Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Gabriel's birth story












As Wayne mentioned in the last post, Gabriel arrived very quickly! We were supposed to go to the Kaiser hospital in San Francisco, but when I called at 5:15 am, the nurse told me they had no beds available there and that we would have to go to Oakland. If you're not familiar with the bay area, the Kaiser hospital in SF is about a 15-20 minute drive and Oakland is a little "iffy" with possible traffic on the freeway, crossing the bay on the Richmond bridge, etc, so it can be a 30-40 minute drive. So, I was a little nervous and told the nurse "I delivered my first son an hour and a half after starting contractions," to which she replied "Well, you better get moving, then!" So, Wayne drove 80 mph on the freeway and we even ran a couple of red lights once we got to Oakland. Thankfully, it was early Sunday morning and not much traffic! My water broke in the car just before we got there (nice). We pulled up to the ER entrance around 6 am and he was delivered at 6:33! I think I pushed 4 or 5 times, and out he came! Wayne and Micah had gone back down to move the car and when they walked back into the room, Gabriel was coming out!

He's a tiny, beautiful little guy. Our newborn clothes even swallow him! He's doing well, and I'm doing well. Yesterday, I felt like a zombie. Today, I feel more like a normal person. I think I had about 5 hours of sleep last night which is 2 more than the night before at the hospital. We came home yesterday afternoon. Continue to pray for Micah and for us to have grace and patience with him; he's having a hard time. He seems to have a real attachment to Wayne, following him everywhere crying a lot, wanting him to hold him, and he's not having a lot to do with me and certainly not the baby right now. I think it will take some time.

I'm glad the baby's here and that all went well. Rejoice with us over this new blessing from God!

12 comments:

Amy D said...

We are so happy for you guys Kelly! So thankful that all went well and will be praying for Gabriel as he grows, you as you recover, Micah as he adjusts and both you and wayne as you navigate this time. Love you!!!

Anonymous said...

YEAH!! Congrats. I can not believe you had to drive to OAKLAND!! AHHHHHH. Well way to go Wayne.. I dont even know where the hospital in Oakland is so way to go Wayne! Love you both, Becky

Pete and Kimberly said...

Congratulations! Gabriel is an absolutely beautiful little boy! We are happy for you guys, and hope Micah adjusts soon. Glad you got some extra sleep. How fun that you and Michelle had your babies so close together!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Your story reminds us of the story we told you about Steve and Laura in Scotland. Sounds like National Health Care UK style is taking over the US Medical system...only we have to pay!

You four are in our prayers as we leave CA tomorrow. Especially for Micah as he adjusts to a new family member and not having mom 100% to himself.

Love,
Brett & Mary

MMA Lady said...

What a beautiful boy! Way to (just!) get to the hospital on time! I will be praying for all four of you. Love you so much -
Amy Sickle :o)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! He is just beautiful. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. We will continue to pray for Micah during this time. Kelly you look awesome. I believe you do know somethin bout birthin them babies :)
love Michelle and Todd

Kecia said...

Congratulations! He's so tiny, and gorgeous! And Kelly, you look way too good. I'm glad you made it to the hospital-phew.

Lydster said...

He's such a beautiful baby you guys - I'm sure you know that already :) When Hudson arrived, Silas didn't want anything to do with him for awhile. He was protesting, and yet a little curious. 1 1/2 yrs later he loves his brother so much he wants to "give him lovin" all the time. Praying for Micah's transition, and for you all - two is much different than one, at least in our experience! love you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Kelly and Wayne!! The baby is beautiful. You lucked out on the labor this time, even though the drive was long! Now you have two beautiful boys...we'll keep you in our prayers and ask for Micah's quick adjustment to having a brother. So glad you will be in Arkansas soon - hope we can see you guys. Love to all - Lisa

Anonymous said...

What sweet photos! Gabriel is so beautiful. I can't believe you had to drive all the way to Oakland. So sorry about your water breaking in the car! I think you are amazing to only labor for 1.5 hours. Awesomeness.

When we delivered Schäfer in Hong Kong, there were lots of hospital issues because there were no beds. We were quite nervous because the doctors only work out of certain hospitals and we really wanted our doctor. Thankfully, everything worked out, but it was stressful to be in labor and not sure where to go!

We're remembering you guys right now with all the feedings and lack of sleep and balancing time with Micah.

MichelleWebb said...

Congratulations Womacks! Gabriel is beautiful and doesn't look that "tiny" - especially in the picture of him on his stomach. We're so happy for you guys and that's awesome you didn't have to endure much labor. Praise God for your gift!

sara said...

The exact same thing happened to us...we had to deliver in Oakland!! We called SF Kaiser and they had no beds so we had to cross the bridge...I know how you felt! We'll have to swap stories soon. Can't wait to see the little guy!
Congratulation! I praise God for your new son and continue to pray for Micah.