From the Mama's Perspective

Okay, so if you're as offended with yesterday's post (and that prize-winning picture of me) as I am, I have to say: I promised I wouldn't change it after Jared was done. Sorry. But here's a little bit of my view on the whole birthing-your-second-child thing.

Jared didn't mention all the details, and I'd like to share some. Yes, going natural still hurts. A lot. Ow! But when you have an awesome husband who's able to coach you through your mantra with each contraction, it takes the edge off a bit. Hypnobirthing is not magic, though....

The story really starts, however, with me being cool as a cucumber. They have this holding room in the hospital when you get off the elevator (to see if you're worthy to enter their floor). I pick up the phone and someone asks if they can help me. "Yes, I've ordered a baby boy and I think he's ready."

This is a shot of me between contractions. Can you believe he took this?? Neither can I. That's what my face is saying.

Yep, you guessed it. Put that camera down, here comes another one!

Meanwhile, it started to snow shortly after we arrived at the hospital and Jared loved the view so much, he just had to take pictures between coaching me. If pain didn't subdue me so well, he'd probably be in trouble....

And here's what the view was like after the baby was born. It kept right on snowing through the day, apparently. Noah means peaceful and calm. I can't think of anything more calming than watching the snow fall.

Anyway: details, details. Once again, I found that contractions are much more doable after your water has broken. Kind of stinks if your water doesn't break on its own. Luckily, I had them page the doctor as soon as they were willing. Then, in a particularly owifying contraction, I used my superpowers and broke my own water, saying "Yes!"

There is absolutely nothing like watching someone jump to miss that kind of a tidal wave. Yes, Jared jumped and it went right between his legs. I was so relieved of pain, I commented, "That was awesome."

Thirty seconds later, while I was apologizing for the mess, my old stake president walked in. Don't worry; he's my OB. He assessed the situation and figured he had time to make two other stops while I began the task of pushing.

He didn't have time. I didn't know it and he didn't know it. But after a page or two (including STAT at the end of the second one), and then the famous "Code White," he came running in, just in time to catch that baby.

Folks, I want you all to know that it's hard to pant instead of push. I tried, I really did. I'd start out panting like the nurse instructed me to, then I'd say "I'm pushing, I'm sorry, I'm pushing!" I asked if they couldn't catch the baby. Then I asked, "Can't Jared do it?" Let's wait for the doctor, they all said. Half serious, half attempting a joke, I stated, "I'm birthing this baby!" For REAL.

I know you all craved those details. Isn't it exciting? Thank goodness it all turned out so well. I had some great blessings, comparatively speaking, and am finally starting to adjust to real life.

But please do not ask me to wear anything but pajamas for a long, long time. And anyone who has two children is my new hero. Those of you who have more than two...you must know how I feel about you!