Harley’s Birth Story
Labor started around 10pm Friday night, January 21st and lasted about 5 1/2 hours - I was having contractions and was in touch with Shari, my midwife, but didn't want her to head over just yet in case it was "false labor." (Looking back, this seems rather silly...) I knew I was really in labor when I went to the bathroom and saw blood - I immediately yelled for Matt and asked him to bring me my phone so I could call Shari. I was panicked and she was very calm and encouraged me this was a good thing! I was progressing and just had my "bloody show" - I was terrified because this hadn't happened with either of my previous pregnancies. Things started to happen quickly after that and my contractions got more intense. I called Nana and told her it was time, then I called Laura ("Auntie YaYa") and told her she could come over if she wanted but since it was the middle of the night, she didn't have to. Everyone showed up around 2am, Nana and Laura came up and entered my bedroom as I was bouncing on the birthing ball and breathing through contractions as I welcomed them in. Shari arrived and offered to check me, so I laid on the bed and she announced that my cervix was gone and I was dilated 9+cm and I could start pushing whenever I was ready. I think this shocked a lot of people - myself included! It just hadn't felt like I had progressed that much in such a short amount of time! Matt was still holding the hose to our bathtub faucet to get the birthing pool filled up and our water tank ran out of hot water but I got in to breathe through my contractions for what would end up being my last hour or two of labor. When I knew it was time to push I decided that my hands and knees would be the best position and Matt and Shari took their spots at my rear and Laura moved to my head and was saying prayers over me and just when she said amen, I yelled "FUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKK!!!" as I gave the last push to bring you earth-side. Matt caught you and you were born 'en caul' which means still in the amniotic sac; Shari later told us that this is pretty rare and is a sign of good luck! Once you were out, Matt passed you through my legs and I brought you to my chest and sat back against the tub and cried tears of joy and relief. You were finally here and I didn't want to let you go. I couldn't believe what I had just done. I was in awe of myself and of you. The whole night was special, there was so much love and support in the room and I felt peace and safety in that space. Looking at you for the first time gave me all the feels, looking into Matt's eyes in those moments and seeing him tear up made it even more perfect. Everett meeting you for the first time was a beautiful moment - he held you and did skin to skin and had the biggest smile on his face the entire time. You could tell he was one proud brother and already loved you so much. Scarlett did not want to meet you until after she had breakfast, first. Priorities. You are the perfect addition to our family.
Big brother, Everett, meeting little brother for the first time, only hours old.
