Campbell Hope's Birth Story

Where in the world do you begin with such a precious story? How do you describe a life changing moment? Where do you begin detailing a memory that you will cherish the rest of your life?

I guess it really started a few days before going to the hospital - at least that's where my memories of it will all begin one day when I'm old and gray. The long walks around our neighborhood with little old ladies giving me their two cents about when I'd have the baby. Getting caught in a freak rainstorm with Mat while we were walking - about 2 miles from home. Walking around the plaza with my brother and his girlfriend.  Wondering if every twinge I felt was a contraction. Then finally having the real ones on Saturday and thinking I'd go into labor before getting induced.

off to the hospital

For the first time in my pregnancy, I decided to be more "open" to my plans and let go of control. We went into the experience wanting to have a natural childbirth, but keeping our plans open. A friend of mine gave me great advice on Friday - keep your plans loose. Be willing and ready to do anything you need to do. We checked into the hospital on Sunday evening to get the process going. My contractions started Sunday night around 11 and were 2-3 minutes apart all night long. My water broke on its on the next morning around 6:00 and all hell broke loose. It was truly a pain like I have never felt before. I found myself thinking about how miserable I was and how much I "hated" that day & swearing that Campbell would be our only child. And I was only dilated to 2 cm. It quickly occurred to me that this was not how I wanted to look back on her birth day. I had a change of heart and we ordered the epidural at 7am. And it was the best decision I have ever made. Absolutely no regrets. (BTW - I totally admire any of you out there who have done it naturally. seriously - you are amazing. I'm not a hero and I'm perfectly fine with that) Luckily a friend of Mat's, who I had just met on one our walks the week before, was covering anesthesia for labor and delivery and was the one to administer the epidural. He did a fantastic job. The rest of the morning was absolute bliss. I kept describing it as "the best margarita I have ever had in my life".

 post epi - there are no pre epi pictures...

I quickly progressed from a 2 to a 9.5 by 10:30 am. I spent the morning texting, playing on the laptop and chatting with Mat, my parents and Mat's mom.  The nurses were amazing and kept me laughing the entire time. They were all familiar with the "uniqueness" of our situation and were very sensitive to our needs. The birth itself was a bit more rough. It was quick - I started pushing around 11:45 and she was born by 12:07. I pushed 8 times. Thankfully I had the epidural because I ended up having to have a 4th degree episiotomy. C's heart was decelerating so they put me on oxygen and my doctor informed me he would make a "small" incision.  (If you know what that is - you are also thankful I had an epi. If you don't know what it is - google it. Oh my goodnesss.) Absolutely none of that matters now because it was all worth it.  The first few moments were absolutely precious.

first family photo

Mat cut the cord and I was able to hold her immediately. We finally got to see my little miracle and breath a huge sigh of relief. We got to take in every tiny detail - her dainty fingers, her big blue eyes, her long legs.

campbell & her daddy

This little lady has changed our lives and hearts in an instant. Seeing little glimpses of her personality have been absolutely precious. She is very animated and quite the drama queen (no idea where she got that) She is truly an answer to countless prayers. We are tired but completely enamored. Who knew something so small could change your world so intensely.

Parker. Our sweet little Parker. This is something I am having a very hard time with right now. I can't really go into detail as to her birth. We got to meet our sweet daughter and that is about all I can say right now. There will be a time when I can elaborate, but right now I am having a very difficult time expressing my heartbreak into words. Just know it was peaceful and there was closure.

To everyone who has walked beside us on this journey - from the moment we found out we were expecting a baby, to the moment we found out we were having twins, to the moment we found out we lost Parker and Campbell's health was in question - Thank you. Regardless if you are our good friend or stumbled across our blog - thank you for your well wishes, devoted prayers and kind words. We have been truly humbled by your support.