The Whole Story

Over the past month, I've been reflecting back on Macyn's "surprise" entrance into our lives. From the minute I found out I was pregnant, to finding out she was a girl, to the delivery. Most of you know the story, but I wanted to document it before the details escape me.

On July 4, 2009 I took my first of many pregnancy tests and it was negative. Then, on July 11, 2009 I just couldn't shake the feeling that something was up, so I took a second test. POSITIVE! Let's be honest here, this was a complete shocker! Here we were, a happy family preparing to celebrate the first birthday of our first child. I had just stopped breastfeeding and Braylon was beginning to sleep better during the night. I wasn't prepared for this! How are we going to do this and most importantly, how will this effect Braylon? After I shed a few tears and composed myself, I marched right out to the living room and said nothing. That's right, nothing. For fear that Bryan would flee for his life, I said nothing to him about our little surprise for an entire week! Finally, after reality sunk in, I sprung the news on Bryan during dinner. I think I said something like, "I have something to tell you, but you can't freak out." Somehow he knew. He was a bit freaked out, but as you know, he didn't flee for his life :) Fast forward 5 months to December 18, 2009. Up until this point, I was positive I has having a boy. I had even resigned myself to the fact that I may not ever have a daughter as I was so certain Braylon would have a little brother. So, when we went in for our sonogram on December 18th, I was shocked, yet so happy to learn we were having a baby girl! Now, fast forward to March 13, 2010. The day was already filled with anticipation and excitement as today marked the day the Wildcats of Kansas State would compete for the Big XII title and a possible number 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. By 10am, I started feeling contractions and by 1pm, I was certain today was the day our little girl would come. We notified our parents and made arrangements for Braylon's care. I labored at home throughout the day, caught the big, yet disappointing game from my comfy chair and headed to the hospital at 8:30pm. By 11:45pm, I was 7cm dilated and 100% effaced. My nurse, who by the way was a rock star, asked if I wanted an epidural yet. I was still feeling good and wanted to hold off on the epidural. By 11:54pm, I had paged my nurse requesting the epidural. The anesthesiologist, I was told, was 20 minutes out but on his way as was my doctor. In order to relieve some of the back pain I was experiencing, I propped myself up on my knees and draped my arms over the back of the upright bed. At 12:09, my water broke and there was no turning back. Fear set in as I knew I would have to deliver this baby without any pain meds. My nurse assured me that if he could, the anesthesiologist would get the epidural in before the baby came. She, of course, was just trying to keep me from completely losing it. I said over and over, "I don't think I can do this, I don't think I can do this". Sometime during the chaos I also uttered, "This is the most horrible thing ever!". My rock through all of this was my rock star husband. Bryan looked into my eyes, held my hand, told me I was doing great, and assured me I could do it. One push and her head was out just as the anesthesiologist walked in. One more push and I had done it!! At 12:17am they placed little Macyn on my tummy and I looked at her sweet little face and cried, "I'm sorry I said this was the most horrible thing ever". My doctor, breathing heavily from her mad dash up the stairs, then made her entrance. By 4am, I was up and about taking video of Macyn's first bath. I ran on pure adrenaline the remainder of the night and didn't sleep a wink. I enjoyed time with my little lady while Daddy slept peacefully. He deserved it! I have to say the experience was amazing from start to finish!

Although Macyn brought many little surprises along the way, I wouldn't change a thing. This little girl is such a joy! I am blessed to have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband. My life is so much richer because of them!