sam's story

Lately we've had several moments where we really thought labor was imminent.  After Beth's doctor visit last time we thought she'd go into labor any day.  Then, she had some episodes of stronger contractions that were short lived, and we thought surely labor would come soon after.  Well, we've learned that even though Beth is an OB nurse and I am a doctor that delivers babies we can't predict God's timing.  (Important life lesson we've been taught before).

Thursday night we really were convinced that Sam was on his way.  Friday morning we went to see the doctor and were offered to be admitted to the hospital - she was already past 4 cm dilation and about 90% effaced.  This was great considering she wasn't having regular contractions yet.  We declined that offer because the last thing either of us wanted was to be tied down in a hospital room for labor's unpredictable timing.

Later that day Beth started having regular contractions about 3-5 minutes apart, so I came home from work. She toughed them out for an hour and then they just quit.  We were packing the bags and everything.  Again, we can't predict the future very well.

Finally around 4:30 Friday afternoon the contractions started back.  Thankfully my mom has been here all week and was able to entertain Jake while Beth toughed them out and I sat with her (I almost said "Beth and I" but really, I just sat there with her).  At about 6:30 we made our way out to go to the hospital - at 8 cm dilated - and ran into my dad walking in after driving from Kentucky all day.  He thought we were going to deliver on the sidewalk, that's how much Beth was "in the zone."

When we made it to the hospital, the nurses all recognized us and knew that we were the real deal - they almost put Beth in the evaluation room for people that aren't sure if they're staying or not and just need to see the doctor on call.  But one of the nurses Beth worked with looked at us, remembering how Jake's delivery was, and agreed with my interjection we would be best placed in a regular delivery room.

It was 6:53 by the time she got hooked up to the monitor.  Shortly after that her doctor checked her and she was pushing soon after.  Then at 7:17 Sam came on out.  He was having a little trouble getting out, including having his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice.  Even though I've done tougher deliveries, I stepped back and just cut the cord.  He perked right up though and did great.  Soon after delivery he was able to nurse and did a great job on the first try. 

So far he has been laid back like his big brother - eating, sleeping, pooping, and peeing - everything a baby is supposed to do.  I'm not sure what he thinks of Jake, but Jake sure likes to see Sam around so far.  Jake has really enjoyed having his grandparents here to help give him a little extra attention, too, which has been wonderful.

We are so very thankful for the ways God has blessed us through Sam's arrival.  I had some patients suffer through miscarriages lately and was reminded of how delicate life is and how much we must depend on God to form, develop, and protect Sam - He is actively holding Sam's life together.  And more than anything else, that is a comforting thought.