So for the "birth story". Amanda sent me a text message around midnight telling me that she just had a horrible shooting pain in her left rib cage. I replied, "Okay this OLD lady needs some zzzzzzz's so please hold off till morning." I was kidding her, of course, and new that she couldn't control the time of arrival. But still a grandma can only hope for a good nights sleep. Right? A couple hours later she sent another text that said they were on their way to the hospital. So I woke up Crystal we showered and headed for the hospital. On our way there Amanda text's me again to say she is dialated to a SIX! So I told Crystal to "Step On It" because I didn't want to miss the birth. That was about two AM.
We arrive in time and shortly after they discover that baby Nolan is positioned diagonal and face up. Poor Amanda worked so hard trying to bring him down. They brought in an ultrasound machine to check the size of the baby. They had a couple of surgeons on stand by and the Operating Room booked for an emergency C-section. If Nolan was 7lbs and larger to the OR they would go. Anything smaller they thought she might have a shot at delivering him on her own. Spencer was out in the waiting room with Ellie so we had him come in and help John give Amanda a blessing. I am SO thankful for the priesthood and for my worthy son-in-laws! What a comfort and source of strength it is. Such a calm peaceful feeling filled the room and we just knew Amanda would be able to deliver Nolan without a C-section.
His heart rate started dipping down into the 50's everytime she had a contraction but would quickly shoot back up to normal when the contraction was over. They said their was some compression going on with the umbilical cord.
So for a re-cap. Baby is face up, entering the birth canal diagonal and there is a problem with his cord and heart rate. But he's little and Amanda was being SUPER mom and working really hard to deliver him on her own.
It was the day of RaLee's "Forthcoming" game. So she went to school in uniform and they released her for a few hours. She had to be back in school before noon to get to cheer at the game that night...."No Pressure Amanda. But HURRY!"
...and it made me cry. There is RaLee coaching and working with her sister you should have heard her she was amazing. She is 17 and this is birth number 7 for her. She's going to be a pro by the time it's her turn to be a mother. Crystal is always so encouraging, Jessica is wetting cloth's and putting them on Amanda's head because she was burning up. I was pushing her button that controled her epidural med's, feeding her ice chips, wetting cloth's, counting and trying to take pictures. John was holding her other leg and encouraging her every step of the way. The nurses said, "You guys are the best! We don't have to do anything." I was so proud of my girls.
They put Amanda in all kinds of different positions. Then they would have her push for thirty minutes in that position then move her into another and repeat. She was amazing and so strong!
I will WARN you this next picture is not for the squeamish! But little Nolan turned out to be not so little and the delivery was quite bloody. I had never seen so much blood. He was bigger than the ultrasound showed and caused some damage to his momma because of his position. So close your eyes and scroll ahead if you don't want to see the photo!
We joke with Amanda that Nolan's birth looked like a scene out of some horror movie! He had the cord around his neck and was laboring to breathe after he was born. He was so pasty white that it was scary! They gave him oxygen and worked pretty hard on him to make him cry and move. Gosh it's such a relief when you see them starting to pink up a bit and cry.
His lips, nose and basically his entire face was very swollen from being face up.
No body got to hold him. They placed him on his mom's chest for some "Skin to Skin" therapy. They said he would be able to hear his mother's heart beat and feel her breathing. This would help regulate his own heart and breathing. So he lay on his mommy's chest for a couple of hours. We didn't get to hold him until he was home.
Here is is today with some color and no swelling and is he ever a cutie pie! He looks just like his big sister Isabelle only BOY-ish.
I am so thankful for this new little spirit that has joined our family! It's fun to see Amanda with TWO little ones. She just beams with happiness!
Welcome Baby Nolan Grandma sure does love you.
Nolan Michael, 8lbs 2 ozs October 22, 2010 10:03 am
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5 comments:
I have been waiting for this post! John was busy helping me that we didn't get many pictures of the birth or post birth. I'm grateful that my sisters were there to help with the delivery. They always help so much during the delivery. You, too mom, play an amazing part during deliveries! You move around and help in many different areas, including running the epidural button, holding my head up when I'm to exhuasted to give it my all, and also sneaking me some water with ice chips! You do so much more, but those are the ones just off the top of my head.
I knew his birth would be a scary one. I prayed, and had John give me multiple blessings regarding Nolan's birth. I first prayed it would go smoothl, then knowing there would be complications I started praying I would have the strength to deliver him safely. I knew he was pale, but looking at the pictures I see how horribly pale he was, and how well he is doing.
I'm so thankful he's here, and healthy!
So happy for you and your family! Just adorable! Another baby to snuggle :)
With Hope,
Cheryl
I'm glad Nolen arrived safely. Taralee was born nose up and boy, those are HARD deliveries. Happy everythiing worked out!
he is a doll and whoa baby, that one pic was a little unnerving! I'm so glad that he is doing well!
I'm so glad I was able to make it to his birth, however i'm sorry amanda had such a long and hard labor. He was so bloddy when he was born even between his little toes was scary. I'm so glad his swelling has gone down I was so worried about him. Congradulations he is such a doll.
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