The Birth of Daisy Rayne!

Mike took this picture 13 hours before Daisy was born!

My labour began early Friday morning, March 28th at 4am. The night before I was feeling "off", lots of cramping, nausea and just not right. I thought partly that it would be nerves as I was to be induced Friday morning at 8am. This little one was 6 days late and we were ready to meet him/her!

I wasn't sleeping well, lots of butterflies, but at 4am I started to get contractions about 15-20 mins apart. At around 5:15 or so, I woke Mike up telling him I was having pains. By this time they were 10 mins apart and lasting for about 20 to 30 seconds. I decided I better get ready as we might be going to the hospital sooner than expected!

Mike's parents were going to be staying home to watch Ben, and Mom was up and ready to go at 6am... only to find me having contractions in the kitchen, trying to get ready. Mike was frantically eating a bowl of cereal and wishing his coffee was done sooner! Mom was joking that we might be back in time for lunch if things keep going this fast! As soon as he was done, we were ready to head out the door, Ben waving at us like a good boy and making me super emotional. I wasn't even in the truck and I was a blubbering idiot in the driveway missing him already!

The drive to the hospital (10 mins away) was the longest drive of my life. I think I had 3 contractions on the way. Once we got there, we walked to the elevator, only to have it not work as soon as the doors open. Great. I get to take the stairs, stopping to have contractions. There was too big of a line-up of people at the registration desk so I said screw it and we just went up the the maternity ward (taking the stairs again!) and they admitted me right away. They couldn't find my file — they were VERY busy from a rush of deliveries the night before — and put me in an exam room while Mike did the paperwork. Poor guy was running around frantically, but remaining so calm and cool the whole time. They checked me (once they found out who I was and that I was supposed to be induced at 8am!) and I was 5cm. It was just after 7am at this point. Good thing I was in labour on my own because they wouldn't have been able to induce me that day because they were so busy!

A short while later they put me in a delivery room. I was asked about the option of an epidural, and I thought about it. I decided on getting what they referred to as a mini-epidural, so I wasn't completely numb. Turns out the anesthesiologist was in an emergency c-section so I was out of luck. I got my gas though.. thank goodness! Mike put on my CD that Kerry made for me.. better! The contractions were coming so fast and strong, like every 30 seconds, I couldn't believe it. Dr L. came in at about 8:45 and checked me again, my water breaking in the process, and he said I was still about 5cm.

I was in the middle of a contraction (that just seemed to get worse instead of better!) when all of a sudden I was pushing and the rest of my waters gushed! I remember saying that I couldn't help it! My nurse, Helene, checked me and sure enough, her head was there! I couldn't believe it! In my mind I thought I had like an hour of pushing because that is what I had to do with Ben! I heard Mike say that he could see the head, and I was so focused on pushing and getting it out. The cord was around her neck, which Mike got to cut, then one or two more pushes and she was out! After 7 or 8 mins total of pushing, at 9:02am, my little Daisy Rayne was born! It was such an emotional experience. I didn't know if we had a boy or a girl at this point. I asked what it was and Mike told me it was a girl. We both cried and cried and then Daisy was put on my chest. It was wonderful! She was placed in the bed beside me, so I got to see her get checked out & measured while they took care of me. I missed this whole experience with Ben because I hemorrhaged so bad and he was at the other end of the room.

About 20 mins or so after she was born, I got to nurse her. Such a better experience this time around. Fast, but awesome. Mike and I were in shock all day at how fast it all went and that we were both healthy. He has nicknamed me turbo LOL! And Daisy was born to Walnut Tree by Keen! Fab! We decided to stay one night in the hospital, to make sure my bleeding was under control. Mike's mom came to meet her new granddaughter when Ben was napping, then they all came back later in the afternoon. Ben was adorable with her, but I think he was more curious at all the buttons, cords and machines in the room! Cat came by with her two boys and a most delicious Subway sandwich for me! After visiting hours, friends Kerry and Trevor snuck in to meet Daisy.. it was great seeing our friends :D

She is a wonderful little girl. We love you Daisy! xo

Daisy Rayne, born March 28th 2008 at 9:02am