It all happened on July 16, 2004.
That was the day that Liam came into our world and just like everybody had been telling me for the last nine months or so, everything in my world was about to change.
We had visited the doctor the day before and when Lizz came out of the examination room she calmly stated, "we're going to the hospital." As in, right now. Her blood pressure had been a little high, so the doctor determined it was go time. She was going to be admitted and labor would be induced. We were giddy as we drove home to get her bag and then back into town to the hospital. Lizz was ready, and I was as ready as I would ever be.
We didn't take any Lamaze classes, didn't watch any videos. We sat through a little lecture at the hospital, but it wasn't very detailed. So basically I had no real idea of what was to come. I figured I would be surrounded by people who knew what they were doing, did this every day and would tell me what I should and shouldn't do.
We got to Huntington Hospital and Lizz checked in. They have these very nice birthing suites - private rooms with all the pleasures of home - plus a bed that converts into a delivery table. I sat around for a while and somebody eventually told me to go home. My plan was working.
They induced Lizz the next morning and by the time I arrived she was already in major discomfort. Various doctors and nurses popped into the room, taking blood and generally doing what they do. Eventually the pain became too much for Lizz and the epidoral was scheduled. That brought Lizz to a happy place, but Liam was not being cooperative. After a few pushing attempts, the doctor explained to us that the baby was experience some stress, and although she said we could still deliver if she didn't like what she saw she would recommend a c-section. That being said, if we wanted we could just go to a c-section rather than wait out hours of pushing and pain. She said that she would leave the room and give us time to discuss it but before she even turned around Lizz said, "Let's do it!"
From that minute it was go time. The teams were assembled. The doctor and anethesiologist took us step by step through the procedure. Lizz was wheeled into the surgery room and I got into my one-size-fits-all hospital outfit. 45 minutes from the time Lizz gave the OK, Liam Francis came into our lives.
Its now been three months since that day and every day has been enhanced by this little guy. We have been lucky - he is a happy, healthy baby. Sleeps through the night now. Lots of smiles and we are getting into some real interaction, making it very hard to leave him in the morning. Like everyone says, it changes everything.
