Clark’s birth story by mommy

Clark, 

You’ve been here for a few days and I’m absolutely smitten! Could you be any more perfect. I’ll start with your arrival story. 

Daddy and I left Paris at 4am to get to the hospital on time. We drove the hour and 15 minute drive and I think I talked the entire time. I was so excited. And I talk when I’m nervous. 

When we got to the hospital, my nerves kicked in. I hate having csections. I hate the feeling of being cut open. They took us to our room. Daddy was still using crutches so we had to walk super slow. When we got to our room I told Daddy I remembered these rooms being way nicer and bigger. But he told me he was sure we had just forgotten and this was the same. 

They came in and did all my blood work. They take a lot of blood before you have a baby. Then they put in my IV port. I was so nervous that the nurse asked if you were my 1st. I laughed and told her 4th but it’s no easier on my worries. Dr Williams comes in and talks for a minute then he prays with us. It prayed for our Heavenly Father to guide his hands, to help mommy, and to heal daddy’s back. I love him as my dr! He’s a good man!

After all is prepped and ready. They came to take me to the OR. I hate this part the most. I hate being taken from your daddy. They put you on a very small metal type table for the surgery. First the anesthesiologist has to put in the spinal block. This time it was very painful for mommy. She hit my bone several times (4-5) then hit a nerve that sent the worst pain down my leg. It hurt so bad that I screamed. She finally got it in place. My blood pressure each time bottoms out so they have to send more medication in the IV for it. I dry heave over and over. At this point I ask when they will get your Daddy. I need him beside me because I never feel strong enough to do it alone. And Daddy is one of the only people I’m comfortable crying in front of. They get him and as soon as he holds my hand I feel a bit of relief. It’s still scary, I’m still dry heaving from my blood pressure, I can still smell the burning as they cauterize the cuts, and feel all the tugging and pressure. But it’s a bit better because I have him beside me. 

I feel them pull you out of my womb. My eyes have been closed the entire time up to this point but when I hear your sweet cry I look up and as they hold you up for me to see, you start peeing every where, including all over me. They quickly take you away and tell Daddy he can go see you and take pictures. This is always hard on Daddy because it means leaving my side. Plus this time he’s in pain when he walks. But he goes over to you and I feel so much relief. I’m in the OR for a while longer as I’m sewn back up and given nerve blocks in my stomach to help manage the pain. 

When done, Dr Williams gives me a hug and they wheel me back to my room where you and Daddy are waiting. I’m shaking uncontrollably. When I get back I want to hold you so bad but you are under the heat lamp trying to get your temperature to a normal level. When you finally do they bring you to a very shaky mom for some skin to skin and bring us several warm blankets. Daddy FaceTimes Mimi and grandpa and I FaceTime nana. They were all anxious to see you and make sure you made it safely into the world. I call papa to come get Daddy. He was in a lot of pain that day and papa takes him to his house for a rest. They take you for a while and I rest. 

As soon as I get feeling back in my legs I call the nurses. I had decided right away that I needed to get up as soon as possible so when your brothers and sister arrive, I’ll be ready for them. It’s pretty painful the first time (really the first 20 times) but I get up and walk to the bathroom to clean up. Then walk around the room. 

They bring you back to me and I’m in awe that you are really here and you are really mine. Daddy and papa head back to the hospital and nana brings Elijah, Madelynn, and Nolan to meet you. They were so happy to see you outside of my tummy. They all took turns and then took turns again to hold you. Elijah just asking you if you were Oreo pus. And Nolan kept saying tickle tickle. Madelynn just wanted to keep snuggling you. I didn’t know if I’d ever get you back (9 days later and it’s still the 1st thing they ask to do when they wake up and when they get Home from school). You are so loved by so many. 

Charity comes to stay the night with me the 1st night to help me out. I find it impossible to sleep that night. I’m sure it’s the adrenaline but every whimper you made had me up. Around 5 I finally decide to walk the halls. As I was walking one of the other doors was opened and I saw it, the awesome room I had remembered when I had Madelynn. I somehow got the crappy room this time. But in reality it doesn’t even matter. Because I have you. 

We had a series of visitors on day 2. They all told me how perfect you are. I couldn’t agree more with them. Becky spends the night with us that night. You were a bit cranky and gave us a little hard time. Once becky fell asleep she was out. Even with your crying and the lights on. It made me laugh....for the most part. 

We are so happy to have you as part of our family. We don’t know if you’ll be our last or not. I cherish holding you. I love the way you bundle so tight in my arms. I wish I could keep you little forever....and this is said through very tired times. You filled a hole in my heart. I never worried if I could love you the way I loved your siblings because I loved you the day I found out I was pregnant.