So, as you’ve all been made readily aware… WE HAD A BABY! Now you’ve heard a bit from Jessica’s point of view, I figured I’d share a bit from my vantage point.
Friday, October 2nd
Jess wasn’t feeling the greatest as we headed off to work so I knew to be on standby to give her a ride home if she didn’t feel better by mid morning. I got the message, so I drove her home. My father-in-law, Ken, was in town for the weekend, so Krista took the afternoon off work and brought Jess some crackers.
I came home a little early and was setting up some stuff in the nursery when I heard a commotion coming from the living room. I made out the words “WATER” and “BREAK.” Jess came around the corner stating “We’re not ready, WE’RE NOT READY!” I took her to bathroom and then grabbed the pre-delivery paperwork that we had received just two days prior to look for the number for labor and delivery. I called and left a message with the doctor on call, who promptly called back. Ken and Krista were asked to be ready to pack us up an overnight bag.
“We’re not ready, WE’RE NOT READY!”
We transitioned Jess to the car. As we drove to the hospital, fuel light on, car seat still uninstalled and overnight bags not present, we laughed a bit. We spent about half the 12 minute ride in prayer, this guy was coming a month early! We walked into labor and delivery, Jess’s flip-flops sloshing and were quickly ushered into the nearest delivery room, no questions asked. Jess was feeling her contractions now. An IV drip was started with some antibiotics for a fever she had developed.
When asked when the due date was, a look of concern flashed across the attending nurse’s face. There were already a few pre-term babies ahead of us. A later chat with the pediatrician on call informed us that they didn’t have the staff to adequately treat our little guy and it was at that time that we were informed that he would be flown to St. Vincent hospital in Billings, MT. We both shared a long, knowing and emotional glance toward each other, things were about to get difficult.
I helped support a leg during active labor, would mimic the encouragement of the doctors and grab water when demanded. Every once and awhile, a funny thought would come to mind, I kept most of these to myself. At one point, I found myself pushing along with Jess. After four and a half hours of labor and 45 minutes of active pushing, Elijah Griffin Powell was born into this world at 6 lbs. 1 oz., 19 inches long and crying.
He was crying!
He was crying! That means everything is okay, right! But the cry turned to a grunt as they placed him on Jess’s chest to lock eyes for a couple, too-short minutes. I don’t think I can ever forget that moment, and the one that followed. They took him out of the room, one glance between Jess and I and into the nursery I went, knowing that I’d be in Billings within several hours and Jess still in Bozeman.
An X-ray confirmed what the doctor inferred, his lungs were full of fluid and even with oxygen, his breathing was labored. The call was placed and a flight crew dispatched. I praise God for his peace during this time. I knew things would work out.
I heard little bits of information from others regarding Jess’s condition, most of them amazed at her stamina and recovery. Sometime before midnight, Jess emerged. She showered but was weak and exhausted, wheeled in by her nurse. We held hands there for a bit, sharing nervous glances as we looked upon our son. The flight crew came and began work on stabilizing him for the journey. I took a moment during this time to go with Jess to her room, spending what would be the last substantial amount of time for a while. I headed back to the nursery where they had me wait outside the room as they intubated my son.