Part 2

Because my last post, originally intended as one, turned into a baby and much needed bed break!

I now remember I had called my midwife and the assistant during that piano lesson just to give them what sounded like the measliest little informative I had. And all for their sake really, in terms of, be ready possibly for a call in the wee hours of the morning. Maybe go to bed early. I'll keep you posted. If you don't hear from me, obviously it's nothing! They appreciated the call but I know by the way I sounded over the phone they must have thought time was certainly on all our sides.

And I certainly thought it was too. The baby was still posterior from every angle I could tell. I prayed labor would not start until it turned. Seeing as the baby showed no indication of turning any time soon as well as the sporadic activity that was taking place on the home front I really started gearing up for my longest most grueling labor yet.

I also sent a text to a group of gals. One of which was lined up to be here with me for the labor/delivery, another just right down the road to take the kids when things started. I informed everyone, though with really no pressing need to address anything. Maybe they can all just hope with me.

The next series of events are still rather foggy. I've had some time now to process it. At the rate things happened and how little I actually remember, I thought it best to get down in writing what I can before it all goes out the window. 

No pictures. No going according to somewhat of a plan. No mistaking something was now very well underway. Oh, and no Gabe.

Contractions started coming. However, still very spread out. Some 8-10 min apart and that's just a guess because as soon as the winds changed in here, though still uncertain I remained, I ran upstairs to finish packing the kids' bags. I certainly was not timing anything but did make the connection they were still spread out though growing somewhat in intensity. While I did that the kids had strict orders to get ALL READY FOR BED. It was too early to actually put them to bed (though admit I contemplated!). At the very least, to have them all ready and settled so I could catch a break if need be while they watched a movie until Gabe's return sounded like a wise decision.

They were bouncing off the walls! I was less than present as I hurried around, dropped on all fours when I thought of it in hopes the baby would turn (still much to my dismay), and wondered if this was really it. No. This can't be it. The baby is not turned!

It was then that both those friends lined up to help, by the grace of God I am convinced, both texted their readiness to 'hop to it'. I can come get kids at any point! Just say when. And the other, Do you want me to find someone to sit with my kids so I can be with you while Gabe is gone?

To which I both addressed in my head. I'm not really in labor. This could go on for a while yet. But maybe the emotional break would be nice and clearly the kids are not having much fun with me here. They obviously are NOT ready for  bed, not to mention, why can't I keep them under control? Just some thoughts going through my head, which should have been red flags.


I agreed to the kids going with Lisa. I agreed to Keila coming to sit with me. Looking through my texts I found this one to Lisa around 7...  major red flag!!! I just don't know what to do! They are definitely coming more steady and stronger. Thinking I should call Regina. Keila is on her way. Boaz just fell down the stairs!

To which she replied, "I'm on my way!"

I made the mistake of telling the kids they were going to go the Criscitello's and the energy in here skyrocketed! I can't send my kids like this to Lisa!  

"Guys go run around the house 10x's before Mrs. Criscitello gets here." "Awesome! 5 more!" I remember watching them through the windows run their little hearts out. Liam, with arms and fists pumping the air just as fast as his little legs could carry him. His face flush red. "Mom my heart is racing!" 

"Great! Keep it up!" "Faster!" "5 more!"

Lisa showed up around 7:30. Keila shortly thereafter. I still hadn't called Regina back. My plan was to have the house quiet for a bit until Gabe got home so I could try to figure things out. I'd call her when things started to actually pick up and prove to be something.

The looks on both girls' faces told me I had better call Regina and the assistant. I did. Lisa left with the bandwagon of Ockrin babies excited and ready for Mom to have the baby but mostly to play and have a good time! Can't blame them!

With Keila here, the house quiet, and things starting to pick up now their more typical groove for a labor (which for me is a lot of lower back pain during contractions) I was ready to settle into the normal two and a half hours or so of active labor. I did all fours when I could during contractions hoping and praying baby would turn. Nope! Gabe called and was on his way! Oh great. He'll be here for the bad ones where I need him to rub my back.

Hmmmm... these are getting awfully strong awfully fast and God bless Keila, but she's doing nothing for my back right now. ;-) These are getting intense. Such a good friend and she was the only one here! With baby still posterior and the level of intensity that was now coming through in contractions, I was starting to get a bit concerned.

Regina showed up. Phew! I remember glancing outside to a figure walking across the lawn from the road. Sharon was here. But still, no Gabe. I didn't really have time to miss him. Contractions kept coming and I did my best to focus and breathe through them.

It was then that I heard Regina ask me (hunched over the table), "Are you pushing?!" 

"Yes?" 

"Get up stairs now."

to be continued....

Final phase to come.

Sorry! he really did JUST wake up!