Jennifer's Arrival

I will start her story by going back to the February 7, 2008.

This was our last ultrasound and doctor appointment. The measurements had her at 6 lbs. 10 ozs. So this left us with a few options. We could wait it out and see if I could have her or schedule an induction or c-section for the week of the 11th.

Brent and I discussed and weighed out our options. We went back and forth on what to do. Wait it out or schedule? Just when we thought we had it figured out, we would change our minds. So with the final decision being that we would try to schedule c-section for February 13, 2008 or induction for February 15, 2008, we went to bed. Both of us prayed that night that the best thing happen in this situation.

Our prayers were answered. The morning of February 8, 2008, on my way out the door (literally) my water broke. I went in the bedroom and woke Brent up. "Baby, my water broke." He responds, "Really? This is not a joke?" No jokes here. Contractions came on hard and quick. We did have time for Brent and Cullen to get dressed, to call PawPaw, and to get the rest of my things together, which was very quick! We called everyone else on the car ride to the hospital.

Off to the hospital. We were there by 8:15 a.m. I signed in and sat in the waiting area. I guess so many women come in who are not in labor that they take their time when anyone comes in. Finally, they checked me and, guess what, I was in labor. The doctor's office was already calling to find out our decision. They were shocked when I told them where I was. They had us in a room around 9:45 a.m.

By the time we got into the room, my contractions were 2 minutes apart. I had already asked twice for my epidural. I was put off because of my I.V. not being started and my bloodwork not being done. It was made clear that I did not want my window of opportunity to be missed on this (my last labor was as natural as I want ot get. Sorry, if this offends anyone). Anyway, around 11:30, the Epi Guy came a calling. They made Brent leave, and I was left with the nurse and Epi Guy who did not look like a Anesthesiologist.

Now, that is taken care of. I was also given Pitocin to help the process. I was resting comfortably. At about 1:50 p.m., Jennifer's heart rate dropped very low; almost to no beats at all. As I was sitting up, because I did not here her anymore, 5 people came running in, flipped me over and began to help. All at once, I could hear her again. She had dropped so quickly that she was in distress. Brent, Cullen, and PawPaw came back in. At 2:00 p.m. the doctor was in the room, and we were ready. PawPaw and Cullen went to the waiting area.

At 2:30 p.m. Jennifer Ashlyn Estes made her entrance into this world! What a beautiful sight and sound.