect for delivery - almost like a Soulcycle instructor. I felt empowered as she and Jordan encouraged me for the next 15 minutes. 

"Here she comes! One more push!" And then, whoosh! Jordan caught baby girl at 12:10pm.

The nurse put her on my chest. It was the most thrilling, emotional, indescribable feeling. Eleanor Bea was here after much anticipation over the past nine months and my heart felt like it could burst. 

After a moment, the nurse took Eleanor Bea to weigh and clean her. She had a cone head - the most beautiful cone head I had ever seen. Then, in the quiet of our room, she returned to my chest and I nursed her. The body is truly amazing and God's design is perfect, which breastfeeding for the first time demonstrated again. 

The overwhelming love for our beautiful daughter started immediately. I also fell in love with Jordan all over again. Seeing him with our daughter continues to make my heart burst. I love our little family more than I ever thought possible and feel blessed beyond measure to call them mine.