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Our Delivery We scheduled to deliver Daniel for Friday, November 6, 2015 at 7:00am. It was exciting to know we would meet our son but terrifying to have such an unpredictable outcome. The day prior to our delivery we met with one of the delivery nurses and our nurse anesthetist to review our birthing plan. We did not want any intrusive procedures for our son because we wanted to enjoy the time we had with him in our arms. The plan was for him to be handed to us upon birth and stay with us for the length of life he was given by God.
At 5:00 on the morning of our delivery date, we arrived at the hospital to prepare to meet Daniel. We listened to his heartbeat, which was about 150 beats per minute, for the hours leading up to our scheduled c-section. Finally it was time and the nurses wheeled me back to the delivery room with my husband by my side. As the doctor began the surgery, I began praying to God and Mary to give my son life and protect him during birth. One of the nurses leaned down to ask if I needed something and I told her I was praying, she responded, "me too". My husband held my hand as the nurse explained what was going on behind the sheet. She said, "I can see his tiny feet... His little butt is out now... His little hands are out." I loved that she told me what was going on. Then, just before they pulled his head out we heard a beautiful little cry. I verified with the nurse that it was him that cried because I couldn't believe we got to hear him cry. I began crying thanking God for such a blessing to hear our son cry. As soon as Daniel made his entrance, at 8:38am,my husband cut the umbilical cord and the doctor laid him on my chest. As soon as I laid my eyes on his precious face I fell in love with my son who I had carried for the last 36 weeks. He was alive. They checked his heartrate which was already down to 61 beats per minute so we knew our time was limited. I wished him happy birthday and I baptized him with the holy water and oil my husband had brought with him. We prayed with Daniel as we held him, kissed his cheeks and wept. When we got back to our hospital room Daniel was still alive but his heartrate was lowering. We read two books to him, sang Happy Birthday and said some more prayers with him. Then at 10:07am, 89 minutes after he entered the world, his soul left us. The doctor shook his head and I knew Daniel was gone before he said anything. |
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