Hello World!

At 5 am on July 20, my water broke while I was sleeping.  I woke Bryan up from a deep sleep to tell him it was time to go to the hospital!  He was hoping for an exciting moment and he definitely got it.  After Bryan had some cereal, we headed to Savannah.  We were admitted to the labor and delivery triage where the nurse told me my water had indeed ruptured and I was only 1.5 cm dilated.  Even better, I wasn't having contractions.  Dr. Edwards advised us to wait and see if contractions would start, but by 9 am I had only had two!  We started Pitocin a little later and the contractions started.  They were not painful and I had to watch the monitor to see when they were happening.  The contractions got to be about 2-4 minutes apart and everything was progressing nicely.

Around 12:30, the anesthesiologist came to give me an epidural.  I was definitely not going to miss out on any of the drugs!  I promise the needle hurt worse than any contractions so far, but it was totally worth it.  The nurse and Dr. Edwards said that nothing would happen until about 6 or 7 at night, so I should try to rest.  We kicked all of the family out of the room and I tried to take a nap while Bryan watched Netflix.

My nap did not last long though - I woke up around 2 feeling a lot of pain.  I called the nurse, worried that I needed a stronger epidural if I was going to make it all day!  She came to check me and I was already 9 cm dilated and the contractions were strong.  Bryan was a little shocked and surprised at how quick everything happened.  Bryan called his mom to let everyone know it would be pretty soon and my family had to rush back from the mall!  The nurse called Dr. Edwards (who was in surgery) and he said not to push yet and that he would be there soon.  By the time he got there about 45 minutes later, I was ready to push!

Just so you know, an epidural does NOT mean that you feel nothing.  I was surprised at how much pressure I could still feel - it was very painful!  Apparently I am a wimp.  With Bryan's help, I made it though!  After 45 minutes of pushing, Callie Grace Coker was born at 4:12 pm.  She weighed 7 pounds and was 19.5 inches long.  She is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen!  Her daddy was so incredibly happy to meet her and could not take his eyes of her.

Bryan went to the waiting room and told all of the family that we had a daughter - everyone had lots of tears!

Everyone was able to come back to the delivery room and meet Callie.  She was blinded by the flashes of her paparazzi and smothered with hugs and kisses.

Dad gave a blessing over her and we prayed as a family over Callie Grace.

I am so grateful for a safe delivery and a beautiful healthy baby girl!  What an incredible day!