I was almost certain that these were false labor contractions. Amedeo needed a nap, so we read some stories, drank milk and lay down. I started having more contractions, so I gathered up the remaining few things that I needed in my suitcase for the hospital. I started texting Pietro to let him know that things might be happening. I really wasn't sure if it was real or not!
I started getting stronger and stronger contractions around 5, so I texted Pietro again that he should be coming home. We made some scrambled eggs for dinner. I called the midwife to see if these were real contractions or not. She suggested that I take a warm bath or shower to see if that would stop the contractions or make them stronger and more regular. I took a bath. They certainly got stronger! We called my mom and dad and started taking Amedeo over to their house. Pietro scrambled to get a few things together for himself for the hospital (silly man)!
We dropped Amedeo off. I called the midwife again at my parents house since the contractions were stronger. She agreed that I should come in. At this point, I was almost sure that I was in labor, but I did not expect to be 8 cm dilated when I arrived! I was able to breathe through the contractions (to my surprise). I am not a fan of pain. When I get my period, I reach for the motrin. I love motrin.
Thinking that we had lots of time, Pietro left the camera and a few other things in the car. When he realized that there wasn't any time left, he ran back down and grabbed the camera and his bag. We arrived at the hospital around 8 pm, Celeste was born at 11:05 pm.
After having me on the moniters for an hour or so, they let me get up and take a shower. That's when the contractions started getting really strong. I puked and sweated and moaned. It was not a glamorous thing. The nurses reassured me that vomiting signaled that we were almost at the end. They love vomit! Our bodies are very strange, I must say.
Once we got to the pushing phase, I was afraid to push. I kept thinking, "What are these crazy nurses telling me? How is a baby really going to fit? If I push, what if all my organs come spilling out too?" In 4-5 contractions with pushing, Celeste was born! I never expected to deliver without an epidural. I was shocked and elated. Mary, a knitting friend of mine is a labor and delivery nurse. She came back to work so she could be there at the hospital. I cannot thank her enough for coming. She talked me through the worst parts of labor. She explained that the more you push, the faster the baby comes and the faster you get relief from the contractions. Celeste started nursing right away. She figured out the latch quickly and was very alert for quite a while after her birth.
Ooooooh LABOR! That's the least fun part!
Celeste in her first few minutes of life. She looks so much like Amedeo!
The next morning, my mom and dad and Amedeo came to see Celeste (they saw us too, but we were less important).
Amedeo was thrilled to finally see his sister! He was fascinated by her tiny toes.
One of my very favorite things is the skin to skin contact. Celeste seemed to like it too.
Here she is at home for the first time. Being an infant is tiring. We have countless pictures of her with her eyes closed.
Ah, that's better! She has several wakeful periods during the day.
Celeste has already assumed a role as the chief train engineer supervisor. Her first leadership position!
The boys and our girl...Amedeo either closes his eyes or sticks out his tongue for pictures these days. Charming, no?
Sorry it took so long getting up the pics...there will be lots more to come. I think we've taken over 300 photos this week alone. Gosh.
