A Text Message Says It All

Writing Gwen's birth story is still on my (growing longer) list of things to get done. I don't want to forget any detail of it so I do hope to get it written soon. While I was in labor, Tom took over my cell phone to try and keep everyone updated on our progression. I somehow thought he may be able to update the blog or send out mass emails, but there was no time for that. Ha. I love how so many of the things we had planned or talked about (like using a rolling pin on my back to relieve pain??) never happened, but I wouldn't change a thing about the labor and her delivery.

Tom could only send a text message to 10 people at a time and of course he was a tad preoccupied with also encouraging and supporting me (minor detail), so I know some people were left off text messages or received messages twice. He did the best he could though, and I enjoyed looking through all of the responses, once Gwen had safely arrived and we were settled.

Here are just a few of my favorite text messages from the day I went into labor. (Now I can finally empty my text inbox! *smile.)

After telling Trisha the morning that I was in labor...

omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg sla;jf lkjskfjlsfwoeiuanlxnl kjalk;jsfkljalskjfdskjflk I cant breathe i cant breathe (Trisha: 6:50 am)

(I told her I needed her to stay calm....*smile)

haha right. breathe. okay. this is NBD my niece/nephew is about to be born. calm is my middle name no bigs!! (Trisha: 6:54 am)

how long and how painful. details. (Natalie: 10:07 am)

you gotta call me between pain. i am dying. (Natalie: 10:27 am)

status update? :) (Trisha: 12:41 pm)

Tom sent the following email to a few friends and family right before we left for the hospital at 1:18 pm: 

Hello friends!

This is Tom writing for Sarah. Last night Sarah had mild cramps throughout the night. This morning she began having regular contractions around 8 am. They started about five minutes apart for 20-30 seconds and have progressed to three or so minutes apart lasting "a long time" (according to her). We have packed the car and are preparing to leave for the hospital shortly. 

We'll try to keep everyone updated via Sarah's blog or email. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers as we prepare to welcome baby B into the world!

Love,

Tom & Sarah

OOOOMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGG have fun!!!!!! :) (ps I don't have toms number. pls don't leave me out from txt updates!!!) (Amanda: 1:20 pm)

Tom texted: "This is Tom. Dilated to a 4." (3:49 pm)

Sweet! Has she progressed or is that what she was when she got there? how is she feeling? Omg I can't contain my excitement. (Nikki: 3:53 pm)

That's great! How is she doing? We will pray for peace, strength, patience, grace, endurance. God will get you through. He is strong and faithful. Love ya'll. (Molly: 4:11 pm)

This is the most painful yet wonderful thing you will do in your life. You can do it Sarah. Love you. Go Tom too:) (Tara: 4:19 pm)

Tom texted: "8 centimeters and water broke!" (5:17 pm)

Whooo hah! Go sarah go! You are a rock star and near the finish line! (Nikki: 5:38 pm)

We're in the waiting room. You guys can do it! (Trisha: 5:57 pm)

Super! We will be praying for you! can't wait to hear about the progression! (Liz: 6:11 pm)

Thinking of u (Robert: 6:22 pm)

Go Sarah! (Scott: 6:47 pm)

Tom texted: "Sarah is in the pushing phase! The baby will be here soon!" (6:49 pm)

Stop texting!!!! Go be with your wife!! Holy crap Tom, you're going to be a dad!!!!!!!! (Shawn: 6:53 pm)

Typical Sarah....her baby is born during survivor!! Haha jk (Liz: 7:03 pm)

Yippee! She can do it with the help of God! (Sophie: 7:22 pm)

OMG! On the edge of our seats!!! (Margie: 8:02 pm)

You can't make me wait like this :) (Natalie: 8:32 pm)

How is everyone doing??...I know I'm being annoying :)...just patiently waiting. (Liz: 8:42 pm)

Gender please :) We are going to bed and need to know this. :) (Natalie: 9:05 pm)

Grandpa is so excited! He hopes she likes trains! (My mom: 9:37 pm)

Sarah texted: "Surprise! It's a girl! We are shocked and in awe. Gwendolyn Rebecca was born at 7:17. eight lbs, one ounce, twenty inches. Beautiful water birth!" (9:53 pm)