in lauren's eyes

During my labor I had Kiel, my sister Corey, and my best friend Lauren present.  I wanted Lauren there to be the voice of reason (if needed) and to take photos of the event.  While being a support person during labor she also wrote down the experience through her eyes.  She typed up emails to me on her phone documenting my labor as she saw it.  This was not on her list of "duties" that I had typed up and emailed to her earlier in my pregnancy.  This was something she did for me that I will forever cherish.  Here are her words:

Email #1
Subject: :)
it is 2:38am and i am sitting in the corner of your hospital room in a rocking chair.
corey is also here and kiel is watching the monitors as if they hold the secrets to all of life's greatest mysteries.
he's nervous. it's written all over his face.
he's worried about you. he's worried about your son. he's reminding you to breath through the contractions bc even though you got an epidural, he can still see them on the monitor.
baby boy's heartbeat dips a bit during a contraction but then it pops right back up. maybe the cord is wrapped around his neck a bit? i have faith that he will arrive safely and you will fall instantly in love (well, you already have).
i am so proud of you for making it this far.
you created and then carried your son for ~10 months. you gained the necessary weight, took the classes, prepared for your biggest assignment to date. you are doing a wonderful job.
i know that kiel is going to be an amazing father - just as you will be an amazing mother.
i will watch everything you do and use it as an example for when (or if?) i have children of my own. i am excited to learn from you.
when i snapped that photo of you and kiel tonight - the last one of the two of you - my heart warmed.
one chapter of your life is ending and another beginning. the best story yet.
more later.
xox
*

Email #2

Subject: pt 2

it is now 4:06am.
i am sitting on the tiny stool at the end of your bed. contractions are coming faster now. when one ends, another starts about one minute later.
you are using breathing and vocal techniques to get through them. you are feeling a ton of pressure.
right now, you are scared. you are letting us know about your fears - the biggest of which is pooping on the table! let it go, lady! do whatever you have to do to get your son here and into your arms.
i hope that you will be able to let (most of) your inhibitions go. you have three people here with you who love you and support you 110%. we support you, kiel, the baby, and the start of your family.
you are in pain. mostly pressure. some pain. kiel asked you what hurts and you plainly said 'my vagina'! he's a man...he wouldn't understand. :)
you are currently experiencing a strong, double wave of contractions. he is on his way.
trust in the fact that your body knows what to do and that you are strong enough to push him out.
you have always dreamed of being a mother.
today, that dream comes true.
:)
xox

Email #3

Subject: pt 3

7:30 am

your son is here! :)
you pushed and pushed and pushed and the doctor was not happy with his position and his heart rate.
a couple more big pushes and he confirmed that a c-section was necessary.
immediately kiel snapped into action and said 'whatever we gotta do'.  you were anxious. 'do whatever.'
corey and i were asked to leave the room while melissa reinserted your catheter and prepped you for surgery.
to the waiting room we went.
an hour went by and then some.
a nurse walked by and she said, can i help you?  we asked about baby st. george and she gave a thumbs up. "all went well!". awesome.
we waited again.
texts began to arrive from kiel.
at this point, all we know is that the baby weighs 8lbs 10ozs. :) a big boy!!
we are all anxiously awaiting our turn to meet him. feed that babe so we can come in! :)
xox

Every time I read these emails I can't help but cry.  These are special memories from the most wonderful day of my life.  I am so grateful to have had Lauren in the birthing room with me.  Every girl should have a friend as caring, generous, thoughtful, and loving as Lauren.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend and 'auntie' for Maddex!