Monday the 15th around 8:30 pm I checked in on Kayla and she said she'd had some contractions and got them to about 5 minutes apart but now it'd been 30 minutes since the last one. She was going to try to sleep - Alex was working. K's parents were in NC with her.
Around 11 pm I was texting with K and talking to X on the phone at the same time. He was so hoping he'd get a call that she was in labor - but thought she was sleeping - meanwhile K was trying to decide if this was really labor. K and I were googling labor stages and asking Kambree her opinion and I was just talking to Alex about what his plan was if this is it! (I didn't tell him I was texting his wife about her contractions - I figured that was her call to make when she thought it was time!) I made him promise to call if she told him to come home. I meanwhile could not sleep and went down to the office to figure out my fastest flights to NC. I decided to just book one -not trying to go standby - because I knew I could cancel within 24 hours if it was false labor.
I got the call at 12:13 am that X was heading home (2:13 NC time). He was so excited!! He made me stay on the phone while he unloaded and checked out. Truth? I've witnessed Alex excited in the 10 years he's been our son but I have never witnesses this level of excitement! He told me he's not sure he's ever been so excited in his life?!!
He went home and they timed contractions for awhile. Meanwhile, I'm trying not to pace and/or check in every minute! At 1:36 am I got a screen shot of the app used to track contractions.
Just GO! I told them!
I got a text at 3:22 am that they were waiting to get admitted. She was dilated to a 3.
I think I got a Snapchat when she got officially admitted but it was within the hour. There was no sleeping for this grandma. I got up and finished packing and showered.
I checked in when I got to the airport around 7:30 am and she was still a 3 but had her epidural and I was on my way!
We checked in with each other through the day, between flights, and there was a scare when they brought up C section because the babies heart rate was dropping during contractions. Alex gave her a blessing. My mom put her and Paisley's name on the temple prayer rolls and we were all praying from all over the country that everything would be ok. The doctor managed to help the baby re-position and all was well. But for a minute K was up on her hands and knees - with an epidural - the only position the baby's heart rate wouldn't drop in. What a strong and amazing mama!
I flew on American from Salt Lake through Dallas then on to Charlotte (where I paid extra to fly on a sooner flight) then finally to Jacksonville. I had reserved a rental car but was late and ALL THE CARS were sold out at the airport. I took a Lyft to the hospital. The longest hour long drive ever!
I FINALLY made it and text Alex at 8:47 that I was standing outside the labor and delivery doors - he came out and told me she was getting ready to push! "GO! JUST GO!" I said and hugged him quick.
I settled down in the waiting room with another mom waiting on her daughter in law and plugged in my phone, put on my slippers and had just barely gotten comfortable when I got a Snapchat video of our precious Paisley. She was born at 9:09 pm. I made it to the hospital with 21 minutes to spare!
I burst into tears - as did her aunts at home - it was a group Snapchat video. Then we got a few more Snapchat pictures from the proud papa:
Oh my sweet K. She was exhausted - had a very tough last hour as her epidural had worn off on her left side.
Her parents arrived -they'd gone home to feed Harley and let her out - and we waited until around 11:00 pm to go back.
Super tired dad
I made a 2 am run to McDonald's to feed the hungry parents - as that was the only thing open that time of the night - and made it back to get them tucked into their room.
Here's my last pic of the day - X in awe of his daughter:
April 17th
Meeting Grandpa James on Facetime
Alex was sitting over by me watching Kayla nurse and he whispers, "Mom, why are girls so good at this? They just know what to do. Look at her - she just seems to know what she's doing and it just comes so natural." Yes. Alex. She's a mom. And she is a natural!
Here's Alex completing his first diaper change - he's a natural too or at least will be by the end of the week!
Skin to skin with dad...
April 18th -discharge day!
Snapchat that morning - hopefully I get at least one of these everyday?
And these darling pictures I stole from K's Facebook post:
I had their car and came to pick them up. I was more than happy to hang out with Sweet Baby P while the nurse went over discharge instructions.
Harley meeting her baby sister...
Paisley was perfect in every shot - but grandma's trying to get a good selfie!
Harley wanted in on the selfie action too!
April 19th
I got to change her after her first official blow out. So of course we had to try out the baby girl accessories:
That head garter was just too big! Huh Pais? Yes this is much better grandma!
Saying goodbye to my Sweet P
Alex drove me to the airport and said, "Mom - look at your shirt!" Ha! Ha!
I actually didn't get on my flight and came back that night - in a rental car - spent the night and left again the next morning. Made it home Saturday around 9 pm.
What an amazing, wonderful, crazy and life changing week!
Wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Welcome to the world Paisley - we love you so very much!!
Paisley Kay Richhart
April 16th 2019
Born 9:09 pm
6 lbs 13 ounces
20.5 inches long
