Hart's Birth Story

It was a normal friday morning. I had a checkup at Dr. Lake's office with Kasey the midwife and Jona was at the fire dept. Everything was fine and normal at my checkup. I felt like I had dropped quite a bit that week so Kasey checked things out. She felt Hart's head but had no concerns, I was right on schedule to be 34 weeks and 5 days. I returned to work about 9:45 am and with through the day as normal. Around 10 to 12 I was talking to one of the girls in the office and felt something funny. Trying not to draw attention to myself I excused myself to the restroom, and to my surprise my water had broke. I couldn't believe it!! I walked back into Nancy's office like a lost confused child and let her know my water had broke...what do I do??? Keep in mind I had big plans for that weekend. Jona was off all weekend, I was going to clean the house spotless, pack a suitcase, pickup gowns, etc. Anyway, I called Dr. Lake's office and asked everyone in the office to call someone. Sam called Jona and told him to head to the office my water had broke. Tabaitha called Amanda and told her to meet us at Dr. Lake's office. I called my Daddy which was priceless. I called him and asked if he had spoke to Amanda. Daddy in his calm voice as usual let me know he hadn't spoke to her that morning. I started crying and let him know my water had broke, he is concerned Daddy voice he said "Oh Lord". I told him Amanda would call him and keep him up to date.

When Jona got to the office his eyes were huge. He was so excited to know we were having Hart that day. All I could do was laugh and cry at the same time. I was excited but very nervous that Hart had not been baking long enough. I was worried about his lung development. Dr. Hulsey let me know before leaving the office that he would be fine. We met Kasey at their office and she confirmed we were having Hart that day. She was surprised to see that my water had broke. We headed straight for the 2nd floor at NEGA medical center. So much for us checking out the new wing. On the way Jona started calling his family. Of course his Dad Chip "Grumpy" was out of town playing golf. His Mom Myra "Gram" was at school so we had to have someone locate her and let her know. When he called his brother Mac he told him for us not to have him until after 5.

Dr. Lake met us at the hospital and told us Hart would probably be here about midnight to 3am. But would like to have him here before the debate. I said that sounded like a plan since I was not a morning person. Then reality kicked in, he also told us Hart could be in NICU until his birthday which was Nov.3rd....can you repeat that? My emotions kicked in, we had the text book pregnancy from day 1 and now here we are about to have a pre-term baby.

By this time our family and friends started showing up. Amanda and Kelli made the suitcase list so Jona and Amanda could pack it for me. Amanda and Jona left so he could change and they could pack my bags. My wonderful nurse started me on pitocin and started asking the million questions. During the questions Hart's heart rate started dropping. I had to lay on my side and use oxygen to keep his heart rate up. This made me very nervous. Hart had a great heart rate my entire pregnancy and now what was happening. They ended up asking everyone to step out and called about 4 nurses in. Keep in mind Jona and Amanda were at my house and not with me!!! Dr. Lake came by and let me know this could be a sign his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. If his heart rate continued to drop possible c-section,vacuums or forceps could be ahead. Words every laboring Mother loves to hear! Jona called and I updated him so he headed back to the hospital. Once back everything went very fast. Once I had diated to 5 and the pain really kicked in I asked for an epidural which I recommend to everyone! Dr. Lake was called and he recommended stopping the pitocin since it was putting Hart in distress. About 30 mins after the epidural I started complaining with pain and Rebecca the nurse checked and I had already dilated to 10. Thank goodness I asked for the epidural when I did!! 44 mins later at 8:44 pm we welcomed Hartwell James McEver weighing 5 lbs 8 oz and 18 3/4 inches into the world! He did have his cord around his neck twice. But I heard him crying and he grabbed my finger and I just knew everything was going to be ok! The wonderful nurses from NICU were rushed in right before his birth and took he back to NICU to be checked out.

We found out that night that Hart was in great shape. No lung issues so far, so hopefully Hart would only be spending about a week in NICU. We were so proud to have him here Happy and Healthy!