Baby has arrived!

Baby has arrived! Rather unexpectedly, she showed up 5 weeks early and with a speed that surprised everyone (including me and my OB). I had written a blog post that day, but never had a chance to post it before we rushed off to the hospital - it is up now despite it seeming boring already. Did I mention that we made it to the hospital 24 minutes before Emma was born? Yea, that's what I mean by fast; in fact, the nurses nicknamed her 'Speedy'.

For those who haven't heard the craziness that was Emma birthday, I'll do an attempt at a brief recap here...

I woke up Tuesday (April 9th) with some mild cramping, but nothing that suggested labor pains. At my OB check up that morning they ran a battery of tests to see if I was close to labor and determined that I probably had a few weeks left; this was pretty much what I was assuming as well. So, Addison and I went off to story time at the library, and then home for lunch and playing in the backyard. I was a bit more tired and uncomfortable than usual, so we didn't venture out on any walks or to the playground, but otherwise spent it as any other normal day.

Then at about 4pm my labor started; however, I didn't realize that's what it was. I thought I was just having strong Braxton Hicks. It wasn't until after dinner, around 6:30 that they became painful, over very quickly went from 10 minute intervals to 2 minute intervals. That's when I knew it was time to go to the hospital. But I will caveat that I didn't have time between contractions to really think about how this meant we were going to have a baby soon! I guess pain will do that to anyone.

So at 7pm we piled into the car, dropped Addison off at our wonderful friends house, and sped our way to the hospital. Just like you've seen in the movies, I was the pregnant lady in the wheel chair screaming for an epidural while being told it was too late. Thankfully Emma quickly entered the world so I wasn't in pain for very long. And now I know what natural childbirth is like. I think if there ever is a next time, I'll strive to make it to the hospital with enough time so I can actually decide whether or not to get the epidural.