Since you can plan these things and all, I started manifesting a super easy birth and a slightly earlier delivery (end of August vs. September 3rd) so that I could selfishly enjoy the tail end of rosé season.
All jokes aside, I was lucky enough to end up getting both wishes!
After a peaceful delivery, Camille James Karl entered the world on August 26th at 7:26 AM!
The birth story…
On the evening I went into labor, I had already had a full day of work, an appointment with my doctor and even got my hair colored in anticipation of not being able to go anywhere for 6 weeks following the birth of the baby. I remember joking with my stylist that it’d be the perfect night to go into labor since my hair was all blown out and looking fab!
My husband and Gino went to my in-laws for dinner but I decided to stay back as I was feeling tired. When they returned home I unknowingly did the nighttime bed/bath routine with Gino for the last time with him as my only baby!
Later that evening around 9 PM I started to have regular contractions. I downloaded a contraction tracking app and planned to hold out until they were coming consistently at 3-4 minutes apart (vs. 5 minutes). With baby #2 I really wanted to maximize my time laboring at home vs. at the hospital.
I noticed my contractions were coming steadily around 4:44 (my angel number) and I took it as a sign to get ready for the hospital. We called Matt’s parents, who thankfully live just 3 minutes away from us, to come and spend the night with Gino.
We grabbed our bags and headed to the hospital around 11 PM anxious to meet our girl!
Once we got the hospital and entered triage to confirm that I was in fact in labor, the next thing I needed to do was to be tested for COVID. I can confidently say the COVID test was the WORST and most painful part of my entire labor experience. Holy WOW, I did not expect the nose swab to hurt that bad!
After about an hour of waiting on the COVID test results to confirm I was negative, we were admitted to labor and delivery. (For anyone who is pregnant during the pandemic and curious here’s the protocol at my hospital: if you test positive at the hospital for COVID they admit you to a special wing of labor and delivery. You ARE allowed to bond with baby an hour after delivering and baby will remain in your room afterwards but separated by a clear sheet).
Just like my labor with Gino, I really wanted to get to at least 5 CM before asking for the epidural which for me was around 3 AM (3 hours or so after being admitted to L&D).
I was extremely nervous for the epidural even though I had a great experience with Gino. Thankfully it was quick and painless. I still hold to it that the COVID test was worse!
After receiving my epidural they broke my water and Matt and I slept for about 2 hours.
Around 5 AM, the nurse came in to check my progress and was a little shocked to see I had only dilated 1 more centimeter (6 CM total). Upon further inspection it appeared they didn’t fully break my water the first time! So, they brought a doctor in to break the rest of the water and afterwards things progressed VERY quickly.
Within an hour, I had progressed to 10 CM and it was time to push! Luckily my doctor, who I LOVE, arrived just in time to deliver the baby. With just two easy pushes our sweet baby girl entered the world and was in my arms!
She was even more perfect than I could ever have imagined! We spent that first magical hour skin to skin, soaking in all those dreamy newborn snuggles and smells.
Since we’re in the midst of a pandemic, that meant no visitors at the hospital. Even though we couldn’t wait for our family, especially big brother Gino, to meet her, it was kind of nice to have a full day to ourselves getting to know our new, sweet baby girl.
We were able to leave the hospital after a short 24 hour stay and headed home with baby sister in tow!
I’ll never forget the moment Gino met Cami. We walked into the door and he ran over to us exclaiming “Hi Cami” and perched a little kiss on her head. I can’t wait to watch the two of them grow to be the best of friends.
I am so grateful for the peaceful birthing experience, the care of my doctors and nurses and the support of our family. It truly takes a village to bring a new life into this world.
Camille has expanded our hearts to double the size and our family now feels complete. I’m not sure how we ever lived without her!
Leave a Reply