The Birth Story: Side by Side Perspectives

I know, we're moving backwards in time on this blog now instead of forwards. It's important to me to record the story of June's birth while it's still fresh in my mind, though. I know there are at least a few people out there who really want this story shared, too, which is why it's here. If birth stories aren't your thing, I get that - feel free to tune back in later. This will be the first, and more abbreviated, of at least two posts regarding June's birth. (Three if I can convince Joe to write his account, but don't hold your breath.)

So, I had this idea that once I went into labor, Joe and I would make periodic, simultaneous entries into a little journal, writing short little notes about what was going on. He was to record the time, but I was not - (the thought being that it might be better for me not to focus on what time it was or how much labor was likely left). Neither of us was supposed to read the other's entries until after the whole thing was over. I thought this might be an interesting or funny way to see two different perspectives on the same set of events.

I'm posting our entries below for what they're worth in the way of entertainment. I have to say, though, that nothing hilarious or earth shattering came out of this little experiment in my opinion. Perhaps its major flaw was that once things really kicked into high gear, I was in a ton of pain, and needing Joe's constant support; therefore, circumstances did not permit many journal entries. Also, as an aside, I knew full well what time it was throughout the whole experience.

	Joe	Kate
1) 10:15 a.m. (Monday, August 17, 2009)	Kate having contractions since 4:30 am-ish; Georgia immediately aware something's up as soon as she's awake - doesn't eat much for breakfast and is quite demanding. Phone and emails [for work] begin to come in at 7:30, probably 10 within 10 minutes. Just sent G off w/Steph to see Sam & Alice.	Just sent G out with Steph over to Beth's. Contractions since 4:30 a.m., but not too strong yet. Morning was a little nutty hiding this from Georgia and also wondering if this is fake or real deal.
2) 11:11 a.m.	Contractions continue, although Kate is not very forthcoming about their progress -- not a surprise. After G left we sat outside to relax for a few minutes, then called the doula who expects a baby this evening. Just installed a baby car seat. Kind of looking for stuff to do at this point.	Seems this is real, but slow. Poor Joe seems not quite sure what to do with himself at the moment. He's installing the infant car seat now. Oh my God, we're bringing home a baby!
3) 1:58 p.m.	Who doesn't have the cable guy over while their wife is in labor? Had a good walk to Lula's and good BLT for lunch.	Comcast guy is here. Cannot believe Comcast guy is here. Also, on the walk to pick up lunch a middle-aged lady said, "Nice belly!" and started laughing at me.
4) ???		Laid down in dark on floor of Georgia's room for however long b/c of cable guy. It rained, which was nice. Then relocated to bed in our room for quite a while. Contractions seem stronger, but still not super long. If this is all a fake out, I am going to be pissed and feel stupid. We are now making phone calls to parents, Beth, to deal w/night arrangements for G.
5) 8:02 p.m.	Got Georgia back and went through our normal routine. She seems in good spirits. Beth has been a big, big help. Hoping Kate's contractions pick up, they have been steady all day, but the the interval between them doesn't seem to be shrinking. I'm a little tired but not as tired as I usually am at 8pm on a Monday.	Georgia down for night. Joe did almost all the work. Faking it in front of child is hard. 45 sec, 6 min apart.
6) 10:37 p.m.	Called in doula for back up. Kate is in a lot of pain, mostly her back. Contractions refuse to cross the 45 sec mark. So far, this is a low point.	Feeling awful. All pain in back. Nothing seems to help. Doula on way.
[Note: June was born at 12:59 a.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2009]
7) 2:14 a.m. (Tuesday, August 18, 2009)	Beautiful Baby June. An unbelievable ride to the hospital. Everyone is great. I may faint.
8) 10:35 p.m.		Almost a full day later. Well, so much for continual entries. Wow, what a ride. What a crazy, painful, happy ending. I was shocked beyond belief.