Evan's birth story

This is the story of the birth of my second child - as told to both of my children.

Part I - Labor, as told to Lane.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

I woke up Monday feeling different than I had the night before. I could tell by the shape of your brother's bump and the puffiness all over my body that labor was on its way.

We spent the day playing with your friends, laughing and enjoying each others company. The girls all remarked at how much my physical features had changed. How I "finally looked pregnant." They too could tell change was approaching.

On Tuesday, I made plans to prepare myself for life with two boys. Not wanting to keep you cramped up in the house, you went out to play with your grandparents. When you did not return at the time I expected, I became emotional. All of a sudden, I felt as if I needed to spend as much time with you as possible.

Tuesday evening, the Braxton Hicks contractions I'd been experiencing transformed in to contractions. I spent the evening getting my hair cut by a friend and feeling the temperature of my body rise as contractions came and went every 20 minutes or so.

Wednesday, I went to see the midwife. I explained I felt that labor was near. She ignored my insight of my own body and insisted I had two more weeks. I came home and labored.

I woke James early in the morning on Thursday, December 23. After walking the hallway of the house and relaxing, the contractions continued. He snuggled me close and eased me back to sleep.

When all of us woke later that day, I knew it was time. I prepared myself. I decided I needed to spend the day with you. To play with you. To laugh with you. To snuggle you. To enjoy you as my baby for one more day.

I wanted to document our day. To write it down and photograph each step. We played all your favorite games: flash cards, cars, Lincoln Logs.

Eventually, the contractions grew closer together, and I began to write down the time each one came and went. We spent the morning playing in 15 minute intervals.

We stayed in our pajamas until lunch time. Eventually, the pain from each contraction got stronger. We went upstairs and took a hot shower. Together, you and I. I let the water warm my back as you sang me songs and gave me kisses. You stayed in the shower much longer than usual - as if you knew I needed you there with me.

We laughed at all of your funniness, and I cried for the first time that day. I knew life was about to change. And, as excited as I was to meet your brother, and for him to join our family, I felt some guilt about letting go of the last two years: two years of you.


By the time you were ready for a nap, Papa came home and the contractions were closer to ten minutes apart. We dressed in comfortable clothes and I coaxed you in to some cuddling by sharing some ice cream with you. We sat on the couch together, eating ice cream from the container and breathing through each one of my contractions.

When you woke, we discussed dinner. Papa picked up some Chinese food - your favorite, fried rice, and the three of us shared a meal. We discussed what to do next. Should my parents make the ride out to us? Should we continue on as normal? Should we head to the hospital?

We decided to stay home as long as possible. To enjoy our nightly routine.

We bathed you. Played in our bedroom. Read you your night time books. When it was time for you to go to sleep, Papa left us together in your room.

I gathered you close to my body. I whispered in your ear the story of the night you were born. How the moment you were placed in my arms, I felt as if I'd known you my entire life. As if I'd seen your face before.

I told you how much I love you. How special you are to me because you are the boy who made me a mama.

Then I explained that I might not be at home in the morning when you would wake. I told you not to be scared. I explained that your brother might be on his way. I asked if you would be brave - as we've only spent one night away from each other before this day. You told me yes.

I placed my lips on the spot where your nose meets your eyes and kissed you there as I have every day since you were born. I wished you peaceful slumbers.

Then, for the very last time, I whispered in your ear, "You are the best thing that has ever happened to this mama. You know that. The very best thing."

I walked out of your room with tears in my eyes.