In Good Company: Welcome Baby Audrey!

Miss Audrey, You were born on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2:48 pm! You were 8 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long. Here is the story of your birth!

We came in at 8 am for a planned induction. I was only 2 cm dilated and hardly effaced. Marie was our LDR nurse and from the beginning she was a blessing. She started the pitocin probably around 9:30. Dr. Cox broke my bag of water around 10:30. Our concern for the inducement was related to the large amount of amniotic fluid that was in my uterus. I was told that there were complications that could arise such as the cord coming down first or you coming down crooked. As the doctor broke my water, he informed us that you were coming down with a "face presentation" which basically means you were coming out face first rather than head first. We continued with the induction to see if you would tuck your chin and settle in a head-first position. After a couple of hours the doctor checked me again. Turns out, you decided you wanted to come out face first...knowing where you going I suppose. Because of this, the decision was made to do a c-section. I admit I was disappointed for a couple of reasons. I really had wanted to do another natural birth with hopes of not having an epidural. I also knew that once I had a c-section, all future births would be c-section as well. That being said, I could see God's hand in the outcome. All week I had been praying (and especially that day), that God's will would be done and that I would trust him and good plan despite the type of birth. I knew that he would make it clear which way we should proceed and he really did. The nurse even said that she rarely sees face presentation and I just knew that you wanted me to have a c-section after hearing that. I knew that it was your mercy in disguise.

It only took about 30 minutes to prep me for the surgery. I got to wear a cute "party hat" as Marie called it. They wheeled me into the OR and moved me to the table. They counted the instruments as I listened to "Stayin' Alive" on the radio overhead. I was so excited to meet you. Your dad came in and they placed the drape in front of my face. They checked to make sure I was numb and then came the pulling and tugging. It really wasn't bad and I felt a supernatural peace while I was being operated on. I could feel God's presence in the room. Your dad decided to watch the surgery which potentially could have been a bad decision. He has a very weak stomach, but claims he watched it with no problem and actually thought it was really interesting!

Then came tons of pressure when they reached inside to pull you out. You let out a loud cry right away and I immediately melted in tears of joy! I still cry just remembering it. Your loud cry and healthy lungs were another testiment to God's amazing grace. You actually cried for about the next hour! Your dad brought you over to me and I fell in love immediately with you. Your poor eyes were so swollen from being squished every time I had a contraction during the inducement and you had a bruise under your left eye. I felt so bad for you. Other than that, you looked a lot like Jack when he was born! You had no trouble breathing as they had warned us about and you did not inhale any meconium which was another concern. You were perfect (and you still are). I am just so amazed at how God revealed himself through the whole process.