I intend to head out to Idaho to be helpful after the baby's birth. Having had five babies myself, I was of the opinion it is nice to have help after the baby is a month or so old. Babies are not hard in the beginning, they sleep for 22 hours a day/night and their needs are easily met. So, I thought an early December visit would be best.
Wyatt informed me that he and Emma wanted me to be there for the birth. So I made travel arrangements for the baby's due date thinking I would wait around in Centerville with my brother and sister until Emma went into labor.
I had a 10:00 flight out on November 28th (the baby's due date). At midnight I landed during a snow storm, looking forward to borrowing my brother's car and crashing at my sister's house for some much needed sleep.
To be fully honest, it was hard to go out. I still have kids at home who need me and I am not in Grandma mode yet. I wanted to help but was feeling cranky for sure.
As the plan landed I switched my phone on and saw some texts from Wyatt come in. I didn't check them right away (deplaning and all). Steps into the airport I got a call from Wyatt asking when I was going to be up. I told him I just landed, it was midnight and I needed to sleep. He said Emma was in labor and they were at the hospital. If at all possible could I come straight up to Preston for the birth?
Did I mention it was snowing? Like a full on blizzard? My brother picked me up at the airport and we strategized for a few minutes. Ultimately, we decided he would drive me up and stay in the area until his wife could come pick him up and we could exchange cars.
I was deeply grateful for his sacrifice. Did I mention it was snowing? Like a full on blizzard? We started the normally hour and a half drive north going 30 mph. No one else was on the road. Oh! Chris, my brother, had suffered a concussion in September and was still healing so that was fun. This was his first time driving for a long distance. He did great and I offered frequently to help but he did fine. That was lucky because I don't know how to drive in the snow anymore.
We got up to the hospital at about 3:00 in the morning. I was deliriously tired but there to help.
Emma's labor progressed slowly. The epidural made it hard for her to move and pushing was not effective. After many hours and through the night Emma decided to have a C-section instead of a traditional birth. At that point (after I had my own sobbing melt down in the car) I decided to go straight to the hotel and sleep. I didn't need to hang out waiting for post op baby viewing.
After a few hours of sleep I found out Oliver had been born around noon on November 29th. Perfectly healthy and sweet as ever. I went to the hospital to meet him. Reports were accurate. He is darling.
I stayed around for a couple of days while they were still in the hospital. Going over in the evening bringing them take out and visiting. Answering questions about new baby care and getting my snuggles in. Once Wyatt, Emma and Oliver headed "home" (back to Emma's parent's house) I decided it was time for me to go too. They had plenty of help and I thought they could use some quiet time.
Here are my overall thoughts. I don't like labor. I don't like being in the room for the miracle. It's not for me. My darling daughters, if you are reading this, please know that if you and your spouse desire privacy for your births...I will not be offended to miss out. It is ok with me. If you really, really, really, want me to be there...I will be there for you.
I did think I was the most helpful and supportive person in the room. Emma's mom was too worried about her daughter (understandable). Wyatt didn't know what was happening or how to help (understandable). The nurses and doctors were doing their job but not with a lot of instruction or care...less understandable. I was able to help Emma breathe through contractions and say focused when she got upset. I had my five births to give me experience and to offer support.
BUT it is not for me this miracle of birth. Maybe I'll feel differently in a few years.
For now, Oliver Knox is in the world. He is so sweet and perfect. He has piles of gold blonde hair. Wyatt had silver blonde hair and it is fun to see the similarities and differences. He is amazing and I cannot believe I am a grandmother.
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