Sonna’s Birth Story
Hello all! It’s that time again…another birth, another birth story to write down (so I don’t forget!) I actually used to ask my mom about my birth and all she could tell me was that I was born at 7:21 in the morning. Other than that, she forgot everything.
After giving birth 4 times, I can totally understand and really want to make sure I don’t forget each experience (as they have all been so different!). So, there may be some pointless details ahead but, at the end of the day, I want to be able to look back in 20 years and remember everything!
I was already a week overdue with Sonna when they decided to induce me. I had never had an induction before, but I was SO READY to be done being pregnant and gave them the go-ahead. They told me they would call me sometime the next day if there was room in the cue for me to come in. If there wasn’t room for me, I would have to wait until the following day. Their exact words to me were that I should “be on standby”. I’m telling you, at 41 weeks pregnant and with three other kids at home, being “on standby” is a lot harder than it sounds!
Each night before bed, Spencer and I would discuss our plans if I went into labour, where the kids would go, which car had the hospital bag in it, etc. JUST IN CASE. Eventually, we just said “it will happen when it happens and we’ll deal with whatever we need to when it does”.
So, the next day came and my ringer was on HIGH VOLUME because I did NOT want to miss that call if they were going to induce me. The kids were off at camp, and Spencer and I thought we should make use of the child-free time and went out for lunch at Lina’s. We had pizza, pasta, ice cream, coffee and…looking back I guess I was unintentionally carb loading for the physical activity that lay ahead of me.
After lunch, we got home and I was going to take a nap but then we got “the call”. They asked me if I wanted to be induced IN AN HOUR. AN HOUR!!!! After all the planning, prepping, and the waiting, I still felt rushed going out the door (and left my house a total mess). We picked up the kids at camp, but Spencer had to drop me off at the hospital by myself because he had to go drop the kids off at his mom’s. When I got to the hospital, I realized I had forgotten earphones, my e-reader, my water bottle etc. so of course, my sister got a call and came to the rescue (nothing new there).
Shortly thereafter, I was in a birthing room – cool, calm and collected (very different than previous births when I’m already halfway through active labour!). Spencer arrived, we had some time to ourselves before they started the induction process. I actually had one natural contraction on my own and I was already 4 cm dilated, so I think my body was ready, it just needed a little help! After that first contraction, I did ask the nurse “is it possible to get the epidural BEFORE the Pitocin is administered?” She said no. But I made it very clear that I would like an epidural.
After the Pitocin was administered, contractions started quite quickly and came on strong. I got the epidural (yay!) and had about 45 minutes of contractions before it was time to push! Three pushes, and she was out! Spencer said “It’s a girl!” and I said, “NO WAY!!!” This whole time I was convinced I was having a boy. Guess my motherly instinct was wrong there, but I was delighted to have another precious little girl in my arms.
The name “Sonna” (think “Donna” with an S) was always on our list for a girl. It’s Scandinavian roots refer to “sunshine” and “song” which just seemed like a perfect name for our girl. It made it all the more appropriate that she arrived at 8:44 PM just as the sun was about to set. My first hour with her was spent watching the sun set and holding her on my chest. It was amazing!
We came home the following day (stopping for sushi on the way home, of course!). The “big kids” were still at my in-laws, so we had two days of alone time with Sonna which was so nice. I put her in the crib halfway through the first night because I really cannot sleep whenever a baby makes even the TINIEST sound. But I didn’t want to be TOO far away from her when she cried. So I quite literally slept in Levi’s toddler bed (crib sized mattress) in the room across the hall with the door open. It was not how I pictured the first night to go, but I slept better in that toddler bed than with her beside me in a bassinet! Since then, she has been in her crib and it has been going well.
Her siblings love her so much and she has become part of our family chaos in the most beautiful way! It’s been difficult with Spencer being away so much this summer, but I’m so grateful for my village, especially my family! I will always wonder what it’s like to have your own mother around after giving birth to a child. It saddens me that I will never have that experience. However, having sisters and a father who step up and show up in ways that are so helpful certainly makes me feel blessed.
This crew is growing bigger each day! More children, more noise, more love to go around!
Thank you to everyone for their encouragement, well wishes, and prayers during this time of transition for our family! We love you and are so grateful! ♥
