One Year Ago Tonight...

I KNEW I'd meet Ashley the next day. This picture was taken the morning of the 6th - the day Ashley was born.
I knew Ashley would be born the next day because I knew something wasn't right. I won't go into it because I know male family members read this, but "one of the warning signs" that something is wrong happened. One of the things they tell you to call your doctor for - IMMEDIATELY. Ash wasn't due until the 17th, but I knew for a few months that she'd be early. I don't know how I knew. I just did. It was the same way that one knows when they've "met THE ONE." I just knew. I ate a light dinner. I did not want to throw up again when having a baby - it was not fun. I stated aloud that I would not eat anything else after my meager dinner.

I am positive Ashley heard this and knew what it meant...

Contractions got stronger and stronger.

I gave it time and went to bed and woke up in the night. I waited some more and then in the later hours (maybe around 5 AM) I called my doctor's practice. She wasn't the one on call that weekend but I didn't care. This wasn't my first baby and I didn't care who delivered as long as they were a doctor or at least looked like one. :o)

We called my mom so she could come be with Jenna and we headed for the hospital. My parents took care of Jenna while I was in the hospital. By this time I had been in labor for several hours, but I could still walk and talk without feeling like I could choke Tim out.

Once we got there they told me I did the right thing. I was put in a room and we waited. I was progressing, but very slowly. I was in a so much pain. Back labor again. The on call doctor told me that something very serious was going on. I had placental abruption. (I think Ashley heard me say I would not eat any more food the night before and pulled the placenta away from the wall. After all, she is her father's daughter...No food?!?! I'm outta here!) I could wait it out at the hospital and maybe end up with a C-section later or I could be induced (even though I was already in labor, this would speed the process). Without even looking at one another or discussing it Tim and I chose to get the Pitocin and get the party started. Ashley would be born today! Yippee! Ooouch! Things got more painful and very quickly.

I had to wait and wait for my drugs. Once I got them things went faster and I was able to rest. Thank goodness. Next thing I know I am being woke by the doctor and he is telling me it's time to push. Whaaa?! It was just before 4:00 PM. (This may seem a long labor, but for my family - it was short! Jenna was 22 hours...) By the time they set up and I got ready to push it was near 4:08 PM. Ashley Elizabeth was born at 4:10 PM and was seven pounds one ounce and 20 inches long. (So small compared to big sis who was 8.4 and 21 inches long.) It was love at first sight...
To be continued...