Life - Birth - in the fast lane

Well, I thought Declan might be a hopeless procrastinator as the days went ticking on past his due date. Turns out that he's just a man of surprises! Once he makes up his mind to do something - like come into the world - there isn't any stopping him.

Yesterday, at 4:45 in the morning I started having contractions and was fairly certain that Declan was on his way. By 9:00am the contractions had increased significantly and we put in a call to our midwife to get their recommendations. They had instructed us not to go to the hospital until we passed certain "labor markers" and then to call them for feedback before rushing out the door. We were not able to reach the midwives or doctors for about 45 minutes from the time we started calling, so Kris decided we should just go ahead and get to the hospital. At that same moment I crossed a line and was absolutely certain that doing so would leave us delivering a baby in the vehicle alongside I-65. I told him resolutely that we were going to have to have this baby at home because I had to push - NOW (there comes a certain point in labor where the only way to bear the pain is to push... strange... but I guess God designed it that way on purpose!). Kris was clearly rattled, but nevertheless calmly started making necessary preparations for a home delivery. Then, the midwives finally responded to our call and when they found out what was happening, advised us to call 911. The ambulance/EMTs and firemen arrived within 5 minutes of the call, insisted on taking me to the hospital in spite of my profound protestations, put me on a gurney, almost dropped me off the gurney when they hit a hole in the yard, and then into the ambulance. After almost coming off the gurney, I started having contractions every 2 minutes and the EMT encouraged me not to push - I looked at him savagely and said through gritted teeth: "Obviously you've never had a baby." If you've never ridden in an ambulance before, I just want to forewarn you that they are not comfortable... every bump is jolting and obvious. Within 5 minutes of leaving the house, the EMT told me, "let me know next time you start to feel a contraction coming on and I'll talk you through it. We'll just focus on breathing and no pushing." After resisting the urge to punch him in the face, I briskly announced that one was coming on immediately and - yep - started pushing. He turned around to fiddle with some things, and while he was distracted I had a baby. I grabbed the baby as he rushed into the world and tried to keep myself on the gurney, which gave me an excruciating charlie horse in my leg. When I cried out from the pain of the cramp in my leg, the EMT turned back around and started yelling at the driver (who was racing down the middle of the highway due to cars that wouldn't get out of the way). The ambulance driver veered across two lanes of traffic and pulled into a business parking lot where he and Kris jumped out of the front seat to come help. However, Declan was already wrapped up in a potty pad (they never could find a blanket) and looking around. I think the poor EMT stuck in the back with me was thoroughly traumatized, but I was too irritated to care. He told me that he had delivered 21 babies in his 30 years on the job, but never in an ambulance. He also mentioned that retirement might be eminent. :-)

After assessing our overall condition, we were rushed to Vanderbilt where we were checked in, evaluated and cleaned up. We are supposed to be released today!

So, that's the abbreviated version of what seemed so surreal at the time... on hindsight, of course no one dreams of giving birth in an ambulance while speeding down the highway. But, this little gem of a boy is absolutely incredible and worth anything and everything that was necessary to get him safely here. He is so sweet tempered and he is the picture of health! He might have come careening into our lives at a whopping 70 miles an hour but he landed at the perfect time and is such a delight to us all!

For those of you who savor stats, he weighed in at 7 lb, 10 oz, is 20 inches long and has light brown hair. He has a little whimper like his big brother, but also a good pair of lungs, should he need them to get somebody's attention. Thanks to all who prayed for us during this time! We can't wait for you to meet our magnificent boy!