She's here!

"She's here!"

That was the text that went out at 5:35pm on Tuesday, September 4th announcing the arrival of Hattie Appleton Kratz.  Our newest baby girl had entered the world quite rapidly, surprisingly and, well--just perfectly.  It's true what they say about birth plans--life doesn't always stick to the plan.  Though a little long, here is your story, Hattie:

Hattie,
Your birthday started off very quietly.

Your big brother didn't wake us up early--he was spending the night at Papa and GamGam's--so Daddy and I slept in a little.  Your dad had thrown out his back a couple days earlier, and after a full day of laying on his back in pain he thought he would be brave and strong (and stubborn) and go to work.  So, because his back was such a disaster, I drove him and dropped him off.

After dropping him at work, I made my way to my OB appointment.  It was there that Dr. Cueto informed me that I had not progressed any from the prior appointment and that it was highly likely that I wouldn't be having you anytime soon.  We talked about some options, and decided that we would schedule an induction for Friday, September 7th.  I walked out of the appointment a little disappointed that I would have to wait a couple more days to meet you.  According to my calculations, my due date should have been August 23rd.  According to the last ultrasound, you were measuring to arrive on September 1st.  September 7th would be okay--but any longer than that and I would be delivering a ten pound baby!  I called your dad and informed our family that Friday would be the day.

After the appointment, I picked up Liam at GamGam's and then your dad at work (his pain was stronger than his stubborness) and we went home.  I felt great.  Dad went back to his ice pack on the couch and your big brother and I went upstairs for stories and nap.  He chose "Hannah's Baby Sister," a story about a girl, Hannah, who awaits and anticipates the arrival of her baby sister--who turns out to actually be a baby brother.  Liam fell asleep and I went to work on booking a hotel for our Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii.

2pm: I decide to take my vacation planning to the bed.  I start feeling some strong contractions.  I wonder: "maybe I am going into labor," but then second guess myself thinking that there is no way.  Just for kicks, I start timing my contractions--about 4 minutes apart and thirty seconds long.

3:30pm: I text Mimi, GamGam and your aunts to let them know that I was having some strong contractions but "They may not lead to anything.  I am not going to the hospital or anything.  Just wanted to give you a heads up in case."

4pm: I call my doctors office and speak with the advice nurse.  I told her that my contractions were getting closer together, but not getting any longer.  They had been about 40-45 seconds for a while and they had told me to come when they were closer to a minute.  The nurse told me that it sounded less like active labor and more like braxton hicks or very early labor.  I let her know that I really didn't want to go to the hospital just to be sent home.  She told me that I probably didn't need to come in.

4:30pm: I start feeling like we should pack the car and get someone to come watch Liam.  I wake your dad up, tell him to start packing and ask GamGam to come over.

4:45pm: Dr. Cueto calls the house to talk to me and I am in so much pain I can't walk to the phone.  He says to come to the hospital right away.

5:00pm: GamGam arrives and we rush out the door.  I grab a towel just in case my water breaks on the way.  GamGam says that when I walked out, it looked like I was doing my best to hold you in!

5:05pm: We get close to the freeway and notice that traffic is bad--really bad.  It is at this point that I think, I really hope we don't have this baby in the car--there is no way I am getting these skinny jeans off by myself!  This is about the time I stopped timing my contractions and they are two minutes apart, 50 seconds long.

5:20pm: We arrive at the hospital and see Dr. Cueto pulling out.  I am not really too worried though, I will have plenty of time to check in, get to our room, labor for a couple more hours, and then he can come back and deliver you.

5:24pm: I sign my hospital admittance paperwork.  The receptionist takes her sweet time to get everything together and call a nurse to walk us to our room.  As I am bowled over the desk, writing in pain, she comments on my jewelry and handbag.  "Thank you," I say: "Can you direct me to a bathroom?  I need to go right away."

They finally take me to my room and I rush to the restroom, and a couple minutes later I hear the nurses asking Matt to get me out--they want to make sure to check my dilation first--just in case I am too far along, they didn't want you born in the toilet.  They were very considerate nurses.

5:30pm:  The nurse checks me and then scares me: "Her head is right here!" she said.  "Someone call Dr. Cueto and tell him to get back here right now.  This baby is coming!"

I had a moment of panic.  This wasn't how it was supposed to go.  I was supposed to have time to lay down, laugh with Matt, allow family to arrive, and to make memories in the hospital waiting for you to arrive.  But the moment of panic didn't last too long...

"Matt--where is the camera?" I shout to your dad.  He runs to the car (broken back and all) to get it and barely arrives back in time.

5:34pm: Dr. Cueto rushes in and tells me to push.

5:35pm: You graced the world, and my arms, with your presence.  You were calm.  You were quiet (a little worrisome to me).  You were perfect.  You are perfect.  I spent the next hour with you on my chest, your dad by my side.  Just the three of us getting to know you.  All 7 pounds, 11 ounces of you.  We kissed your sweet, chubby cheeks.  We counted your toes.  And thankfully, the ultrasound technician was wrong--your feet are normal sized:)  You remained very quiet--no cries for quite a while.  The only sound you made was a piggy snort as you breathed, which apparently is normal in fast births. In just eleven minutes from the time we checked in at the front desk, our lives changed dramatically. I want to thank you for your tenacity to get out of the womb quickly.  I am a big proponent of efficiency, and you are already showing me that you are too.

Your daddy asked to pray for you, and we huddled close as he prayed for your protection, your health, your character and as he asked the Lord to give us the wisdom to raise you well.    Our life is blessed.  Your life has already been blessed by your creator.  He formed you perfectly.  He chose your destiny and He has determined that we would have the honor to raise you.  We are proud to be your parents and I already can't imagine our home without you in it.

Happy BIRTHday, Hattie.