Brendan and I got home from work around 6pm. The Bank (Brendan’s work) threw us a baby shower late that afternoon, so we weren’t hungry and didn’t plan to cook dinner. We had some leftover food from the shower.
We were both feeling kind of lazy, and hunkered down to an evening of television. We watched a re-run of The Soprano’s, before turning to Jeopardy and eventually American Idol. We commented on how lazy we were being – and that it wasn’t often that we spent an entire night on the couch watching TV.
Just before American Idol came on, I noticed that my contractions (I’d always had a lot of Braxton Hicks) were feeling more regular and a little more painful than usual. I found a digital watch, and had Brendan time them. They were 8 minutes apart for more than an hour. I started feeling anxious about going on my scheduled work “Team Building” get-a-way to Napa Valley. Our bus was supposed to leave at 7:00am the next day. I didn’t think the contractions would actually lead to labor, but I certainly didn’t want to be stuck on a bus in traffic somewhere if they did. In feeling anxious about that – I decided to finish doing some laundry – and finish packing my hospital bag.
We went to bed about 9:30. Brendan fell asleep right away. I layed awake wondering about the Napa trip – and if I should just call my boss right then and tell her I wouldn’t be going. I started zoning off into sleep land (still having mild contractions) when a painful contraction arose me from that sleep/wake state. It was 10:00pm. For 40 more minutes, I layed in bed mentally timing contractions and telling myself that all the books say I will definitely know when I’m in labor. Just as I was greatly hoping that it would be clear whether or not I go to Napa (like having the contractions stop completely, or having my water break) – I felt something “pop” inside. I thought: “My water broke.”
I went to the bathroom – but nothing seemed to have happened. Oh well…must have just been a strange kick from Hermano (Mattie’s nickname for the baby – the Spanish word for “brother”).
Back to bed.
However, within 5 minutes I felt some leaking – and sure enough – it was my water that had broken.
Brendan is a heavy sleeper. When I initially tried to wake him up he didn’t stir one bit.
Mysti: “Sweety, we’re gonna have a baby tonight”
Brendan: Nothing.
Mysti: “Honey…my water broke”
Brendan: Nothing.
Mysti: “Brendan. We’re having a baby.”
Brendan: “No…not tonight.”
I turned on the light – roused him a bit more and said: “Brendan, we need to go to the hospital. My water broke and we’re having the baby.”
Brendan: “Really? Are you serious?”
Mysti: “Yes. My water broke.”
Brendan: “Are you sure?”
Mysti: “Yes!.”
We called the hospital and they confirmed that we should come in. I jumped in the shower, while Brendan packed the car…and off we went!
My contractions were definitely painful – and definitely different than Braxton Hicks. The car ride went smoothly, and we were there and in the labor and delivery room by midnight.
When they checked Hermano’s position, we were told his head was up (not down like we’d been told for weeks). The doctor turned to us and said: “That means C-section. I’m sorry.”
This was surprising news. I was anticipating hours of labor, and pushing…and a big unknown, really.
The process for prepping for the c-section was impressive, like a well oiled machine. By 1:15am I was ready to go under the knife.
They inserted a spinal block which numbed me from the chest down. Before I knew it, they were cutting into my belly. I was pretty anxious, and ready for it to be over the minute we entered the OR. I felt a little claustrophobic, and the whole thing seemed so surreal.
Brendan was by my side, holding my hand the entire time, occasionally talking to me and telling me I was doing a good job. The sounds and smells of the procedure were a little overwhelming, and both of us were pumped with adrenaline.
Just before they were about to take out the baby, the anesthesiologist asked Brendan if he wanted to see the baby come out. If he did, he should stand up. He did, and was able to see our baby enter the world.
Maxwell Quentin Smith-Bentley was born at 2:06am.
The sound of his wailing voice made me cry. I couldn’t wait to see and hold him.
Brendan watched Max’s first nursing assessments, and bath while they worked to put me back together. He took pictures and brought them to me behind the blue surgical curtain.
It was hard to not be able to hold and snuggle our baby right away.
Eventually, the nurse brought him around so I could see him. He was so tiny – I couldn’t believe it – and couldn’t believe that he was actually here. It happened so fast.
Max had a little difficulty breathing so they wanted to take him straight to the newborn nursery. I had to go the recovery room. It was 2 ½ hours before I would get to hold him.
Brendan spent time in the nursery with Max, while I was in recovery, so was able to take pictures and bring them to me in the recovery room. He was breathing better so didn’t have to be transferred to a higher level of care.
When I was transferred to the post-partum unit, our family was re-united – and I finally got to hold our son. He is simply amazing.
He IS amazing, and so are you Mama! Your birth story made me cry. Isn't it the greatest feeling when you realize the baby is finally here?
Posted by: Stacey | March 27, 2007 at 12:13 PM