Ellie's birth story

Ellie Grace Hancock
July 21, 2013
5:35am
7.9 oz, 18.5 inches long

Let me start off by saying that Ellie’s birth story, in my mind, mimicked those seen in movies.  The frantic rush to the hospital, the experience of my water breaking, the fear that we weren't going to make it—it was all there, and looking back, it was perfect J Having been induced with Jonah, I didn't have the experience of laboring and having my water break on its own.  Knowing that this was my last pregnancy, I wanted to experience it all (well..not all..I did want an epidural and thankfully received one.  Barely, I might add, but no complaints on this end).

As my due date approached, like any pregnant woman, it got significantly uncomfortable.  On the night of the 20^th, Patrick and I decided to watch a movie in bed to ease any levels of un-comfort on my end.  I recognized that baby Ellie was moving differently, and actually stated to Patrick that, “something weird” was going on in there.  I fell asleep shortly after midnight and woke up to a contraction around 1:45am. I had a couple contractions 8 minutes apart, but really didn't think much of it, as I had experienced some false labor a few weeks back that started out similar.   Within minutes the contractions became 4 minutes apart.  I told Patrick I thought we needed to go to the hospital.  I called our neighbor to come and stay with Jonah and by the time we were in the car, the contractions became much stronger and 2 minutes apart.  Looking back on the car ride to the hospital, I laugh.  Patrick and I both experienced fear, excitement, a bit of laughter, and pain all in one.  I remember mentioning to Patrick that I thought my water was going to break in his car.  His foot hit the pedal so hard, we found ourselves going 65 mph down Meridian. (speed limit I believe is 40 mph).

When I got to the hospital, Patrick wheeled me into the emergency entrance and I was taken to a triage room where they checked my cervix and vitals.  That prior Monday, the doctor had indicated I was 3cm dilated and 75% effaced. Considering the stats, I figured I had progressed a little since then.  The nurse told us I was at a good 6cm and that we were going to have a baby! It was really happening! She wheeled me down to the delivery room.  I remember throwing up a few times, nurses asking if I had wanted an epidural and an overall rush to get me to where I needed to be to deliver.  I don’t believe I would have had the opportunity to receive an epidural had the anesthesiologist not been in the next room at the time of my room transfer. Within 10 minutes after I received my epidural, my water broke and I was completely dilated.

I have to state that the faculty and facility itself at Good Samaritan are amazing. Both of the times I have delivered there have been wonderful.  Reminiscing and reviewing all the little details here and there about Ellie’s birth, there are a few comical moments to mention about the staff that helped me deliver. There may have been an overly sweaty (now I mean OVERLY..overly being ‘drenched in her scrubs, dripping on my gown’ )  nurse helping me who couldn't quite figure out her bearings.  Whether it be hooking up the IV machine, inputting correct stats into the computer, or her ability to make some decent coffee for sleep deprived fathers, it all makes for a few good laughs.  The unstated but laughable non-communication between her and the anesthesiologist, and post-delivery nurses all made our experience that much more ‘story-worthy’. 

Once complete, I labored for about an hour, letting her progress naturally down into the birth canal.  I started pushing at 5am, after around 6 pushes, she arrived at 5:35am. Ellie Grace Hancock was born at 7.9 ounces, 18.5 inches long.  From the time we left our home to the time she was born, it was less than 3.5 hours.  Ellie’s birth was such a different experience than Jonah’s, but both equally rewarding.  She is such a blessing to our family, and makes our family complete in so many ways.

Our family

Jonah meeting his sister

Jonah sharing his blanket with Ellie

sweet sibling kisses

all ready to go home!

God given joy

With purposeful and intentional delay we are happy to announce that we will be seeing a bit more pink this coming July! We are so very grateful and excited knowing God has blessed our family in abundance, providing a son and now a daughter.  Reasons behind this delay involve ones of the obvious--withholding our exciting news throughout the first trimester, guaranteeing a viable, healthy pregnancy-- but I think other reason lies around the idea that I want to cherish this time, this moment in my life where I know it will be my last to engage in all that the first months of pregnancy offer.

I was one of the few who did not experience all the symptoms and frustrations pregnancy offers when pregnant with Jonah.  Let me preface this and say, yes, there were definitely moments, especially towards the end, when I was uncomfortable, irritable, and emotional.  But the lists of early symptoms us women develop in the early months were not recognizable.  Time flew by, and excitement masked any notable symptoms.

If I wasn't given the grand opportunity to experience all that pregnancy had to offer with my first, I believe my second is making up for it. To be honest—I am happy and grateful I have had this opportunity—though painful, frustrating, and disappointing at times, it puts me on that list of moms who can attest to what pregnancy is all about.  You name the symptom— I've met it firsthand.*  Those including nausea, cravings, soreness, indigestion, constipation, mild cramping, heart burn, leg cramps, difficulty sleeping, and acid re-flux  It’s all been present in the last 20 weeks, coming here and there, thankfully never over staying its welcome, but always regretfully returning for unexpected visits.

*A little disclaimer here—my mother can attest to my body’s willingness to hardly ever throw up.  I literally have vomited less than 5 times in my life, so if we disregard the ‘vomiting’, every other symptom has been checked off the list. Trust me; I've prayed to throw up.  I've cried out in moments of weakness to “please, please, please allow me some relief!” But my body’s ‘no go’ mentality will not budge. 

Yesterday, any movement was painful.  The only thing on my mind was willing myself not to move, in fear of another onset of nausea or worse.  I remember breathing heavily, grasping air to distract any waves of sickness to crash.  I felt her kick and had a moment of clarity.   In these moments of weakness; the dreadful, excruciating moments where you are faced with the reality of it all, the stage where you are crying in pain, lying on the bathroom floor, slowly chewing the saltine cracker, there’s a brief point, in the minutes following, where you see the joy in it all.  She gives you a small reminder of movement that she’s still there.  And she's enduring it all with you.  A God given clarity that this too shall pass.  Giving us the strength to get through this together,  He allowed me to see joy in my moment of weakness. 

With the recognizable symptoms this time around, it seems this joy is continuously and noticeably given.  My prospective is broader and I am filled with hope, and excitement of what God has in store for us in the next couple of months. I hear the laughing of my beautiful boy, dream of color schemes for her nursery, imagine them happily playing together and know that I have been so blessed. That moment of weakness has passed and I am blessed with the desires of my heart.

Motherhood is a blessing.  It truly is.  Despite all that a mother has to endure during her pregnancy, from past and recent experience, I am positive the received joy outweighs all the rest. This coming July, our hearts will be filled and the said symptoms of pregnancy will be masked, tho not forgotten, by a God given joy.

Grammy's visit

This past week Patrick's mom, Julie, came to visit us from North Carolina.  It was a much anticipated visit, as the opportunity to visit doesn't always come as often as we'd like it to.  Patrick is currently driving her to the airport, and I sit with a lump in my throat.  I hate to see her go, as her visits are always anticipated and loved by our family.  

The week was pretty laid back, and I think that's how we intended it to be.  Our week consisted of a couple trips to the park, normal errands, a doctor's visit, a couple homemade meals, an early celebration of Patrick's birthday, and a few hours of pampering for the ladies(a mother's day treat!).  It was fun watching Jonah interact with his Grammy. There were many lazy mornings and afternoons playing with toys on the living room floor.  Hugs, laughs, and loves were given and received between them both.  We all caught up, shared stories, and noticed more and more similarities between Jonah and Patrick.  

That said, having her here gave way for more stories of when Patrick was little.  Learning of the tendencies, temperaments, and habits Patrick held as a child painted a noticeable connection between father and son.  It was fun to hear of all the glory and fun Julie has had as his mother. Truthfully, learning more of the amazing mother and woman Julie is, there were moments I second guessed my mothering abilities.  After all, an amazing mother stood before me.  She was there though, to pick me right up, encourage me, and give me so much support in what I am currently doing, and continuously strive to be.  I cannot help but smile on the blessing God has bestowed on me and our family to have such a wonderful Grammy for Jonah, loving mother to Patrick, and a sweet, caring mother-in-law, always willing to offer any words of encouragement, support, or advice.  

It will be a couple months until we see her again.  I am sure many more laughs, and stories are on the agenda. I cannot wait to spend more time watching the interaction between her and Jonah. I love the joy and pride she holds watching her son fly.  And I love the moments of motherhood clarity I experience when with her. 

Until then, here are a few captured moments to smile on. 

--God's plan has purpose--

This day 29 years ago, God placed me in the arms of a loving family. At birth, I was placed in a children's baptist home when Pat, now my adoptive mother, received a call that a baby girl was available for adoption. My mom had one box of disposable diapers, one can of formula, and one blanket.  God answered her prayers of wanting a child and  knew that I was what she needed.   You can read more of my adoptive story here (described by my mother), but I couldn't resist posting the importance of this day.   I have learned that God truly does have a purpose for our lives, answers prayers, and knows what is best for us.

Over the years my mom has described to me the overwhelming joy she experienced when she received that call.   Seeing my son born and grow has been an amazing experience as a mother. I now know that joy she describes, fully understand, and am even more grateful.  I will be forever grateful for my mom and all the sacrifices she has made towards giving me a life full of love and faith.  Most importantly, I am forever grateful for God's plan. There are moments where I sit and really reflect on how it has fully come into place.  I kind of have those, "a hah" moments.  Where would my life be now? Without that call I wouldn't be where I am today.   I would have had a different childhood, different friends, different family, and a completely different life.  I would have never met Patrick, most likely wouldn't be living where I am living, and little Jonah sleeping quietly upstairs as I type this, would not be around. Imagining my life any different is difficult.  I am forever grateful that I don't have to experience my life any differently than the one God has planned for me. 

My mom and I quietly celebrate this day between us every year.  She emails me, calls me, or now days, even texts me the story of how she got that wondrous call.  And without fail, I receive a bouquet of flowers from my mom.  Every year a gorgeous array of lilies and roses have sat and waited in my college dorm's office, on my desk at work, or on my porch step. This year isn't any different.  I came home from the gym this morning to see this arrangement on my doorstep.  She always remembers, as will I. 

-- my birthday gift --

It's my birthday tomorrow.  It's kind of crazy how as you get older birthdays become a whole new meaning.  I've thought a lot today about past birthdays.  When I turned 10, I remember meeting, who is now my dad, Mike at the Konditorei (a local desert/coffeehouse in Salem). My gift was a balloon with a stuffed animal inside it.  I thought that it was the coolest present.  I would never have guessed the plan that God had for me and my life after that birthday.  When I turned 16, my friends and family hosted a surprise birthday party.  I remember stopping home to get something my friend, Candace, absolutely needed before we headed out that night.  The house was pitch black.  To my surprise there stood all of my friends and family.  At 19, I celebrated at Red Robin with new friends from SPU.  When I turned 23, I flew home from NC to spend my birthday with friends and family.  I remember on my 27th birthday it snowed.  I remember slumber parties, a new pager(yes..I said pager..got it when I was 15. I thought I was so cool), inheriting my mom's toyota, and the ever present thought of my birth mother each birthday.  I can remember moments of each birthday, that's why we celebrate them--To remember them by and to reflect on each passing year.   

It's the eve of my 29th birthday.  I don't know if it's because I've been reflecting on past birthdays or the aftermath of those reflections that have given me an abundance of gratitude as I type.   Tonight I went in to Jonah's tears--fed him some milk and just held him.  I couldn't help but be so thankful.  I cuddled him and thought how blessed I am to have an amazing family.  I remember the day he was born.  I've posted how special that day was, and is to our family.  As I ponder on my birthday tomorrow, I cannot help but think of what it must have felt like to be my own mother.  I imagine her holding me, just as I held Jonah tonight, enjoying the gift God had given her.  The gift of being a mother is what God has given me this year.  Motherhood has given me the chance to reflect on life and the joys that God brings us. 

This year I know will have special meaning.  Even though it's not the big 3-0...(I truly don't know how I feel about that birthday..luckily I have a year to ponder on it), I think it will have special meaning.  Hopefully the day, just in itself, will stick out in my mind in later years. This year I am a mom.

  

A picture for Grandma

My mom got this outfit for Jonah for the mere purpose of taking a picture in his "santa suit"....so this one's for you mom.

Merry Christmas!!