Baby Story

Eliza Martyne Clapp is here!

8 lbs 2 oz 21 inches.

Born 6/6/10 at 5:51 a.m.

I want to write Eliza's birth story. I attempted to write it in my journal but typing is faster so I am going to do this instead. So if you get grossed out you may not want to read it!


It all started Saturday. We went for a long walk around the neighborhood hoping it would jump start something. Then we ate big lunch and spent time with some of my family who were in town. The day winded down and we decided she wasn't going to come that day. But I prayed so hard that she would come before my parents had to leave to go home. (my dad and sister were going out of town.)

Then at around 11 I had this weird cramp. It actually hurt. I decided maybe she was coming. So I showered and went to bed to sleep as much as I could. I didn't know what contractions would feel like, but I decided these hurt so they must be something. They started out about 40 minutes apart, then down to 20. I woke up hurting and the contractions were about 10 minutes apart so I got dressed while I still could. Then they were 5 to seven minutes apart. It was 2 am. I called the doctor and the hospital. The hospital asked how long the contractions had been close together. The real answer was about 20 minutes, but I lied and said an hour because I knew things were going fast. They told me to come in.

We got to the hospital and they put me in the triage room. I was hurting but it wasn't so bad. They checked me and I was 8 cm dilated so they admitted me and got us to a room. We got to our room at 3 am. I was still not feeling horrible, but I felt like I wanted to get an epidural just to be safe. It seemed scary. So they got me an epidural. It didn't really hurt or anything, but it felt weird and I was nervous.

After the epidural kicked in I felt better. Just a lot of pressure with each contraction. My parents and sister arrived and came to visit. The nurse came to check me again so my family left the room. The nurse said I was ready to push. She broke my water. It was 4 something, not sure exactly. Kase's parents had arrived but had to wait outside.

All the staff came in, I didn't know what to expect. They started counting and I started pushing. Kase was so helpful encouraging me. Pushing didn't hurt like I thought it would, but it did take FOREVER! I thought she would never ever come. The nurses bragged on me and said I was nice and that I was a natural breather. I just felt like I had to get this done and there was not enough energy to be mean.

I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get the baby out so I focused and tried to ignore the pain or the thought that I may die soon.

Finally, they called the doctor in so I new it was getting closer. My doctor wasn't on call so I had a different doctor. She wasn't as encouraging as the nurses, so I was not a big fan but she seemed nice.

I felt like my head might explode towards the end. And finally at 5:51 am she came out. That part hurt but then so relieving! She was beautiful, Kase cut her cord and they handed her to me. She was screaming, but when she heard my voice she turned and looked at me and stopped crying. I fell in love right then. She was beautiful with lots of dark curly hair.

The nurses took her to weigh and clean her. I was bleeding a lot so they kept pressing on my belly to try and stop the bleeding and that HURT more than anything!

Finally, they left me, Kase, and the baby alone. Our little family said a prayer together. We were so grateful she had finally joined us and everything was so good.

Kase said he thought her name was Eliza, one of the ones on our list. So Eliza joined our family.

Both of our parents and my sister were able to come in after her birth and meet her. It was so nice to have them there and share that time with them.

Things have been good. I am feeling better everyday. I worry about her and hope that she is getting enough to eat. Things are hard, which I expected, but I love her so much.

We are so blessed to have this sweet spirit with us. I love Kase so much and it is wonderful to see him in a different and new light. He is so good to me and to the baby. I melt everytime he holds her. I could not ask for a better husband.

I think I remembered everything.

Pictures to come!

Dear Baby,

The doctor teased me this week. On Tuesday, he said you may be here within the week. Being dilated to 7 cm seemed to make him think that. Your father and I got so excited and nervous. We made sure our bags were packed. We ate a good meal. We couldn't sleep from the excitment so we sang songs until we finally slept.

On Wednesday, I felt awful. I was so glad to feel awful. I just knew you would be here soon!

But I think the doctor jinxed us. On Thursday, I woke up and felt fine. Completely normal. It seems now that you will never come!

You see, I used to be very nervous about your arrival. In fact, I was fine with waiting another 2 weeks. You seemed very content where you are, and I was fairly comfortable. The whole delivery thing seemed scary. But now all that has changed. The thought of you finally joining us made me so excited, and now I can't wait! I wish for labor pains. (I am sure I will regret that.)Plus, I am not so comfortable anymore.

Now, I get up everyday and go to work hoping it will be my last day for a while. Every weird feeling I have I think maybe it could be the start of labor. Family is anxiously awaiting our phone call saying you're on your way. I debate calling the doctor to see if he is sure you can't just come now.

But nothing happens.

All because the doctor jinxed us.

Why won't you join us? We are ready. I think you are too. Please hurry.

Love,

Your mother