August 20, 2001

By the time Monday August 20, 2001 rolled around we had already made three or so trips to the hospital thinking Heather was in labor and each time we were sent packing. Then as each Dr visit would end Heather’s physician would keep telling us that she was not ready and to give it a couple days and come back. This was so tough to watch Heather in such a miserable state. She had been put on bed rest nearly a month earlier and we were just ready.

So we made it through the weekend and to the doctor appointment Monday morning. Once again the doctor did his poking and prodding and sent us home yet again. Not ready he said. So we made our way back down to the car and headed home. To cheer my lovely yet miserable wife up I decided to stop at The Nut House Too and get her some chocolate and caramel pecan turtles (these candies have special meaning to her). It made her smile and as we made our way home she was still very uncomfortable and swore that the doctor had put things into motion with his not so delicate examination.

I dropped Heather at home and got to the office as quick as I could to get caught up at work. I was still in a Team Leader Position of a very high volume region and dreaded getting behind on things. At work a little over an hour and away from my desk I was paged overhead. I pick up the line and hear Shelley say to get home and get Heather to the hospital that she is in labor. Heather had called Shelley for the billionth time asking questions and this time it was for sure it. She was ready to go. I was a half hour from home and then it would be nearly a half hour back to the hospital. I have never driven with such purpose in my life.

So I made it home got Heather, and all her things and we made it to the hospital and were in a room playing the waiting game. He next few hours were spent getting Heather prepped, the room ready, blood work, paper work. Thankfully we had Shelley with us and family soon joined as well as I know I was overwhelmed. What should have been a natural birth soon turned into an emergency C-section with me standing in an empty delivery suite and Heather being rushed to an operating room. The cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck and with each passing minute the situation became more serious in nature.

As they wheeled Heather out they assured me that they would be coming back to get me and gave me a paper gown to put on and be ready to go in. Well after 15 minutes of standing scared to death they finally brought me into the room I could not help but notice they had already begun the C-section. So as soon as I sat down on a stool next to Heathers head so I could see her they had the baby out and we heard her cry.

It was by far one of the scariest days but one of the happiest days.

Happy Birthday Sweet Bailey. August 20, 2001