We waited 41 weeks to meet the most precious thing I've ever laid eyes on. And it was all worth it. While we thought she would make her arrival on her own, and well before 41 weeks - Caelyn had other ideas.
A scheduled induction was needed to get things moving for Caelyn's arrival. We were scheduled at Dublin Methodist Hospital on Monday, May 6 at 8pm. I was pretty nervous for the process to start. I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I knew that within 24 hours, we would be holding our daughter.
Ken, Lily, my mom and I arrived at the hospital and went directly to Labor & Delivery. Our plan was to have Lily in the room for CC's birth, but unfortunately, we found out as we walked to my room that visitors have to be 16 or over to be in L&D. We were so disappointed. It was a big moment for Lily - she was becoming a big sister. But, in the end, it all worked out. The nurses were awesome and understanding of this big moment for Lily.
We started pitocin around 8:30pm and soon contractions were starting. Around 2am, we moved forward with an epidural and soon after, the nurse broke my water. Things seemed to be going as planned, until the real contractions started after my water broke. Yowzers! We thought it wouldn't be a problem, but the epidural didn't take on my right side. The pain was unbearable. Contractions were about 2 to 3 minutes apart, so they felt pretty constant. It felt like my side was going to burst with every contraction.
I was scared that there wouldn't be anything we could do and a half natural birth would be necessary. Ken held my hand and helped wipe away tears. I remember telling him I wasn't sure if I could do this, but he was there by my side - encouraging and supporting me. I know he didn't think he was helping me, but just having him beside me made a world of difference. I didn't feel alone with him by my side.
Around 5am (yes, 3 hrs later), we removed the first epidural and started a second. This time, I felt the "zing" down my legs. Whew!! So much better! I literally felt like a whole new person! I could relax and actually rest during the contractions. We checked my progress around 6am and I was at 10 cm's! The time was here! I was excited and nervous - but mostly exhausted. The contractions without the epidural drained my energy and made it difficult think about labor.
Ken and I called our moms to make the trip to the hospital. We also called Kama, our photographer. She captured the birth in the most beautiful pictures. I can't thank her enough for being there with us. These are images that are so precious and meaningful. It was the greatest moment in our lives and we can relive it forever.
Because of my exhaustion, we decided it would be best if I got some rest before we started pushing. I slept for about an hour and half, which made all the difference in the world. Finally, around 8:45, it really was time for Caelyn to start her trek into the world.
9:36 am. May 7, 2013. Welcome Miss Caelyn Celeste Hoffman!! I continue to ask myself (and Ken) how it is possible to love and adore this little being. She is an amazing addition to our family. Her eyes speak to us in ways words cannot describe. She came out of the womb "sunny side up", which surprised the midwife and everyone else in the room. Her wide eyes soaked in her new life and everything surrounding her.
We immediately saw a mini-Ken had entered the world. Not only does she look exactly like him, but her long arms, fingers, legs and feet were definitely parts of him! We're yet to see what she inherited from me - maybe her eyes eventually?
The transition to motherhood has been very natural. It's something I've always wanted and there's nothing better than telling my baby "Momma's here..." The 41 weeks seemed to take forever, but now I can't imagine our world without her. Welcome home CC!
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