The Second Time Around

The first time I gave birth was in 2001. The baby was a week late, and I went to the hospital thinking my contractions were five minutes apart. Except not only were they not five minutes apart, I wasn't even dilated. As a complete novice, I didn't know anything except what I'd seen on tv, and what I could barely remember from What To Expect When You're Expecting. I endured 22+ hours of hospital labor, with a heavy dose of Pitocin. It was only made bearable by the uploads of epidural that I requested anytime I felt the slightest twinge. What was that? Is that a contraction trying to start? Maybe it's just gas. I don't care - more epidural please! I was curled up on the hospital bed, forced to lay on my side the entire time because baby's heartbeat became erratic. All while being restricted to sucking on flavored ice, while my husband and mother chomped down on fried chicken, macaroni n cheese, and German chocolate cake. Do you KNOW how much the smell of fried chicken fills a room?! Twenty minutes of pushing, and bouncing baby girl #1 was born.

 

The second time I gave birth was September 8, 2008. After only 5 hours of hospital labor (no pitocin, but plenty of my old friend, Mr. Epidural), bouncing baby girl #2 was born in five quick pushes. My doctor told me that I "made it look easy." I'm sure he was just glad to be getting back home in the middle of the night. There was no time for fried chicken.

 

The first time, I stayed in the hospital's deluxe maternity suite, in a room with a sitting area, pull-out sofa, two tvs, refrigerator, made-to-order meals, and my own doula. I was in no hurry to go home and try to keep an infant alive all by myself.

 

This second time, I was at a very different hospital, with obviously a very different cook preparing the meals. I checked myself out the next day after giving birth, because the food was worse than the contractions. 

 

The first time, I took photos of everything and anything concerning baby, from her hands to her feet to the crazy face she made when she first tasted smashed peas. I promptly put them in photo albums to share with everyone who pretended to care about pictures of my baby sleeping...and another one of her sleeping...and another...

 

This second time, I've still managed to take an insane number of photos. In fact, I dragged myself out of the house five days postpartum, on the day when I was in the most pain, to get those newborn pictures, when babies are so pliable and you can fold them in all sorts of ways. And I was the photographer, so I groaned and moaned as I stooped, twisted, and maneuvered to get dramatic shots. But, worth it, don't you think...

 

Baby and Photo made by Mommy

 

But some things don't change. Both the first and second time around, I birthed beautiful, healthy, brilliant, hilarious baby girls. And I now get to eat birthday cake two more times each year. 

 

Tonight, Munchkin MAY have enjoyed her chocolate ganache birthday cake that Daddy baked, as much as I did. I am truly blessed.

 

 

Comments

[Kristy]

Great photo, I hope I can get a photo like this with my new baby coming.

Happy birthday to your little one.

[Michelle]

WOW is that a gorgeous picture. I love it. And maternity suite? Yeah... I obviously gave birth in the wrong hospital! Happy birthday to Munchkin, and mmm a chocolate ganache cake sounds good right about now!

[thinkingbrain135]

I always love and look forward to your hilarious yet sweet posts. The pic of your baby girl is breath-taking and yes, well worth the pain.

Mr. Epidural made his way to my maternity suite(twice)as well. All I can say is pitocin is the devil and Mr. Epi was an angel, saving me from the evil pitocin and from pulling my sons from my womb myself. While I won't be seeing any more of Mr. Epi I will think of him with fond memories.

Hope you got pics of your sweetness with cake face!

[r]

Such a sweet picture! Went all natural with my first two then went for a Epidural ion the last two. The smartest thing I ever did!