Ava Jane’s Arrival

Well, It all happened so fast.

August 15, 2010 – 11:30 AM > Meredith went to Church (see picture below)

August 15, 2010 – 5:00 PM >  We then went to Meredith’s parents house to have dinner.  We stayed there until 9 PM and then when we got home and we put the kids to bed.

August 15, 2010 – 10:30 PM >  Meredith came downstairs and sat on the couch.  She asked me to time her contractions.  The night before we did this until about 3 AM and then the contractions stopped.  So, I was expecting the same thing tonight.  The contractions kept on coming and were starting to get more and more painful.

August 16, 2010 – Midnight > We called the hospital a little after midnight.  They suggested that we come on in.  We then called Kaitie (THANKS KAITIE!!!) to come on over and spend the night with our kids.  Meredith and I then headed on over to Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin, Oregon. 

August 16, 2010 – 1:15 AM > We arrived at the hospital and the nurse could tell Meredith was ready so they just admitted her.

August 16, 2010 – 2:30 AM > Contractions are now about 2 minutes apart.  they are very painful and they finish putting in an IV and administer some pain meds.  The pain meds help a little.  Meredith wanted an epidural, but the anesthesiologist was busy with an emergency in the operating room.  Meredith is now asking where the anesthesiologist is.  She is getting a bit snippy, but hey, I don’t blame her.

August 16, 2010 – 2:40 AM > Finally, the anesthesiologist came in and started to get busy.  He even mentioned that Meredith had a great back for epidurals.  Then, he couldn’t get it in.  Are you kidding me.  Don’t mention how great her back is and then have troubles getting it in.

August 16, 2010 – 2:50 AM > The epidural is still not in.  The anesthesiologist is trying so hard to get the epidural in.  He starts to take on the stance like he is going to break down a door.  Still won’t go in.  At this point I start to get light headed.  In my mind I keep thinking that there is no way a needle like that should be going into someone’s back.  He is pushing so hard that Meredith is rocking back and forth as he tries to get it to go in.  I glance to my right and I look in the mirror and I am ghost white!!!  I start looking for a chair and the nurse asks if I need something.  I told her I needed a chair.  She told me to go sit down.  So, with my tail between my legs, I went and sat down.

August 16, 2010 – 3:00 AM > Then the anesthesiologist took the next 5 minutes to finish up the epidural.  Meredith mentions that the epidural is only working on her right side.  The anesthesiologist tries to adjust the epidural placement and that still didn’t work.

August 16, 2010 – 3:20 AM > He then gives her an extra dose of the “good stuff” and said that should work.  At this point I feel fine and I am at Meredith’s side giving support and trying to not get in the way.

August 16, 2010 – 3:28 AM > At this point, Ava wanted to come on out.  At 3:28 AM Ava was born. She was 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.  Perfect little baby.  A little miracle delivered to our home.  We are so richly blessed and know that we have a great work to do in raising these wonderful kids.  We consider each one an amazing miracle.  Heavenly Father has truly blessed our lives with these wonderful children.

August 16, 2010 – 3:35 AM >   The epidural is really working now.  A little late, but it did provide some relief.  I have to hand it to Meredith, she was a trooper through all of this.