Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Turkey Hero and A Birthing Room


When I arrived at the hospital I went to the floor of the birthing center. The nurse told me I had my pick of rooms. By that time I was tired. So I walked into the closest one and laid down. My midwife Colleen came in - she was shocked to find me already there. Bob eventually arrived with all the trappings I thought I would need. In the end, I neither needed nor wanted any of them.

To hear Bob tell it, I spent my labor in a hot tub. First I walked and walked the corridors working to keep the labor progressing. I occassionally got into the jacuzzi. Bob, as is typical, was busier thinking about food then the impending birth of his child. He went to a deli and got himself a turkey hero and me chicken noodle soup. I tried to eat a little but just couldn't. He on the other hand had no appetite suppression issues. At the time of his dining, I was really feeling my contractions and they hurt. By this time it was probably 2pm. I had been in labor since 5am and had been traipsing across the whole city! Bob was more interested in his sandwich than the other happening in the birthing room. And then? I lost it. I lost it big time.

From my place in the jacuzzi where I was trying to lessen the impact of the contractions, I screamed, "This is not a F&*%!ng Yankee game for God's sake! Get over here right now and look at me. Do not take your eyes off of me!"

Bob promptly did exactly what he was told. There was a smirk on his face but at least he complied with my wishes. He demonstrated his love by leaving the turkey hero on the table.