Mia Mae Bowling arrived 9/24/2014
7lbs 6oz, 20″
Our little ohana welcomed its newest member last Wednesday. We knew the time was getting close since Kitty was having trouble sleeping the previous three nights and started taking late night baths. Late Tuesday night I was in our bed with Autumn, who had also not been sleeping for the previous three nights, watching an episode of Curious George.
Kitty came in the room and asked me what time it was.
“10,” I replied.
“The exact time,” she questioned again.
“I don’t know it’s 10.”
“Exactly 10?” she asked.
Agitated, I looked at my phone and said, “OK! 9:59pm.”
“Ok,” she said, “because I’m timing my contractions.”
This being our third pregnancy, and knowing Kitty, I knew what that meant. Before the next contraction even kicked in I was up and getting everything ready. I called Libby who started on her way over to watch the kids. Kitty called the midwives who started asking questions about the timing of the contractions. Kitty, also having been through this and knowing her body, just told them, “I’m coming in.” We headed downstairs to wait for Auntie Libby.
On the scene was first responder Autumn Ann. Autumn, sensing what was going on, set up a yoga labor area for her mom. Apparently the white foam roller marked a line that was not supposed to be crossed, and when I crossed it and kicked the calf stretcher out of the way I was promptly removed from the area and lectured by Autumn.
Like this mama
Once Auntie arrived Kitty and I headed up to the mountain on which the OHSU labyrinth was placed. As we checked in the receptionist and nurses were asking an impatient Kitty about her contractions and how she was feeling. You could tell Kitty was thinking, “Hey this baby is coming! Lets go!” Once in the room the midwife came in and before she could even finish asking, “should we check…” Kitty replied, “YES”. The midwife starts checking how far along Kitty has progressed… then says… hmm. The nurse asks 8….9cm? “Nope,” said the midwife, “she’s complete. You can start pushing whenever you feel like it.” That was at 11:15pm. Mia Mae was born at 12:19am.
Momma and baby did amazing, and later our pediatrician would tell us how surprised he was that, given the speed of the delivery, the Apgar scores were also 9. He and everyone else couldn’t seem to get over how Kitty came into the delivery room fully dilated, then labored for an hour before delivering our little Mia.
This was a special delivery for me as well. Not only did I provide love and support, fetch water upon demand, and provide the necessary back massages during contractions, but I also delivered Mia myself. The midwife was standing by but I actually had the honor of guiding my baby girl into this world. There is nothing more amazing than a mother creating and giving birth to a child and so I was humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to have such an intimate role in the delivery.
Proud parents see their baby girl for the first time
The delivery and aftercare went so well that we actually left the hospital the same day! But before we could leave we promised Luca he could visit Mia in the hospital after pre-school. Luca had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of his new sister and is completely in love with her.
Luca says hello to Mia for the first time
Autumn also wanted to check things out…
and came bearing gifts
We are all settled* back home now and having a little party this weekend. We are so thankful for our family and friends. We love all of you and thank you for all your love and support.
*settled – a relative definition.
Luca – Playing with two new dinosaurs and correcting Dad on the difference between a Sarcosuchus and a Suchomimus
Autumn – Telling mom to hold her and not Mia
Kitty – Trying to find anytime to sleep
Mia – Sleep, Eat, Poop, Poop, Sleep, Poop
Chris – Discussing dinosaurs, watching dinosaur movies, and reading about dinosaurs. Distracting Autumn with games, silly dances, and yogurt. Trying to make time for Kitty to sleep. Changing diapers. Taking breaks by cleaning the house. Loving every minute of all of it!!!
