Father of Three

Got home from the hospital today. J started having labor pain Tuesday evening, so we rushed to the hospital.

Our baby was breech and we had an appointment for a version Wednesday at 8:30. Baby was originally to be induced the 14th, but got moved up due to the breech factor. If the version failed then a C Section would have be undertaken, while if the version was successful the delivery would have been induced that evening.

J called her doctor's after hours number, but we left before they replied once we had J's mother over to watch K and B.

I knew it was serious once we got halfway to the hospital and J hadn't yelled at me during the entire drive.

We went straight to Labor and Delivery. Learned long ago that having a baby isn't a mater for the Emergency Department. We we got to L and D, J let them know she was in labor and our baby was breech. They quickly took us to a triage room. They quickly assessed that our baby was breech and that J was dilated 9cm. The doctor on call was not a regular with J's doctor's group, but seemed to be calm and sure of the course of action. They wheeled J off for an emergency C-Section and left me in a hallway with a cart containing our stuff.

A few minutes later, I heard my newest daughter's cries. A nurse came out and asked if I had a camera so she could take pictures for me. Shortly, the camera was in my hands with 20 pictures of my little bundle. I called and texted various family and friends as I waited in the hallway outside the operating room doors.

It was surreal to hold her. The nurse who took pictures for me brought her out in a bassinet. At 6lbs 7oz, D was so tiny compared to K and B who both tipped the scale at 8lbs.  The nurse then had me follow her and the bassinet back to triage room 3, where I wheeled our stuff. I waited with my baby, seemingly alone. She didn't cry. She just looked around and did a little purr as she adjusted to breathing air.

I soon saw my father inlaw arrive at the front desk that was near triage, and he was so joyed. He asked about J, so I told him J was knocked out and they were sewing her up. I knew she was fine for the medical staff was looking at me and in a good mood. Though I had the lingering fear of A Farewell to Arms and was unprepared for a three night stay in the hospital starting Tuesday, I had read the What to Expect When You Are Expecting section regarding breech, version, C-sections and Emergency C-sections at J urging a few days earlier.

I was prepared for the being left behind moment. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have our baby born within a half hour of entering the hospital, but she was and I have the blurred memory of a half hour that seemed like an eternity which gives me pause at the wonder of all I take for granted.