Saturday, June 30, 2007
Things here are hectic but lovely. This past week has been the hardest, most intense, most physically challenging of my life. When I think back to Sunday night, Monday night, and Tuesday night, I can't believe that I ever doubted that I was in labor. I'm so glad that we trusted our instincts on Monday and left the hospital, because I did a lot of hard labor work in the privacy of my own home overnight while Emma slept.


I'll write out the birth story soon. Savannah's birth was the most empowering, amazing thing I've ever experienced. I felt strong and in control, and it was the birth of my dreams. I pushed for 20 minutes only, when I felt the urge, without anyone yelling PUSH in my ear. Instead, my midwife and nurse stepped back after a contraction was over, talked quietly to each other, and Jared held my leg and encouraged me. When I felt another contraction building I was the one deciding when to push - so empowering! It was incredible; to feel that tiny baby coming out was the most exhilarating moment of my life. When her head was out (big relief!) my midwife said "Okay Jared, you're up!" and his hand, holding the camera and documenting Savannah's journey into the world, trembled. It was so touching, I couldn't help but cry. And when they placed her on my belly, everything was right with the world. All the pain and trauma from Emma's cesarean disappeared. I finally got to know what it was like to birth my baby.

And without further ado, my Savannah Hailee. More pics to come!



Our first day home; Savannah and I rest after our long journey.





Emma holds her baby sister for the first time!






Posted by Kier at 10:33 PM | 4 comments
Thursday, June 28, 2007
After three continuous nights of hard labor that stopped in the morning, I had my miraculous VBAC yesterday afternoon!

Savannah Hailee was born at 4:37pm after 20 minutes of pushing, into her Daddy's waiting hands! We are at home now and so happy to be back with Emma!! Birth story and pics to come!

Posted by Kier at 9:35 PM | 5 comments
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Went to the hospital this morning after hours and hours of regular, intense contractions. They stopped when we got there, leaving me very upset. My midwife came and checked me - 1 cm, swept my waters and sent us walking for an hour. No change in contractions, now 1.5cm. She strongly recommended that we stay and induce, but I wasn't having that. I want to do this on my own.

I've been up for three days straight, not sleeping, having horrible night contractions. Tonight I have reached my limit. I cannot do this anymore. Every contraction rips right through me, and I'm panicking. If we were at the hospital right now I'd be begging for an epidural and wouldn't fight pitocin.

I can't make it through this anymore. Three days straight of contractions, but two whole days of really no break....I just can't get through this.

Pray that we make it through, that Savannah comes quickly and without any problems, that we don't have to have another cesarean, that I can do this. I know I can...but I'm so sleep deprived and laying down just produces contractions that are not manageable, and I'm ready to pass out and throw up from exhaustion and pain. And all I can do is sit here and let Jared get sleep and try to make it on my own.

Please please please let this all be over soon.

Posted by Kier at 1:15 AM | 2 comments
Friday, June 22, 2007
This baby is never getting out.

sobs of frustration

Posted by Kier at 6:22 PM | 5 comments
Friday, June 15, 2007
I'm a really crappy blogger lately - sorry, it's not because I've had a baby, but because I haven't. I'm cranky and exhausted and ready to pop, unable to walk or stand or move or do anything without something hurting or getting dizzy. Now I remember why I was so ready to be induced with Emma; because the end of this journey can sometimes suck.

Not that I'm taking it for granted. Never. But all the same, I'm hormonal and due freakin' tomorrow and no baby in sight.

Well, just wanted to update for Sara! :) No baby yet, but I will post as soon as she's born. Well, you know, as soon as I can after we get home.

Wish me luck! I see castor oil in my future.

Posted by Kier at 9:40 PM | 2 comments