As you know, by now, the contractions that I felt yesterday morning (was it just yesterday?) were no false alarm. Around 1ish I started to freak out and I woke Jacob and Machiel, resident mom-in-law, neither of which were helpful in discerning whether my contractions were intense enough to warrant a drive to the hospital but after a few really painful, extremely intense contractions I said we would go and punch the staff in the face if they sent us home. I really, really, REALLY wanted that epidural.
Jake and I grabbed the hospital bag that I had put together the week before and we drove to the hospital- with me moaning and wailing in the passenger's seat. We got to Timpanogos Regional Hospital and I had to walk to Labor and Delivery (ha ha. For real? I had called them on the way over so I was surprised they didn't have a wheelchair or something) but I had to stop on the curb, by the front desk, just before we got into the room and then brace myself on the bed--and yes, ladies, that is a good reason to go into the hospital for labor. In case you were wondering.
At about 215 they checked me and my cervix was at a 5. They quickly got an IV in my arm, above my right wrist and called for an epidural. About 3 they put in my epidural and then my catheter and I was at a 7. We were calling people frantically to get a babysitter for Bentely so Machiel could join the birthing party-who at this point in time consisted of my mom, my dad, my husband and I. At about 330 ish the doctor broke my water and we waited for Machiel to get there and then at 355 we started pushing. 5 minutes later Brooklyn Olivia Williams was born.
:D Welcome to the world my little Brooklyn Olivia.
When Brooklyn was born she had a very weak cry, mucus was in her throat (just a little) and she was blue/purple. She literally looked like a smurf. The doctor handed her to me as soon as Jacob cut the cord and I just sat there holding my little 4.3 lb miracle. We asked Dad and Jake to give her a name and a blessing and they performed the priesthood blessing. The direction and blessing from the Lord was too sacred to share here on this blog but it was perfect and the feeling of peace I felt was overwhelming. I just knew everything would work out.
So, holding my naked, vernix covered child who was struggling to breathe, grasping for life, I pulled off the font of my gown and held her to my chest. They gave me a warm blanket to cover her with and I hummed to Brooklyn her very first lullaby. A silent prayer that whatever the Lord decided to do with the life of His daughter, that we would have the faith to accept it. Every eye in the room was filled with tears. The nurse was hugging my mom as I finished humming "I am a child of God".
We were basically left alone at this point, with my nurse hovering, to enjoy the last few minutes of Brooklyn's life unhindered by others. After a few minutes though her color began to change and it became apparent that Brooklyn's will was stronger than her condition. I thank God for the priesthood blessing that she received and for the mercy of God to allow us to have even those first sacred moments with her. We have been fighting for a little over 25 hours now, battling with her heart. She has been such a trooper! The hospital staff has far exceeded our expectations and made our birthing experience so wonderful. I am so grateful for all of the staff and their encouragement and their love and support. I couldn't have done this without them either. Within 15 hours of arriving at the hospital we were sent home with home health and we are enjoying our bundle of joy.
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