Sam & Amelia

Someone to play with….it really doesn’t matter that she’s asleep!

Tuesday was the big day! We had to wait about 3-4 weeks to get Sam in to see Tammy.

Before:

You didn’t really want to sit in the chair. We were able to stall until your daddy arrived, since Tammy didn’t have another appointment after yours. When she pulled out the cape, I asked if you wanted to put the “bib” on and sit in the chair. You were still a little reluctant, but went along with it. Since you had a bib on, I should have known what was coming next - you asked for a snack as soon as you were in the chair. Fortunately, Tammy had a stash of Goldfish that she let you munch on while she got started. You have a handful of them in this picture and that happy grin that goes along with every snack!

You enjoyed watching yourself and Tammy in the big mirror, although you tried to get out of the chair several times. We had to distract you with bubbles on daddy’s iPhone and Tammy’s stash of children’s books. You did really well and weren’t scared at all. Tammy even commented on how good you were. You stuck out your bottom lip and cried a little as she was finishing up, but I think we were getting too close to your naptime!

You look so handsome - the haircut was needed (more than I wanted to admit).

Mommy’s Perspective:
Finally! Our baby girl has arrived!

I was a little bummed out after my ob appointment last Tuesday (July 29th). I was dilated 3-4 cm, which was not much change from the week before. It was only one day before my due date and I just knew that I would have this baby early! We scheduled an induction for the following Wednesday (Aug 6th), which seemed like an eternity away. I was secretly hoping that the doctor would send me straight to the hospital after my appointment. I didn’t sleep well that night, just wondering when you would arrive. I started feeling some minor contractions around 4am and didn’t really go back to sleep after that. I kept lying in bed wondering if we would go to the hospital today or if it would be just another regular day. After an hour, I got out of bed and turned on the TV, eating a bowl of Rice Krispies w/ strawberries (which I shouldn’t have done) and timing my now-regular contractions. They were 10 minutes apart and I was starting to think that I should pack a bag, wake up Robert and take a shower. I woke Robert up and told him I think we needed to head to the hospital b/c I was having contractions and they were getting stronger. I’m not sure what he said but I knew he was awake, he understood was I was saying, and he would call our parents so they could start driving to LR. I jumped in the shower, my mental checklist of things to do and pack kept getting interrupted by the frequent and painful contractions. He wanted me to time the contractions on his phone, but after the first two were closer than 1 1/2 minutes apart, I decided I didn’t want to know anymore. Sam woke up while Robert was taking a shower and it took everything in me to lift him out of his crib. Things greatly accelerated between the time Robert got in and got out of the shower. I could barely stand up during the contractions, but was still trying to get everything packed for Sam and myself.

We finally got in the car and dropped off Sam around 6:45am. As we were driving to the hospital, I silently wondered why Robert wasn’t driving any faster. I never looked at the odometer, but it sure felt like we were going on a leisurely Sunday drive. I remember having to wait to talk/respond to Robert until a contraction passed. When we finally pulled up to the hospital, we had to wait on an elderly lady getting out of her car. We waited VERY patiently. I got out of the car and sat on a bench outside the entrance waiting for Robert. It was kind of a blur after that, but I did get a wheelchair - thank goodness! I could hear the elderly volunteer breathing heavily as he pushed me through the halls of the hospital, trying to make small talk. We got to a delivery room and I sat in a chair just waiting on a nurse. After a few more contractions, I started getting nauseous. Thankfully, I had grabbed a plastic bag on my way out the door. There’s just something about throwing up in a trash can that I can’t handle. Throwing up is bad enough…why would I want to stick my head in a trash can while doing it? Robert called the nurse and took over! The nurse wasn’t convinced that we were having a baby today. It’s kind of a blur between putting on the lovely hospital gown, doing blood work, starting the IVs and getting Stadol for the pain. I was so glad to see the anesthesiologist, although the epidural didn’t take as quickly as he thought it should. I actually saw a little concern in his eyes when I told him I could still feel my legs and feet. After that it was smooth-sailing! My doctor came in and told me he would be back in 2 hours after a scheduled surgery. He checked to see how far along I was, then decided he shouldn’t leave. I was so glad he was able to deliver you! It was a beautiful birth! After the epidural, I was able to enjoy your delivery. It was pain-free and I only had to push for about 30 minutes until we saw your beautiful face. Welcome to our family, Amelia! We’re so glad you’re here – healthy, happy and right on time!

Daddy’s Perspective:
You’re here! I’m so happy to meet you.

Your mom woke me up about 6AM and said “I think we need to go to the hospital.” I asked a couple of questions to ascertain if this was get-Sam-up-and-dressed-and-drop-him-off-at-a-friend’s-house-on-our-way “go to the hospital” or turn-on-the-hazard-lights-and-speed-to-the-hospital-hoping-I-didn’t-run-out-of-the-house-without-pants-on-because-we-don’t-have-time-for-pants “go to the hospital.” Thankfully, it was the former. She said she had been up for about an hour, and that she was going to take a shower and start getting ready. Whew.

When she got out of the shower, the contractions had intensified, but they were still manageable. I asked how far apart they were, and she said “about 10 minutes.” Before I got in the shower, I started the stopwatch on my phone and asked her to push the “lap” button each time a new contraction started. She was pressing the button every minute and a half. Things were progressing!

We called the DuPriests and dropped Sam off at their house about 7AM. (THANK YOU!) We headed to the hospital, sneaking in a little over the speed limit driving, since I felt I had a good excuse. When we got to the hospital, we pulled up to the entrance, where a little old lady was being unloaded from her car. HURRY UP LADY! CAN’T YOU SEE THAT MY WIFE’S IN LABOR? WHAT ARE YOU HERE FOR? YOUR 100 YEAR CHECKUP!? IF SO, YOU’RE LATE!

Don’t worry. I didn’t yell at her. We politely watched her unload as Kathy got out of the car, and I gathered her overnight bag and other necessities from the car. Once inside, we asked a volunteer the location of Labor and Delivery. The hospital has expanded since Sam was born, and we hadn’t been to L&D yet. While I realize I may be privy to insider information, I felt like it was fairly apparent that my wife was pregnant, and that she was in pain. Putting the two of those together, I didn’t think it very hard to guess where we needed to go. However, when I asked him for directions to Labor and Delivery, he looked at both of us and asked “You want to go to Labor and Delivery?” “Yes,” I responded. He didn’t move or respond. I asked again. He repeated the question, but this time stood up. About that time another patient walked in asking where she should sign in for her appointment. He took his time explaining the process to her. Meanwhile, I walked over to a pile of wheelchairs and picked one out, unfolding it for Kathy. The volunteer finished with the appointment lady, and asked Kathy if she wanted a wheelchair. In her extreme pain, Kathy mumbled an affirmation. The octogenarian then insisted on pushing the wheelchair as I (patiently) followed behind. He led us through the maze of the hospital, studying each sign as we approached a cross hallway. He was panting by the time we got to L&D. (Thank you, sir, for volunteering. Despite my stories, I do appreciate your efforts.)

Once in a room, we waited. No nurse came to check on us.
Kathy got sick, so I hit the call button. “Excuse me. My wife is throwing up, and we would like some assistance.” They sent a nurse who entered the room saying “I’m so glad you found the trash can. I just can’t handle vomit.” I expressed our desire to get Kathy some pain medicine, and declared Kathy’s wishes for an epidural. The nurse said “We’ve got to make sure you’re staying first!” It was apparent that she didn’t know us yet. We’re not idle talkers, and we’re not complainers. If Kathy says she’s in pain, it means that things have progressed way too far to be ignored. (In the spirit of full disclosure, the nurse ended up being extremely good. It just took her a while to realize the gravity of the situation.)

When Kathy’s water broke, the nurse realized that she should probably start fast-tracking this process. She found a Doc to do the epidural, called our doctor (who happened to be the on-call doctor today!), and stopped messing with the paperwork in order to take care of Kathy. I realized she “got it” when she literally tossed me a blood pressure cuff and said “put this on her arm.” I was happy to comply.

Kathy’s doctor came in to check on Kathy about 8:15AM and said he had a surgery that was about to start - that he just wanted to stop in and check on Kathy, then he’d be back in about an hour and a half. After he checked on Kathy, he didn’t leave the room until you arrived. We were very thankful that he prioritized you!

You arrived at 9:33AM, on your due date, 9.0 lbs and 20.5 inches. What a punctual little girl. It seems like the whole process was quicker than typing this out! Once Kathy got the epidural and the pain subsided, things went very smooth. Kathy did so well with the whole process, and you came out healthy and crying. You’ve been so perfect all day! You caught on to eating very easily, and you’ve been eating and sleeping all day. We’re so happy you have arrived. Welcome, Amelia. You are loved.

We’re one week away from Baby Girl’s due date. As of this morning, I am dilated 3cm and I told the Dr. I want to wait it out and not be induced this time. I wasn’t totally sure of my decision when we left the doctor’s office, but I have a peace about it now. We’ll just wait until she’s ready. Hopefully, she’ll come before my appt next Tuesday. We’re ready to meet her!

We settled on a name for baby girl - Amelia Kate. Sam has thoroughly enjoyed playing with everything in her room from diapers to clothes, picture frames and baskets. He has tested out her bed and even occasionally shares the bassinet with Alex!

We had a great time at the park yesterday, as you can tell by your expression…
The weather was really nice in the morning, so we went to the neighborhood park and played hard!

I just love these pictures of you in your swimsuit - all geared up to head to the pool. We try to go to the neighborhood pool or Wild River Country at least once a week. You love splashing in the water and “jumping” off the side of the pool from a seated position!

Here’s a picture of you and your buddy Miles at WRC. You were waiting on me to get lunch for us and had to have a snack before I could get back!

the boys will play! You had a blast cleaning out the cabinets Friday night while mom went scrapbooking! Maybe you’ve been watching dad and I pack up the house for moving day and wanted to help out! I love that you just wanted to wear one shoe and you preferred the band-aid on your shirt rather than your arm.

Here’s another one of my favorite pictures. You often sit on the counter while I’m getting ready. One day you decided that you needed a drink from the faucet. You’re quite flexible, little Sam!

At Bible Study earlier this week, I went to pick you up from your classroom and you weren’t there! You were promoted to a bigger class! You were having so much fun playing with all the new toys that you barely noticed when I came to the door. Your teachers said you ran the whole time, so you definitely didn’t get your nap in! As I was picking up your diaper bag, I noticed a construction paper chain inside. Your first craft! That is a sure sign that you’re growing up! I couldn’t believe it - it made me a little sad to think that you’re big enough to do crafts now. Where has my little baby gone?

I don’t know why you look so sad in this picture because we were having fun at the time!