WE RECOMMEND YOU READING PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, AND PART 5 of WILL’s BIRTH STORY BEFORE READING THIS POST.
Amy got me ready on the table and both Jeremy and I were hopeful. “Hmm.” She said. “I think you are about a 6-7.”
“A SIX OR SEVEN?!?” At this point there was no controlling my volume. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN? A SIX OR SEVEN?!?”
My heart was racing.
“YOU MEAN I WENT BACKWARDS?! WHO GOES BACKWARDS?
WHAT THE CRAP? Why isn’t this working? Why isn’t my body working here!?!?! The frustration was all over me but I couldn’t dwell very long before the next contraction hit me. I know I am a slow learner…but I thought this was like a natural thing…like twisting your ankle or getting a black eye…it’s not person specific…people just do it. People just have babies.
The facts were clear…I was a week overdue. I had gained 54 pounds and they thought that the baby was probably pretty large. Even though he wasn’t in distress, I had a little under 24 hours to give birth. And the doctor thought that my uterus was stalling out at 9 centimeters. The doctor said that when I bared down, that Will’s head was probably pushing against the opening of the cervix and was causing it to swell. Causing it to close up. This could happen because of a long labor. Because of a big baby. Because my uterus was tired. I tried to argue that I had the energy to do it. That I could “paint a house”. But it wasn’t me…it was my uterus. Apparently giving birth was going to need a push. And that is when I remembered the options the midwife had outlined. I could try Pitocin…which might kickstart the labor back into full speed. I could also give an epidural a whirl…hoping that the drugs would allow my uterus to relax enough to get the last centimeter. But both could fail…and that’s when I would need a csection.
I looked at Jeremy and we talked about the options. My head was still swimming. My eyes were red as the tears poured down my cheeks. The labor didn’t hurt as much as failure. I just couldn’t wrap my head around going backwards. I just didn’t think it was possible. I hadn’t read about it in any book before and I didn’t really understand how it could happen. Wasn’t your cervix like a sinkhole? They don’t close up…they can only get bigger, right? My confusion was suffocating. I attempted to cling to the fact that the baby was ready either way.
Manage your expectations Katie!
He’s ready.
He started coming on his own.
He’s healthy. That’s what’s important.
My heart sank as I realized that this natural childbirth wasn’t going to be quite natural anymore. I would need something. The drugs were going to come one way or another and I would need to let go of my natural dreams. Letting go would have to be my choice. Because the aftermath of having those dreams ripped from my heart would take too long.
“Ok. We decided. We want to try the epidural.”
The anestheiologist entered the room soon after our decision was made. He was tall with a dark tan and long fingers. And he seemed young. Way too young to be a doctor.
“Ok Katie, your contractions are about two minutes apart now and this is going to take about 8 minutes. So I need you to hold still through your contractions.”
This is when Jeremy became my hero. He looked at me with these big blue eyes. And he knew my pain. He grabbed my hands and helped me lean over my knees. My back was arched like a cat after it met an enemy. I was the cat and the giant needle about to get stuck in my spine was my nemisis.
“Look at me.” He said. “Look me in the eyes. Don’t look away. You can do this.”
I held my breath as my eyes started to fill with tears. All my fears were floating around me as I stared into his eyes. His beautiful strong eyes. As I stared into my favorite pools of blue, I noticed something else. Jeremy’s lower lip started to quiver. Then his chin wrinkled up and his eyebrows furrowed. As he bit his lower lip, tears started rolling down his cheeks. He was crying. I couldn’t remember the last time I saw him get emotional. Not like this.
“I would do this for you if I could.” He said.
How did I get so lucky? How did I get such a man? Such a provider? Such a protector? I was so caught up on my labor plan that I forgot what was really important. I get to have a baby with my favorite person in the whole world. I got everything I wanted. I got my love here with me. I got to have a dip in the tub. I got a midwife. I got to hear my babies heartbeat over and over. It was strong. And I have to be strong too.
The epidural was over before I knew it. When Dr. Hood prepared to check me, he said “I truly hope this worked.” And I did too. But in my heart, I knew the status before he said anything. It didn’t work. I would need a csection.
The hospital crew prepped me in a heartbeat. The catheter was the most uncomfortable thing…and I kept on telling everyone that I felt like I needed to pee. As I was ready to be wheeled out of the room, my mom reached over and told me that she was proud of me. I knew that she wanted me to have a natural childbirth…that she wanted me to get the chance to push this baby out into the world. But she reassured me that the baby was probably just too big and her smile was contagious. This was the hour. The hour that we were going to meet this baby.
Ten minutes later, I was strapped to a table with my arms out like a cross.
“Dr. Hood?”
“Yes.” He said.
“What do you use? Like do you use glue or staples or sutures?” I remembered back to a conversation I had with a friend about the weirdness of glue holding you together after a caesarean.
“Dissolvable sutures and stainless steel staples on the surface.” He went on to explain how they don’t leave a bad scar.
“I am very vain.” I joked trying to lighten the air in the room.
That was the last thing that was said before it started. The entire thing felt surreal. Like flashes of memories. The anesthesiologist had adjusted my epidural for the operation. The student nurse had grabbed my camera ready to start shooting. The nurses were buzzing. I didn’t really feel much of anything except the squeezing of Jeremy’s hand in mine.
Someone said outloud that the cord was in the way and that is the only indication that I was opened up.
Dr. Hood warned me of some pressure. Then suddenly there was a collective gasp in the room.
I heard 15 people take in a breath of air at once.
“HE’s HUGE!” They said at once. A choir singing in unison about my baby.
Jeremy looked down with a huge smile peeking out from beneath his face mask wrinkling his eyes. “He’s huge!” He said excitedly.
I couldn’t help but bust out laughing. I laughed out loud as I imagined that they pulled out a toddler from my belly.
He was here! He was finally here! I could hear the nurses shuffling their feet. As Dr. Hood worked on me, the nurses worked on our new baby. I imagined what they were doing…rubbing, cleaning, turning my little guy to a ripe pink color and checking his eyes and ears and mouth and reflexes.
Then I heard the cry. The sweet cry. It was literally the most delicious sound I have ever heard.
“Go Jeremy!” I knew that he wanted to be with his little boy. “Go be with him.”
The next moments of his life were the longest of mine. I tried to imagine what he looked like. The color of his hair. The shape of his face. His lips, his nose, his little fingers.
From across the room, I heard the nurses announce his weight…nine pounds eleven ounces. My smile was stretched to its max. I couldn’t believe it. I knew he would be big but over nine pounds? My grandma would be proud.
Jeremy came back to see me.
“He’s got hair!” Jeremy beamed, “He’s got lots of dark hair!” Jeremy looked like he was glowing with pride.
Amy came over to give us our ID wristbands…we were officially parents. Parents with wristbands. Like bonafide identification that we were officially part of a club. Jeremy never stopped smiling.
And then I saw the nurse carry something over to him. The bundle was wrapped in a blanket and the nurse placed it in Jeremy’s welcoming arms. I knew what was about to happen. I was about to see the person that would change my life. I was going to become something entirely new. Something entirely different. Something special.
Jeremy turned and it was a moment that I will never forget.
My eyes swelled and my heart soared. There he was. My baby. I laughed as I cried.
“Honey he doesn’t look like either one of us!” I giggled with Jeremy. “He looks Chinese! I swear he’s yours!”
Jeremy was laughing too. My eyes filled with tears of joy. Everything was right. Everything worked out. Everything was good.
In that moment, that very nanosecond, I knew that everything that had taken place was there in our little family historybook for a reason. There was a reason that labor came on it’s own, a reason to have Dr. Hood chosen as our doctor, a reason we had the midwife, a reason for the student nurse, a reason that my cervix went backwards….it was all leading us to that moment. A moment of pure elation, identifiable pride, and undeniable love.
Dr. Hood reached out to shake Jeremy’s hand becoming the first to congratulate him on becoming a father. Then he turned to me and said the very sweetest thing that could possibly be imagined…
“Next time, you will be able to go natural.”
All I could do was smile and genuinely thank him with the sincerest heart possible. I realized in that moment why God gave us him. God knew that I was going to have a caesarean before Will was even conceived. That is why God gave me a midwife. That is why He provided this surgeon for Will. And for me. All my anger and resentment toward Dr. Hood was released in my heart and in flooded a sense of gratefulness.
Moments later I was wheeled into the recovery room and my little boy was finally placed in my arms. My blood pressure was very low and it made me swirl in a land of dizziness but I knew that I wanted to see him, touch him, look into his eyes. I reached out and Jeremy placed him into my hands. He didn’t feel almost ten pounds. And then I pulled back the blanket to see his face.
His big dark grey eyes peeked out from underneath, locking with mine.
“I’m yours.” His eyes bored into my heart.
I had planned this second for the longest time…imagining what I would say…fighting to stay lucid as my dizziness increased with each heartbeat.
“Happy Birthday Will.” I whispered. “I’m your mommy and I love you.”
WANT TO READ MORE BIRTH STORY? CLICK HERE TO READ WESTON’s BIRTH STORY!
sooooo awweeessoommmmmmeeee!!!!
Did i miss part 4 & 5? I cant find them :0(
Wow. I’m writing this through tears. What a beautiful story. First I cried because I know exactly how it feels for your body to let you down, and it’s a horrible feeling. Then I cried because of Jeremy’s support during the epidural. THEN I cried because of God’s faithfulness.
I swear, I really am normal–this story just struck a chord. 😉
abby
He is just the sweetest! He was huge though! What a healthy boy. It never happens how you want. I went into labor a month early and my little man was half the size of yours. What a blessing either way though! Pure love!
awww, great pics!
You caught me off guard with the pictures but it was such a good 6th part. And it was really worth it. All six parts, all the cliffhangers. You’re such a good writer Katie and now you’ll have this story forever, which is what’s truly important. 🙂
Katie…you are the answer to the many years of prayer I prayed for Jeremy to find the wife of God’s choosing. As I watched and listened to you this weekend telling Will Bible stories while you sat on the swing in the back yard, I whispered a pray “Thank you Lord for my precious daughter-in-law and grandson. You & Jeremy were made for each other! Vicki and I thank the Lord daily for you, Jeremy, & Will. You have a natural gift of writing…keep exercising it. We Love you! Dad #2.
That was quite possibly the sweetest birth story I’ve ever heard. Thanks so much for sharing it. And congrats on your amazing little man. Wishing many blessings on you and your family. 🙂
Okay. I’m on my lunch break.. crying! Your writing is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this special time in your lives with such emotion and detail. Congratulations!
Oh my gosh Katie this is the sweetest story. I sitting on my couch crying. Your little…erm…big…Will is so incredibly cute. I guess it’s one of those things that even though we may not know the reasoning for things that someone bigger than us does and all we can do is trust that it will be okay. 🙂 Congratulations!
Well, now I’m crying like a baby at my desk. I hope no one comes in my office.
Great story.
What a great ending! I’m sure he’ll love reading this when he gets older!
Oh my gosh- you made me cry at work. That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! I am 6 months pregnant so of course the hormones got me all worked up! Just the part about looking into your husband’s eyes had my eyes watering.
Thank you SO much for writing all of this. I am determined to go natural too- but like you said “Letting go would have to be my choice. ” We can’t control everything- and if a baby is that big, c-section is the way. I will keep it in my heart to remember to let go if I have to.
Congratulations on your adorable boy and wonderful family!
Aw! Katie this made me cry! Such a sweet and touching end to your birth story. He is just adorable, even covered in all the c-section goo.
Wow! I am sitting at work right now, and tearing up while reading your beautiful story. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! And congratulations on your Will, he is a beautiful boy.
Oh my gosh–first you have me almost crying, I’m not even a mother!! 🙂 You guys are so blessed and have an adorable family. And what an amazing gift all those pictures are, was this student nurse secretly a photogrpaher?! Awesome!! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story. 🙂
P.S. Love your blog…and of course bacon!!
Why do I read these at work? I get teary eyed every time I read your amazing, well written birth story. You are a strong, brave lady and Will is so lucky to have you as a mommy.
Thank you, Thank you for sharing.
A hearty congratulations from The Handyguys, Brian and Paul! You have a new handyguy to help with your projects someday soon. I have fond memories of being where Jeremy was in those pictures when one of my daughters was born.
I hope you both are getting enough sleep because I know you will have a bunch of projects coming up before the end of the year. When my one daughter was born I was in the middle of putting a second floor addition on my house, master bedroom, master bath, another bedroom. Yes, it was a little stressful. More so for Mom than the baby, the baby learned to sleep through the sounds of construction.
Again, congrats.
Handyguy Brian
Such a beautiful and touching story. I teared up several times. Mostly because I was so excited knowing that I also have an amazing husband that will be by my side when we decide to have a baby. You three are a beautiful family! 🙂
This is the first time I’ve felt so compelled to write a response and I’ve followed you for just under a year!
My laptop keyboard is now covered in tears and I pray it doesn’t short out.
My eyes started to well once the epidural scene began… holy moly! It was waterworks after that.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
OMG…you did it again…I’m crying at work, lol. I can totally relate when you talked about looking at the “big picture” and realizing how lucky we are. I mean in your case you had the right to be upset, I don’t have any children yet, but I can understand how important it must be to you to want to deliver your baby the good ol way 🙂 Either way you are very lucky! You and your hubby are champs! CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
Celia
Kaite, you are too precious. i have read your blog for a couple years now and normally you make me laugh but this one definitely got me crying. I have loved reading about your pregnancy and now the birth. I am now 14 weeks pregnant and I am soaking all of this up.
The part about Jeremy holding your hands made me burst into tears…thank you for sharing. God is great, and what a wonderful PERFECT plan He had for you!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s beautiful, just like you and your precious little boy!
Just found your blog through a friend and I’m already hooked! Reading your birth story was like reading my own. I gave birth to my second daughter one week ago and was trying for a natural Vbac (my first was a csection). After going 42 weeks w/no labor, I had a csection scheduled and the night before I was suppose to check into the hospital I started having contractions (FINALLY!). After 17 hours of labor and only 3 centimeters dialated, I too had to have a csection (pitocin wasn’t an option w/a vbac). It was tough letting go of my dream of a natural birth, but looking back, it happened just the way God wanted it to and I see His gracious hands all over the event.
Thank you for sharing your story. And please be encouraged that Vbacs are great options and midwives (as you know) are the best! Will is a cutie and you are a supermom for trying so hard and for ultimately doing what is best for your child. Look forward to reading more of your blog! 🙂
Katie, what a beautifully written story. I have been reading your blog for quite some time and have anxiously awaited the final chapter of your birth story. I have tears in my eyes and I don’t even know you! I love how you trust in God so much – He does provide doesn’t He? And your sweet Will is just adorable. I, too, had a big boy – 9 lbs, 10 oz and I can’t imagine laboring naturally as long as you did! “On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered ‘life will never be the same.'” – From Nancy Tillman’s On the Night You Were Born. Congrats!
That was a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing.
I completely teared up at work.
Very sweet! You had me tearing up…sniff…sniff! 😉
You are all very lucky and beautiful! Congratulations!
Oh my gosh, Kaite, thanks for making me bawl at work! What a great story! You three make such a beautiful family! I hope one day my husband and I are as lucky as you and your boyfriend. Will is adorable!
Wow, what an amazing story! I’m at work and trying SO hard not to cry.
Thank you, Katie. Precious and profound.
Such a great story! I was so looking forward to the end, but now that it’s here, I am almost wishing there was another installment, haha. You’re a great writer 🙂
Aw, you just made this hormonal, 9-month preggo lady tear up! I have just over two weeks left to go (hopefully), and I’m bouncing off the walls wanting to meet my little boy. I had an ultrasound last week and saw him blink, and he has fat chipmunk cheeks and hair! Amazing! I don’t have a birth plan because I don’t want to be disappointed if it doesn’t work out. Hopefully I’ll be able to avoid a c-section, but if that’s the way he needs to come out, then that’s what it’ll be! More power to you for trying to go all-natural. I’m all about the pain meds. 🙂
way to make a girl cry on her lunch break at McDonald’s!! lol
But seriously…wow. I think it’s time you start thinking about becoming a writer! Like, for real.
Simply amazing.
God is GOOD!
I haven’t left a comment here before but I am an avid follower of your blog. Today you had be crying and laughing and smiling and hoping all at the same time. Thank you for breathing life into the dream of becoming a mother myself and thank you for taking your sweet time to tell us this story. It is beautifully yours and no one has the right to rush you. Thank you for the honesty and intimacy. Just thank you!
How beautiful! I have loved every part of your birth story- and it will be such a great thing for you to share with Will down the road. Your story made me laugh and cry, made me nauseous , and gave me goosebumps. It was amazing, and makes me so look forward to having children with my husband to be (2 more months!). What a wonderful experience, and thank you for being so honest with your sharing. That last line made my heart swell and made me cry. Beautiful!
Holy smokes!! What a journey! I’m sitting here with a huge lump in my throat from holding back tears. I’m so happy that you were at peace with everything once Will was born. This is a beautiful story…thanks for sharing Katie.
Aww… just beautiful Katie! You did a great job on the writing and bring your little bundle of joy into this world!
So sweet – thank you for sharing this with us. I just relived my own c-section with my firstborn son.
Wow! You are almost making me cry at work. My husband and I are going to be starting to try at the end of summer and I cannot wait until the day that we meet our first little baby. I hope he/she is as cute as Will. He is one of the cutest babies I have ever seen.
What a beautiful story! He is beautiful.
I’m at work. I’m 25 weeks pregnant. And I’m crying. I just LOVE birth stories!!! Especially ones then the parents know God is intertwined in it all!!
Love to your family!
(My SIL is 5’2 and delivered a 9 pound baby… vaginally. Be VERY VERY thankful you didn’t have to do that. The recovery is rough!)
Good gravy boats I am sobbing!!! What a beautiful story!!
Wow. You really should have warned us that this part of the story was NSFW. I just cried my eyes out at my desk. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that!!
Holy crap I’m a mess of tears (at work)! What a blessing and a gift from God your son is! Thanks for sharing. I love the details 🙂
I’ve been waiting rather impatiently for that ending and let me just say.. it was well worth the wait. I’m nearly tearing up at my desk, just so full of happiness and pride for you and your family. It is great that you are now able to accept why everything happened and be grateful. I also agree that what your doctor said about being able to go natural next time is probably the most perfect thing he could have said at that moment. Congrats and Best wishes for your little Will.
I should not have read that at work…sitting at my desk sobbing. We’re having our first little one in August, a boy, and I can’t wait to meet him and tell him I love him.
thanks for making me cry at work!
that’s a beautiful post and i love seeing pictures of brand new moms – the smile is like no other.
I do not know you, but I’ve been following your blog for about a month now, every post. Today I cried 🙂 Thank you. 🙂
What a beautifully written birth story. How wonderful to be able to share that with your son when he’s older. I had a very similar story with the same feelings of disappointment at not being able to give birth to my son naturally. But after seeing his beautiful face, I realized everything happened the way it was supposed to. Welcome to motherhood…it’s truly one of God’s greatest gifts. You and your family are beautiful and thank you for sharing such an intimate moment with us.
oh man that was so good!!! i totally teared up…love it.
AWhhh….this was great!!!
I’m so glad you were able to see the trees through the forest with Dr. hood and that he didn’t end up being so bad after all. I’m so glad everything worked out for you!!!
hugs and kisses!
Lindsay
Wow… Amazing story. And you wrote it perfectly.
I cried. I smiled. Thank You for sharing.
Beautiful! You had me crying and smiling at the same time. What a precious and wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing Katie. You have one beautiful family.
Awww, Katie! I had to fight so hard not to cry at work! Such a beautiful story, such honesty…. thank you for sharing it, and I hope you know that Will is so lucky to have you and Jeremy for parents.
Will’s birth story was so beautifully written. Congrats to you and your family! I can’t imagine giving birth to a nine pound baby. I was 9 pounds 2 ounces and my mini mother was all of 5 ft tall. I’m not sure why they didn’t do a c-section with me, since they had to use forcepts to actually pull me out! That’s also the reason why I always joke and say that’s the reason why I have such a skinny head!
Best of Luck to the Bower family. I look forward to watching Will grow!
ahh, katie…i loved this whole series. you ROCK! and you totally just made me wanna go make a baby. =D that’ll have to wait a while for several reasons (not the least of which is the fact i’m not married haha), but rest assured that you have communicated the absolute joy of the beginning of motherhood through your story. thanks for sharing!!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I almost cried many times through that – especially when you were looking into Jeremy’s eyes. That really is what it is all about. You are so strong to be able to look at it all with optimism. You’re right – God did plan it and you are stronger because of it. God bless you, Jeremy, and that adorable baby boy.
Love reading your story!! Such a great record for sweet little Will when he gets older. I had a c-section because they told me my baby girl’s head was huge and when she came out it was tiiiny. Go figure 🙂
Katie, that is the sweetest story. I ended up having a C-section after 23 hours of labor {a week late too} and it was well worth it. I was at the point that I didn’t care how she got here, I just wanted her here!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story with us!
Ok, seriously? Was it necessary to make me cry? I have been reading all along and your stories are wonderful- so emotional! You guys are going to be amazing parents!
OK….You have me in tears. Such an amazing story! I am so happy you have this written down for Will to read one day…maybe on his wedding day…Im such a dork. Thanks for sharing such a personal story with all of us! Love your writing and your blog:)
you are wonder woman! thanks again for sharing this amazing story, you write so beautifully.
last night i was telling my mom and my sister about the Holy Pee Stick Batman post, and i had to read it to them. we were all laughing so hard we were crying. Thanks for the laughs and the cry’s. you rock. 🙂
I’m sitting here crying like a fool and now my dog thinks something is wrong.
Soaring and melting all at the same time right?? Congratulations again!
Beautiful, so beautiful. Now why would my internet filter want to block you?! It’s been blocking your blog and telling me that they have protected me from a potentially harmful site. (I use a christian internet filter). I requested they unblock you and they “deemed you safe.” I mean, I write about kids’ poop every fourth post, you ought to be safe! Enjoy being a mommy, I know it’s cliche….but they do grow fast!
Beautiful! You are a wonderful writer, Katie, and your love for your family is AMAZING! You and Jeremy are lucky, lucky, lucky! Thanks for sharing your birth story!
annndd now I am crying! What a sweet birth story! Start to finish, Will is lucky to have a mom who documented his birth day so well. The pictures were amazing too! Are nurses typically such good photographers?
I really tired to hold back the tears but I couldn’t…they just rolled down my face. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and moving story.
aaah! i don’t even know you and i’m tearing up! God is so good. what a blessing to have a healthy little boy. )
Hey, Katie
Thanks for sharing your birth story! I wanted to tell you about a wonderful book I read when I was pregnant with my little boy. It’s called “Ina May’s Guide to childbirth (here’s an amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156), and it’s written by a wonderful midwife who has years of experience and the most wonderful perspective on childbirth. She’s also very positive about VBACs, if I remember correctly. I know you’re probably “over it” when it comes to reading more birth books, but it’s a fascinating read. I have a lot of friends who have stories very similar to yours, and I think reading this book was a huge part of how I had a successful natural birth. In any case, great job and congratulations!
Katie & Jeremy & Sweet Will,
I have been reading your blog for a few months and have fallen in love with your little family! You are hilarious, I’ve even read you out loud to my husband, especially when he questions my giggles from behind the laptop. But today’s post made me cry. It was so sweet and so amazing! I have a 3yr old little girl and we are trying for another one, and motherhood is amazing.
Katie,
You are such a beautiful writer! Thank you for taking the time for sharing this beautiful story! I definately got teary eyed! Good luck on your journey as a mother!
this is by far the sweetest thing i’ve ever read!!!! please keep us updated about that sweet baby boy!!! seriously he’s the cutest! 🙂
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that and making me tear up. And the pictures!!! Thanks for opening up this private moment in your lives and sharing those pictures with us. They are amazing.
That was beautiful, Katie. Will has been blessed to have such a loving mommy.
Truly amazing story, thanks so much for sharing. You are a great writer, and very inspriring, I love that you are able to find the faith that god has made everything happen for a reason, especially when I myself question my faith so often, you remind me of the importance of believing.
Your baby is adorable, great story, very very well written. Congrats!
Beautiful. Truly touching. I too ended up in the operating room (where I finally managed to deliver Chloe with the help of forceps) so I understand your disappointment when the birth didn’t happen as you hoped it would. But your story unfolded the way it was supposed to and your handsome 9 pound, 11 ounce boy is the most perfect ending.
Will will love to hear this story when he is older. Thank you for sharing with us.
ohmygosh, TEARS. I loved reading this, it was so beautiful. Every single gory detail, thank you so much for sharing. You have a beautiful baby and he has a beautiful mama.
Katie, your birth story {and life in general} makes me want to be a mother so badly! I guess I need to get through college first, haha. It’s all about finding the joy in whatever stage you are in life, but you sure have a whole lotta joy right now!
P.S. That doctor sure redeemed himself with those kind words at the end!
I have never seen such beautiful pictures from a csection – usually they are all blurry and hard to see. These are so incredibly beautiful and tell your amazing story without having to actually write the words (although the words are awesome).
Thank you for capturing the beauty of bringing a child into the world so eloquently.
I once heard that if you ever want to make God laugh tell him your plans. Looks like His plan worked out just perfectly.
so relieved to hear the end of the story! lol!
it was worth the wait for sure. thanks for sharing all the details with us. i was 9lbs 11ozs, too! i was 2 weeks late. the plus side is i was a good sleeper and didn’t need to eat as much cause i was so big. hope that was true of your will. 🙂
Ok Man you made me cry!
I totally understand the frustration of not doing what you want to do in the delivery room. I had to be induced because of pre-eclampsia and ended up having an epidural and I felt like a failure… at first. It was also when I looked into my wonderful husbands eyes… the love of my entire life… that I realized that it was OK. That this journey was not about what I wanted… but about Gods blessings… his promise… and getting our little baby girl out as healthy as possible. When I finally held her… I cant even describe my feelings. She is my miracle… my proof that the Lord listens even at the darkest hour…. he is forever faithful!
Congrats again… Thank you for sharing your beautiful… tearful story. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at you… and sometime we need to let go of the wheel and let our heavenly father drive for a bit!
that 3rd to last picture, of you sort of blurry looking over at the hubs and baby, sealed the deal and made me cry. oh happy happy, joy joy!!
WOW, I am holding back tears right now. What an amazing God that we serve, huh? He certainly has a plan and a purpose for each on of our lives.
Great story!
wow, that was beautiful. I cried the whole time! I pray blessings upon blessings for your family!
I have loved reading this and I’ve been waiting with anticipation for each part of the story! I could have cried reading this!
Beautiful!! I just started reading your blog a few days ago and I already cried at this! Congratulations to you and Jeremy and HAPPY BIRTHDAY (belated) to sweet Will!
Katie~ I am the one that said I lived in ATL and I used a Dr. Hood too. I saw the pictures and yep he is the one. I felt like you at the beginning too and felt like you did about him at the end of it. My son was 9 lbs. 4 oz.
I loved all parts of your birth story~so beautiful! It left me wanting to know and hear more. Perfect ending to the story. Love your blog!
Oh man. I bet he was 9 pounds 11 ounces because of all the delicious bacon his mom had! jk,lovely story, thank you for writing it to share with us! 🙂
Thank you for sharing! What a great birth story and yes I cried like everyone else.. 🙂
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. Will is so healthy and so handsome. It is obvious how much you love your son and how much you and Jeremy love each other. May God bless you as you travel this road together.
Katie Bower…. you have not let us down! I have been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for each Birth Story Part. You are a wonderful writer. God has truly blessed you with the talent. Thank you for sharing your sweet, personal memories with us. I have laughed and cried reading this story. Then, when scrolling through the comments, I see Passtor Dad’s comment, and it just adds to the “Awww” factor. What a wonderful family!
God Bless you and your sweet little family, Katie!
I am so in awe of your story. I am crying here at my desk – what a gorgeous ending. Thank you for sharing (even though reading in 6 parts was very tough!!) Congrats again.
Pass the kleenex my way! That is a beautiful story! And I LOVE the fact that your doc said you’ll be able to go natural on the next one! Hopefully he’ll still be there and the hospital will have policies that enthusiastically support VBACs. Side note- those are some of the nicest c-section photos I’ve ever seen! It is absolutely awesome that someone took all those lovely photos for you to see Will’s entrance into the world from another view point.
Such a sweet account, you definitely made me cry. Congratulations on your perfect little Will – thanks for sharing this with all of us!
Crying over here, too. Thank you for sharing your story.
Katie Bower- you get me everytime! You have a gift for writing for sure- I feel like I’m right there with you feeling all your emotions!
I knew there was a reason I shouldn’t read your blog while i’m at work!!! I’M BAWLING MY EYES OUT! make me want babies.
Thank you for sharing your experience with such honesty. It is so refreshing. You have a beautiful family! I live in Atlanta as well, and would love to know where you delivered. I am not pregnant, but hope to be in the not too distant future, and I like the thought of having a midwife, but in a hospital environment.
Thanks for sharing your birth story Katie – I loved seeing the photos of you and Jeremy welcoming Will into the world, and I loved reading all about you and Jeremy’s love and steadfastness for each other during the process, and your trust in the Lord throughout the process.
And thanks too, because I am finally (one year later!) posting my birth story in parts (as posting the whole story in one post was way too overwhelming to even attempt).
I have really enjoyed reading about your birth; you wrote such a beautiful story. This made me laugh because my daughter had her 8 week check up today and weighed 9 lbs 13 oz :). He is beautiful and I am loving the weekly photos of him!
That was simply beautiful!
This is me typing through my tears. Your story is so touching and real. Thank you, Will’s Mama, for sharing this with all of us!
-Emily
I teared while reading this. I have loved your entire birth story. Your boy is precious.
I read this as I’m rocking my four week old son, trying desperately to get the little man to sleep in his bassinet over the last three hours… your story brought back memories of my own failed attempt at going natural. After 33 hours of labor I was only 6cm dilated and beyond exhaustion, so you made it further than I did before getting the epidural.
You’re so right though… its all worth it in the end. And although we as mothers hold so much guilt for our bodies giving out on us, the safe arrivals of our sons are what matters.
wiping tears …
congrats!
I am crying my eyes out! You are such a wonderful writer and this story was wonderful. Many congrats. What a cutie. I hope you all are well!
Oh my gosh Katie, I’m blubbering like a baby!! How beautiful and wonderful. I would have been so scared, but it sounds like you handled it like a total pro. My man is sweet and wonderful like your boyfriend, isn’t it great to live with your best friend?? It’s like waking up in a dream every day. Love you guys!!
Hi Katie & Laureen,
I know! She really did a great job snapping all the pictures! Typically the hubby gets the job and he has one angle to take all the photos and they are from behind that curtain…but with Faith behind the lens, I was thrilled to get the real behind the scenes photos! The funny thing is, she asked if we would like her to take the pictures and then she said “OH, I have this same camera!” Pretty darn lucky for us, huh?! I only wish I knew her last name because I would send her a thank you note in a heartbeat!
XO – katie
Oh my goodness. It’s impossible to say anything original, here, that hasn’t already been said many times over. But I’ll repeat it all nonetheless. 🙂 Congratulations! You are amazing.
On a more personal note, what a blessing this story has been to me. I was once absolutely terrified of the very idea of birth, even conceptually, and in the last year or so have embarked on a quest to find the beauty in it to lose my fear. Mind you, I’m not married yet (not required these days, I guess, but vitally important to me as a first step!) but I’ve found the man whose children I hope to have someday, and I guess I’m too Type A not to start planning at least a little. Preparing my heart is perhaps a better way to put it. At any rate, this story has taught me the beauty in letting go of the plans and wants that we cling to and putting trust in someone much bigger. Everything happens for a reason.
Thank you so much for that lesson and your finely crafted words. You spoke to my heart.
what a beautiful story! I was crying and laughing over here! your such a wonderful writer katie!
Tears are streaming down my face…seriously. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of love and faith.
Oh my goodness, are you trying to make us cry first thing in the morning??? What a beautiful story and a tribute to your love for Will. He will be very proudof his momma one day I’m sure
KB, you could have written my birth story. Sincerely. I can’t believe how similar our experiences were. You have been so incredibly blessed. And I’m sure you are a wonderful mama.
P.S. My second came naturally on his own and I ended up with the birth I was hoping for the FIRST time, the second time. Someday I hope you will be able to say the same. 🙂
P.P.S. I feel like my last comment re: the doc trying to break your water without talking to you was kinda vehement. Sorry about that. I do completely agree that this is an ok thing to do (I’m pretty sure the docs did it with me both times) as long as they TALK to you about it first. Ok, glad I finally got that out there. I know you were dying to know that was what I really thought. It really helps the friendship we have in my mind stay on balance. 😛 Thanks for another fantastic read!
Thank you so much for sharing your birth story. I had to shut the door to my office so no one would see me crying. Congratulations on your beautiful little man!
I have been following you for a while, but I have never commented before – I had to today.
Your story was so touching, I wish I could have done the same for my little girl who was born on April 3 this year (also big at 9lb 6oz!!). Will is lucky to have such a wonderful story to read when he is older. Congratulations to your family.
Such a sweet story, you are a gifted writer and I am very lucky to get to experience it! I’m so glad everything worked out and that you have a healthy beatiful baby boy!!
Beautiful katie! Absolutely beautiful. 🙂
Katie
I suppose I could blame sitting here balling my eyes out on being pregnant with baby number 8…but the truth is that I would be crying either way. birth stories do that to me…you write very well, and we can all envision your story unfolding as you tell it, almost like we are there with you all. All I can say is that your family is beautiful in every sense of the word…thank you SO much for sharing your story with us. Its been amazing watching your family grow. I look forward to much more!
Hi! I am Kimberlie and thought this would be a perfect time to stop being so shy and comment.
What a beautiful story… Congratulations! Thanks for making me laugh and cry- you are a gifted writer.
Awww, you made me cry! What a sweet story! And such great pictures! Love the last one, of you and Will.
By the way, I like your new header!
I’m not sure what is more touching, the end of this story or the sweet comment Pastor Dad left you! : ) What a blessing family is and I am so happy for you to be enjoying this time of life. Thanks so much for sharing it with the rest of us!
That is seriously the sweetest blog post I have ever read. My first labor (with my almost 2 year old Will) was similar to yours and I’ve been dying to hear how it turned out… I’m due any day with #2 and am planning to attempt a VBAC naturally with my little girl. You’re right though – once you meet your precious little one and they are healthy, it doesn’t matter how they were delivered…
This last story gave me chills. And the pictures are so perfect! Thanks for letting us share in all the nitty-gritty with you!
Such a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing. I laughed and cried throughout this entire entry. I am so happy for all of you!
I knew this story had a happy ending, but I’m so glad to finally read it! This last part of the birth story made me cry! I love that the doctor said you would go natural next time to you- I am sure you will! But I’m so glad you were able to make your own decisions about what to do about the baby- I think that’s so important. Congratulations, mommy!
katie,
thank you for such a beautiful ending (or really beginning) to this story. at one week away from my due date with my second son, i was touched by the little things you remembered and how you so graciously released your own disappointment in things not going according to your plan. thank you also for your testimony to God’s faithfulness–a reminder i definitely needed as i anticipate going through the labor and delivery process again! i can’t wait to continue reading your thoughts and perspective on motherhood!
kate
Oh my gosh, tearing up over here! So sweet and he’s precious!
I love your birth story! It gives a lot of insight for future mommas, and your writing is so beautiful.
Awesome, awesome, awesome!
I have so enjoyed reading this! You’ve inspired me to write my own. Thanks a caboodle for sharing 🙂
Oh. wow. I feel like I just watched a movie and I can’t stop crying. Such a beautiful experience. That’s all I can even say…I can’t see the computer screen because of the tears! Help me! 🙂
Hi Katie,
I found your bog through the Petersik’s blog. Like every other person here you got me crying at work! I felt such a joy at finaly reading the birth part, you really had me captivated! Congratulations!!!! A few years ago my cousin gave birth to 9 pounder baby girl and I was in the delivery room with her. She almost went in for the C-section but suddenly everything progressed quickly and she was able to push her out. I’m in awe of women like you and her.
God belss you and your new baby and your family and your blog too!
Such a beautiful story! Your writing is wonderful!
You made me cry, Katie!!! Congrats again!
Oh my God! I don’t even know you and I am literally sitting here at my computer crying. You are such a beautiful writer! Congratulations on the new baby! He’s precious!
Luckily I’m not at work like many of the other commenters, but you’ve got another crier here… And even moreso when I just read what your father-in-law posted above – how lovely! Katie, I wish your family all the best and sincerely thank you for sharing your story!
Perfect. So worth the wait.
I’ve just reading your birth story! Thank you so much for sharing it and every emotion with us, it made my eyes swell with sad and then happy tears for you! Congrats again on Will, he truly is such a handsome baby!
Thank you for sharing your story! It was beautiful! I am sitting here crying (doesn’t help that I am 38 weeks pregnant!) at just God’s amazing faithfulness and that you and Jeremy could see His hand at work throughout the whole process. Will is blessed to have you guys as parents – congratulations!
Beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing with us. What a perfect little family you have! Big big congratulations. 🙂 You’re a great writer as well!
… and another crier here too! Totally in tears… love this final (I think) chapter to the birth story!
Bravo…. Amazing… Beautiful… Inspiring… Awesome… 🙂
Love to you!!!
What a beautiful birth story! Thank you so much for sharing it in so much detail. It was wonderfully written and so moving to read. I definitely shed a few tears reading this one! Babies are such sweet blessings.
Congratulations, again, on such a sweet little bundle of joy!
What a perfect ending to a perfecet story! He is sucha beautiful baby Katie! You guys should be proud parents of such a bundle of joy.
I’ve missed out on a few posts, so I’ll catch up here:
Love the latest photo of the week! He is just too darn cute;-)
I’m loving the blog layout a lot more! I do remember when you were on blogger. And I happily followed you over here!
The placemat pillow is a nice addition to the den!
I agree with your blog tips, although I would love to have you check me out if you have a chance!
Oh and one last thing, are you attending any blog conferences? Like blissdom? I would love to meet you one day! We both live in Atlanta so it doesn’t have to be at a conference. I just think that your’e really cool;-)
Have a great Sunday evening!
I’m 19 weeks pregnant and I have to tell you, I’ve had the best time reading your birth story! This is also my first and I’ve never anticipated anything so much in my life as the moment I get to hold this baby in my arms! Reading your post, the moments after delivery seem to be even more anticipated now! God bless you and your family and thank you for detailing your experience! You’ve inspired me so much!
~Although I should have waited to read this at home, I’m crying like a moron at work right now 😉
I made it to the part where Jeremy is about to bring Will over to you for the first time and I have to stop. I’m at my desk in the office I share with two other people and I’m about to start sobbing. Happy tears of course, but not appropriate before 5! 😉 Congratulations!
I’ve been keeping up with your birth story and am so glad you had such a positive outlook on your delivery.
I wanted to let you know that you can still have a natural labor even after a c-section. I had an emergency c-section (and a long labor) with my second, and my third was born completely naturally in about 5 hours, weighing in at 9 lbs. 9 oz. Sometimes, the medical community can give mixed messages about the possibility and advisability of a VBAC. So here is som encouragement from a random stranger–it CAN be done! (Not that you’re ready to think about that yet…)
Also loved the post about Cran-Grape being a post-pregnancy essential. With my first child, it was Cran-Raspberry for me. It totally helped with those middle-of-the-night feedings!
Katie,
I am crying on the couch cuddled up next to my three month old. I couldn’t relate to you more.
xoxo
So made me cry infront of everyone in my office now. I am not nearly ready for a baby, but after reading this, I am warming up to the idea.
love from South Africa
oh man…i should NOT have read this at work! so beautifully written and sweet, I can’t wait to have a baby with my love!
Well…here I am, crying at work. Just wanted to say Congrats!
aww thanks Claudia.
xo – kb
Such a great story… my little girl (born in March) was 9lbs 8.9ounces! I was able to have her vaginally, but my dreams of an all natural birth weren’t realized either… after 14 hours of labor and only progressing to 6cm I had to have an epidural and pitocin to speed things up to avoid a csection.. she was born after 21 hours, only 3 hours short of having to get the csection… I was disappointed, but you’re right… when you hear that first cry, none of the other circumstances matter!! Congrats again… he’s beautiful!
This summer I had my rotation in labor and delivery as a student nurse. I can’t say that I know how you feel since I dont have children yet. But I am so happy that the student nurse and midwife were there to support you. If you had asked me a year ago about going natural during labor I would have thought you were insane. But now I understand why people choose that path. Its a brave choice to make and you were strong to bear through it all. You are so incredible for sharing this, Thank you! xoxo
I just read your whole story after being linked from your 2010 recap. So wonderful. I’m in tears!
Katie,
I’ve been following the blog for a while now and just read the whole Birth Saga and this last installment left me smiling through my blubbering and nose-blowing. This is a beautiful story, thank you for sharing!
Lots of love from British Columbia, Canada
Thank you so much Steph…it means a lot to know that Will’s arrival touches people even 9 months later 🙂
xo – kb
Hey there! I’ve been following for a while now and I have to ask: how did you get in such great shape after your baby? You look AMAZING. Really. I’ve been married for 6 years and we’re thinking about having a baby soon, and as horrible as it sounds, I’m terrified that I will never look the same (my genetics are against me). I was wondering if you had any words of wisdom to pass along. I love how I look now- I exercise and eat right, but I’m just worried about stretch marks and having a stomach that never returns to normal. I feel silly even writing this, but I’d love to have some advice from your real life experience! Thanks so much for your blog and for being so real.
-Lauren
Hi Lauren,
As a gal that gained sixty pounds during her pregnancy, I can safely say that my number one weight loss tip is to breastfeed. Also – don’t worry about stretch marks…almost all women get them. I have them and am proud of them…even if I don’t flaunt them around….I feel like they are my battle wounds and evidence that my body grew another human being. Plus…you will have this amazing wonderful reward at the end of the entire thing – and personally, I would trade a fit stomach for that any day of the week.
xo – kb
I have stumbled upon your website via Young House Love and this post has me in tears. I had the very same experience with the emergency c-section and although it wasn’t perfect, it all worked out perfectly! Amen!! x
What an amazing birth story (and amazing woman you are for going through it). I’m so sorry that your doctor put you through such a scary experience by not asking for your permission, or at least explaining what was going on with the breaking of the waters. I had a very similar birthing experience (minus the scary doctor thankfully). Wanting to go the natural route, but baby had her own thing in mind. My cervix also started to close back up because her head was pressing against it and making it swell. After 66 hrs of labor, they determined that she was “sunny-side up” and wouldn’t come out on her own, so a c-section it was. Frankly after that long I was kind of glad to have it done, I was too exhausted to imagine pushing.
Trust me, as someone who’s delivered babies both ways (a 7 lb 12 oz one by c-section, and a 10 lb one naturally)… the vaginal delivery was much easier, even with a big baby.
I just found out I’m pregnant. Literally, just found out 3 days ago. We aren’t telling anyone for a few weeks, and I’ve been bursting at the seams to share – in fact, this comment will be the very first time I’ve let anyone know except my husband. I’ve been reading all I can, looking at fun baby things online, and reading every single Baby Bower post this morning. I’m not sure if it’s the pregnancy hormones or what, but this post made me cry, it is so sweet. I cannot wait. Thank you!
Aww!! Congrats Ashley! I am so excited for you! I know exactly that feeling of shouting it from the rooftops and telling random people – like the checkout girl at Walmart 🙂
xo – kb
I looked up your story today as I sit on my ball feeling sad because I am 40+1 and my little man has yet to join us, and I remembered reading before that you went 41+. I too hope to go natural but your story makes me feel so much better about everything, so thank you for sharing!
What a sweet sweet story. My Colton was 9 lbs and 9 oz. I went naturally and after having him and how big he was I really was wishing for a c-section. Sorry that you didn’t get to do your birth plan but luckily everything turned out how it was supposed to.
Beautiful birth story! I remember that collective gasp in the OR! haha, same thing with me and my first baby. I was induced and got an epidural against my will (I also had wanted a natural birth), pushed for over 3 hours, and then had the c/s. I was so exhausted. When they pulled my 9lb6 oz, 21.75″ baby from my womb, everyone gasped: “he’s huge! you birthed a toddler!”
Guess what? I was able to have a completely natural (no intervention whatsoever) VBAC 22 months later, and my baby girl was 9lb8oz. It was amazing. You should TOTALLY go for a VBAC– it is WORTH IT!!!!!
Find a supportive and loving midwife to take care of you… and I also highly recommend a program called Hypnobabies (it REALLY helps to enter deep relaxation in labor).
Thanks for sharing your birth story and I can’t wait to read the next one when you birth baby #2!
Since coming across your blog from Young House Love, I have really come to love your blog. In reading your birth experience with Will, it reminded me so much of my experience with my son. After laboring and stalling at 4.5 centimeters, my son was also born via c-section, due to the fact that he was 10 pounds, 12 ounces. I can totally relate to the cries of “he’s huge” in the OR. I know this post is rather old, but I am really enjoying going through your old posts. Thanks so much for sharing!
Lol I’ve given birth naturally twice… First daughter was 8.11, second was 9.10 lbs… One 22, the other 23″ long. So I had 3 month olds like you! I honestly wonder if a c-section wouldn’t have been easier… Third degree tears are no fun!!! -_- good luck with your VBac! And if you don’t have a midwife around, a doula is a great help!!
Wow. That’s all I can say after reading your story. Thank you for being willing to share. My husband and I inching closer and closer to starting a family of our own and I was just moved by yours. I saw your recent post about expecting your second and that is so exciting. Congratulations to your beautiful family.
Your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m expecting my first, just entering the second trimester and I’ve been terrified of the actual labour. The joy you felt is incredible, I hope I am a fraction as strong as you were in your faith and your love. Thank you for sharing your story.
Katie, This is SO beautiful! I am crying at work. I read this, after reading Weston’s birth story! 🙂