Birth Story
On Tuesday, December 17, Eric and I went to the doctor for our weekly prenatal visit. I was almost a week overdue, and feeling pretty miserable. Definitely ready to get the show on the road! After a thoughtful consultation with Dr. Wikoff, we agreed that I was ready to be induced. She sent us home to collect our things and get a bite to eat, and told us to get to the birthing center around 10:30. We did, and by noon the pitocin drip was running. I began having contractions around 12:30 p.m.
Eric and Angie helped me labor through the day. Grandma Marge, Grandpa Bill, and Gran Alice were also on hand. I took an epidural around transition time, and was fully dialated around 8:00 p.m. At the moment Dr. Wikoff announced the good news, Angie received a phone call that she needed to get home and nurse her son! Given that William was still high up, Angie ran home and I allowed an additional hour's worth of contractions to bring him down some. Angie returned in about 45 mintues and I began to push. Angie and Eric were WONDERFUL coaches. Thank you!!
Well, after 3+ hours of pushing we realized that Sir William wasn't coming out the conventional exit. Dr. Wikoff assured me that my pushes were adequate, but that he simply wasn't going to fit. We briefly discussed assisted delivery methods, and she was confident that they would not be helpful. So Eric and I were taken to the OR for a c-section.
My memories are vague from that point on, but I do remember Eric gently touching my face as we reminisced about the days when we lived in Santa Cruz. He slowly and soothingly recounted all of the details of our bedroom, the rainy mornings, drinking coffee on the porch, cuddling in bed, and so many other wonderful memories! Suddenly, at 12:54 a.m on the morning of December 18, 2002, we heard people saying "Oh My God" and then the sounds of William crying. Then before I knew it they were showing me my beautiful boy. I've never known any emotion like it ... instant love, fierce protectiveness, optimism, infatuation ... there are no words for it, really. By the way, the "Oh My God" was in reference to his size ... our boy came out at 22 inches, weighing 9lbs. 15.7 oz. Okay, so that explains A LOT!!!
I
want to thank Dr. Wikoff for inducing me and allowing me the time and support
to give vaginal delivery my very best efforts. I thank my wonderful labor coaches,
Eric and Angie, without whom I cannot imagine I would have gotten through. Thanks
to my parents, Alice, Bill, and Marge, for sitting there with me and sharing
in the greatest day of my life. And more thanks to Stephanie, Katie, Megan,
Dad, and Susan for coming to Blacksburg and spending time with us. It was wonderful!!!
And for everything that you ALL did for us in the weeks after William's birth,
and all that you continue to do... I will never know how to express the depth
of gratitude that I feel. I am so blessed, and so thankful that William has
such a superb family!!