I remember not sleeping very well the night before. I thought I had an upset stomach and didn't think much of it. I woke up in the morning as if nothing was wrong. I got up and did my cardio like I did everday. I ate some breakfast and took a shower to get ready for work. It was while I was getting dressed that I realized there was no way I was going to make it at work. I called in sick that day. The first time ever. I called Ray at work to let him know I didn't feel good and decided it was best to call a doctor. I called the doctor's office to schedule an appointment. The earliest they could get me in was in 2 weeks. I then proceeded to take a bath (bad mistake). After that I discovered some bleeding. Called the doctor's office again and they could get me in that afternoon. 
I couldn't get myself to eat anything for lunch, just wasn't hungry. Drove to the doctor's office to wait for a few minutes. The nurse proceeded to ask me to pee in a cup, that wasn't happening. The doctor then came in to see me. They determined that yes indeed I was pregnant and an ultrasound would have to be done immediately. The ultra sound tech could not find the baby. She was already down and ready to come out. The doctor called an ambulance and I called Ray. Ray left work in Elkhart and flew to Goshen. The doctor arranged for a midwife to ride with me in the ambulance just incase. Julia Gautsche rode in the ambulance with me to the hospital. We found out later that the doctor (who's name I can't remember) turned in his retirement letter the next day.
I was rushed up to the labor and delivery room where the nurses were frantically getting everything ready. Ray made it into the room as I was getting ready to push. The nurses knew right away where to send him since he looked dazed and confused. :) Dr. Vancuren was on duty and the hospital and didn't get a chance to change out of his suit. Nope, Gretchen was ready to come and there was no stopping her.
3 pushes later out came a beautiful and healthy baby. She was immediately given to the pediatric who was in the room for a full checkup. She was just fine. Her parents, however, were still in shock as well as the nurses. Calls were made to parents and workplaces and visitors started coming. As the snow continues to fall outside, I am reminded of that day 5 years ago. Ray left the hospital to go home and check on the dogs and didn't come back for quite awhile. Little did I know we were having a snowstorm.
5 years later she's still full of surprises but will have one of the most interesting birthing stories ever.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRETCHEN
1 comment:
Woah, look how tiny she was..and how grown up she looks in her picture now. Happy Birthday lil' G!
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