Anna-Jane McKinleigh

Our daughter is here!!

Birthdate: November 14 at 7:59 a.m.
Weight: 7lbs. 9.5 oz.
Length: 19 7/8 inches

Birth story: After bawling my eyes out last night because I was still pregnant and feeling like I would be the last one on earth to give birth, I woke up in the middle of the night (2:30 a.m.) with a pretty strong contraction. I let Kyle sleep so he would have the energy for me later and went to wake my mom. I didn't want to wake him if it was a false alarm in case he had to work today. So mom and I started timing the contractions and they quickly went to 6 min. apart coming pretty strong and with "after shock" contractions (my term) that would last only a few seconds. We called the midwife at about 4:30 a.m. and she wanted them to last longer to the peak so she suggested I hop in the shower to space them out a little, but that only brought them on closer and stronger and I didn't want to stand up through them. After the shower, I made it to the couch and had 2 really strong ones and felt a few sensations I knew were signals of transition. I ran into the bedroom and threw up (a major transition sign) with the urge to push a little. I yelled, "Get Dottie here NOW!! I'm in transition and I feel like pushing." This is around 5:30. I told Kyle to fill the tub and got in. Dottie arrived at 6 and examined me. I was 10 cm! I labored a little while longer until I really felt the urge to push. My water broke about 6:15 and then the real work began. I pushed until she came out at 7:59. It felt to me like time flew- I had no concept of the hours unless someone told me. I also was making sounds that I couldn't imagine were coming out of my own throat. The initial contractions had me making moaning sounds while the pushing was very gutteral and like a frustrated stallion near a mare in heat (low bellows and primal grunting). Kyle was amazing through the whole labor and really seemed to know I what I needed. He supported me physically and emotionally. I am so in awe of him as a dad and thankful to the Lord for his provision for us. We are truly blessed. We are both doing well and though sore, I feel pretty good. Anna-Jane is the light of our eyes and the blessing of her Father. Praise God for His precious gift!

Also, one of the sweet miracles of this birth (though traumatic at the time) was the "pre-labor" I had on Saturday. I was devastated when it ended and felt guilty for having my mom miss work and fly out last minute without having the baby. It turned out to be the Lord's best for me because she never would have made it to the birth if I hadn't had Saturday happen. My mom was so helpful, standing in for Kyle when he needed a break or food and being a supportive encourager during the most difficult parts. "Sometimes you just need your mommy...ya know?"