When I was in the hospital the night Hyrum was born, I was able to record the special experience on paper to cherish always, but I would like to share some of it in our 'Family Journal' as well!
Friday around Noon I started getting some noticeable contractions. I kept myself busy around the house all day tidying, dusting and baking bread while I wrote down the time of each contraction. As they were not consistent, I really wasn't sure when I should go to the hospital. Mr. Stannix would say every so often, "Let me know when the next one comes" and would ask if we should leave yet. Finally, around 3:30 in the afternoon I decided it was probably time to go. The contractions were five minutes apart, but not super painful. We waited 20 minutes for the buns to come out of the oven and then loaded up the car and headed to my Gramma and Grampa's to drop off Camilla. We got there around 4:30 (thanks rush hour traffic) and smooched our girl good-bye and headed to the hospital. We finally arrived there around 5:00 and checked in. Because we are cheap, we parked on the street and I walked across a little field. The lady at the front desk told me to wait for a wheel chair to come get me. I insisted I could walk, but it was 'policy' to get wheeled to the room. After being assessed and admitted, we went to the delivery room. The stereo was playing country music (which I love) and Mr. Stannix smirked at me and asked if I wanted it turned off. I said yes. It was nice to sit in the silence and take in the room with my dear husband. As the contractions got harder and harder, Mr. Stannix would push really hard on my lower back or message it (whichever I preferred at the time). After a very short 3 hours I was holding my brand new baby boy on my chest. It was such a great experience to be so alert after the delivery. Because I took morphene with Camilla, I wasn't too alert after all was said and done. I wanted to do things naturally with this delivery and thanks to a super encouraging husband and great nurses I got through it! It was such a great accomplishment for me. He was born shortly after 8:00pm. He came face up with the cord around his neck, but the Doctor was able to unwrap it and I was able to have Hyrum on my chest just moments after he was born. I watched/heard him take his very first breath and heard his first cry as I touched his chubby little arms. It was so special to be able to snuggle him so soon. As soon as I pressed my face against his tiny cheek, he stopped crying. It was such a special moment for me. It made everything all so worth it! Giving birth to a child really is a miracle! I feel so blessed to be a women and be given the power to create life and nurture a family. It was such a spiritual experience welcoming this new baby boy into our family.
A few hours later he was able to meet his big sister and grandparents for the first time. Camilla adores him! She sat on the bed beside me with her hands sticking straight out! She couldn't wait to hold and kiss him. She proudly held him in her arms and didn't want to give him up to anyone else to snuggle. She checked out his mouth, nose, and eyes and talked with him a bit, then Grampa got a chance to snuggle his new grandson.
After everyone went home, I sat and stared at my new baby boy. He's very serious looking sometimes, but calm and content. His hair is darker than Camilla's was, and in the sun has a tinge of red to it. His little eyes are blue and he has perfect little ears. I adore his big hands and his long little feet. I'm sure he'll grow into his nose soon enough!
He received his very first bath at 4:30am that night. He woke bright and early and I was able to see his very first little smile. What a wonderful thing!
What a wonderful little family Heavenly Father has given me. I feel truly blessed! How special that we are entrusted with these special little spirits!
