Reflections

As most of you dedicated blog readers know my little boy, Teagan James Kreifels, was born Saturday November 22nd, at 9:35 am. Reflecting on that moment and the 29 hours leading up to it bring a rush of emotions, thoughts and unforgettable memories.

I woke at 3:30 Friday morning to a slightly wet bed. Disgusted and frustrated, I had finally come to the ultimate embarrassing moment of wetting my pants. Just as I was slipping into my nice, and may I mention dry, pjs it happened again! I couldn't believe it and by now I was fully ticked off. Another pair of pants, a few towels and a quick look in my pregnancy book confirmed it. My water broke. And how relived I was to know I didn't pee my pants!

I wasn't feeling any strong contractions and so we took our time getting to the hospital. We arrived around 5:30, got checked in and about an hour later was admitted. I was still not feeling strong contractions so after being checked, monitored, ect. mom and I went for breakfast in the cafeteria.

And here is where things became a blur. Mom and I spent Friday morning and afternoon walking the halls as the contractions became stronger. We bought magazines and called family to inform them that this was for real.
My Aunt came in from Red Oak to be there and my dad came too. I remember random things like siting in the rocking chair, watching I Love Lucy reruns, stretching on the birthing ball, taking a nice hot shower and listening to Sweetest Girl on my Ipod.
Friday was soon over and I was now convinced that this little boy was never ever coming out. With the doctors encouragement, we decided to try some inducing. We started with Sedal (please excuse the spelling) which helped a little but not enough. At this point the doctors were beginning to wonder if we might have to do a c-section but I wanted to try everything possible to have this baby the natural way. When the decision was made to start Patocin, we also decided to do the epidural. I really didn't want to but how I thanked God for the invention of medicine when the pain subsided. One whole day of being in labor was about all I could take!
After pushing for two hours, the doctor said we had two options-we could try forceps or go straight to c-section. And we did try the forceps and the vacuum. I have never tried so hard for anything in my life, I wanted that baby out so bad but someone had a different plan.
By the time they wheeled me back to the operating room I was exhausted beyond explanation, shivering cold, shaking uncontrollably and desperately trying to remember the 23rd psalm.
After fifteen long minutes I felt a tug, heard a little noise, then the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. My baby's first cry.