The Births

The Story of Your Birth (Huxley Edition)

You arrived 2.5 weeks earlier than expected, on a bitterly cold Thursday morning at 1:12 AM.  Thanks for that.  You emerged perfectly, 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and 19 inches long.

Dad's Experience:

We went to your Mom's weekly OB appointment for what was supposed to be a quick 10 minute check up, but turned into a 2 day life changing epic adventure in the hospital where you were born.  Your Mom was diagnosed with gestational hypertension at her appointment and we were quickly sent to the hospital for further evaluation.  Upon arrival one of the midwives informed us that "Its time to have this baby!"  Your Mom tried to protest a bit and get out of it, saying something about not having bags packed or Christmas decorations put away, but we all knew there was no going home not.  At least not for your Mom.  I did.  I was sent to pack our bags (including yours).  One the drive I talked with family, and when I got home I packed the bags and hurried back as quickly as possible. 

Upon my return I was informed that your Mom's water was going to be broken in order to speed the labor process along.  "Great" I thought "Let's get this process started, I REALLY would prefer not be here for days.".  Well, nearly immediately after breaking her water your Mom went into active labor.  After about 2 hours your Mom was ready to start pushing you out.  The next one and a half hours was one of the most intense and surreal of my life.  My already substantial respect and admiration for midwives grew 10-fold over that time.  The fact that on a daily basis midwives help people through one of the most profound and life changing events they will ever experience is mind blowing.  The birthing process is unique in that it consists of brief periods of primal intensity, alternating with longer periods of soothing calm between contractions.  We listened to the Pandora station "Hipster Cocktail Party" during your birth.  "Brown Eyed Girl" was playing at one point of quiet, and Jen Kelly (the midwife who caught you) asked if you would have brown eyes.  These are the types of conversations that happen during labor.  

Well, needless to say, you finally emerged into the cold and harsh reality of the world with surprisingly little crying.  A few good screams and you were on your Mom's chest and I was staring in awe.  What started as two microscopic half-cells was now our baby girl, you.  A miracle of development and evolution.   I cried twice during the process.  Once when your Mom started to push, and once when you finally came out.  I'll probably cry many more times over the next weeks, months, and years.  I loved you immediately.  

Mom's Experience:

I was 37 weeks 2 days pregnant and it was a Wednesday afternoon.   I thought we were just going to a routine OB appointment… I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be meeting you in less than 12 hours.

Your dad and I arrived at my OB appointment and while I was waiting to be called back I had looked up from my phone and saw “floaters.”  In my head, knowing what that could mean, I thought, “crap! I hope my blood pressure is normal!”  When I was brought back to the room I did not inform the MA of this symptom but sure enough my blood pressure was elevated.  I finally disclosed this information to the midwife (Samia) during our visit.  She listened to your heartbeat, measured my belly, and answered general questions.  Then it was time to retake my blood pressure… it was elevated again.  We were sent to triage for further evaluation and testing.  After being there for a couple of hours and continuing to have elevated blood pressures we were informed we were staying to have you!

I did protest a bit because our bags were not packed (it was on the to-do-list for that night) but I knew it was safest for both you and I to stay, be monitored, and ultimately deliver.  I sent your dad home with a list of things to pack.  

On the monitor I was contracting on my own every 2-3 minutes and didn’t even realize it!  I thought it was Braxton Hicks contractions but it turned out that I was already 3-4cm dilated.  When your dad returned with our bags and after informing our family that we were in the hospital it was time to get the show on the road!

The Midwife (Jenny Kelley) broke my water because it was the only option I had to move forward with induction.  This was done at 9:45pm.  After that things moved fast and furious!  Immediately after my water was broken the contractions instantly changed and I was quickly in active labor.   I moved from hands-and-knees to the shower then used nitrous to help with pain control.  I could feel your tiny body move within me during every contraction.  I took the time in between contractions to breath and concentrate on everything that was happening inside of me.  

I quietly talked to you during this time, knowing it was our last couple hours where you would hear my heartbeat from within, the last couple of hours where I could fully protect you, the last couple of hours that I would feel your tiny fingers and knobby knees pushing out from inside, the last couple of hours… as one.  I had nourished you; kept you safe, worried about you, and loved you already so much.  

By 11:38pm I was 10cm and ready to push.  I looked at your dad and asked, “are you ready?”  He started to tear up and moments later I was pushing, with my hand in his, my first of many pushes to finally meet you.  

After a few contractions I realized that I didn’t have the energy to push every contraction so I opted to push every other or every third contraction.  I rocked with ones I didn’t push with and I spoke to you internally letting you know that we, together, could do this.  Before this day I didn’t think that my love for your dad could grow any stronger, but in those hours I came to appreciate him and love him in a way I never thought possible.  He stood by his girls’ side for hours, being an amazing coach and encouraging me every step of the way.  We were ready to meet you, we were so excited, and we were ready to start our family of 3.  After 1.5 hour of pushing, at 1:12am on 12/28/17, I dug as deep as I could and gave one final push... you were here!  I reached down and gently took you from Jen’s hands, pulled you up to my chest, and cradled you against me as you let out your first little whimper.  I was rushed with emotions of relief, exhaustion, pure joy, and amazement- we did it and you were perfect!

As I looked from you to your dad I saw tears running down his face and I knew he loved you, as I did, immediately… and in that moment, my heart swelled a thousand times over.  I whispered to him “our lives just changed forever.”  We looked at one another then at you, and without words, both knew what each other was thinking… You, in an instant, had not only changed our lives but also us for the better, and will continue to do so.

Tears welled in my eyes as I looked at you, and a love like no other overcame me.  I held you against me and gazed at your tiny perfect body; the perfect hands I had felt scratching me, the perfect feet I had felt kicking me, and the perfect knees I had felt jabbing me.  Our journey as one had ended, and although bittersweet, I knew our adventures as mother and daughter had just begun.  I love you more than words can explain Huxley Quinn.  

The Story of Your Birth (Liesl Edition)

Opposite your sister, your arrival was scheduled due to Mom's gestational hypertension. So, we had plenty of time to pack, plan, and arrived at the hospital bright and early at 8:00 AM after a night of restful sleep.

Dad's Experience:

I was infinitely more prepared for the birthing process this time around than I was the first time. Not only had I already embraced parenthood at this point, but we were also able to plan for your arrival since your induction had been scheduled weeks ago. 

We entered the hospital Saturday morning and were shown in to a birthing suit. After settling in and getting comfortable the the nurses started the process of getting you out of there! Things progressed relatively rapidly and your Mom was doing an amazing job. After toughing it out for several hours your Mom asked for an epidural. Soon, the anesthesiologist came into the room and I was asked to sit in front of your mom, between her knees, and hold her hands during the procedure. Just as the doctor was prepping to insert the needle your Mom felt a REALLY strong urge to push, and push she did! From my point of view I saw the anesthesiologist move out of the way as your mom leaned back onto the bed, getting up on her knees. Mom then reached down to catch you as you came out, handling such an intense moment as only an experienced Midwife could. The nurse pulled the emergency birth cord and came running over to assist. I stood up and stared, not sure what to do. By the time I started moving again and the other providers and nurses rushed in about 15 seconds later you were already out and on your Mom's chest! I did cut the cord though.

It was only early afternoon at that point, so after a couple of hours we were transferred to the room we had for the next couple of days. We hung out out, you and your Mom rested and ate, then it was time for bed. The next day was filled with more of the same, and since this was the start of the COVID pandemic visitors were not allowed. Mom was kind enough to let Dad go home on Sunday night to get a good night of rest. You had to undergo a car seat test that night to determine if you were ready to come home or not. Luckily you passed, and Dad came back early the next day. We finished up everything we needed to be discharged, then were on our way home! 

Mom's Experience

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The Story of Your Birth (Knowles Edition)

The third time was not a charm in the sense that Mom once again developed gestational hypertension. However, we again were able to schedule your birthday and prepare accordingly on a gorgeous early summer morning. Weight wise you came out right in between your two sisters at 6 pounds, 7 ounces but slightly longer at 19.5 inches.

Dad's Experience

I was ready to leave the hospital before we even went in. I remembered our previous two experience and how uncomfortable everything is with a newborn in a small hospital room. However, I was also looking forward to a more normal birthing experience (if any of them can be considered normal?) since we were not in the middle of a pandemic this time around. 

The induction was scheduled to get started at 8 AM. We arrived and the doctor promptly broke Dani's water to get things moving. Thing progressed relatively slowly compared with our previous experiences. Eventually we realized there was a second bag of water holding things up. Once broken things sped up considerably. Dani got in the tub for a bit, until she had some strong contractions and I insisted that she get out and call the doctor. I was getting seriously worried we would be having a baby in the tub! After getting back into bed you came out in record (for us) time. Dani only pushed for about 10-20 minutes and that was it!

You cried immediately upon coming into the world and had no temperature, blood sugar, breathing, or any other issues. In fact, everything went so smoothly in the hours after birth for both Dani and you that we got discharged the next day, just over 24 hours post-partum. This time we DID get to have visitors at the hospital, including all the grandparents and both your siblings. Huxley fell in love with you immediately and held you for 30 minutes right away. Liesl...could not have cared less. She ran around the room ignoring you being her normal silly self. Your relationship with them will be interesting to watch blossom in the coming years.

Since it had been more than four years since I had held a newborn I was wondering how quickly everything would come back. Would I remember how to hold a newborn, change a diaper, and interact with them? There was no need to worry, after a few seconds of holding you I felt right at home. 

Mom's Experience