A Baby Story: Loopy Lucy, You got some 'splainin' to do!!

inthemoodent
Nov 4, 2014
3 min read

A child is a physical expression of the love between 2 people...or the evidence of a drunken, lonely night, just depends…lol! The former is true in the case of my precious little Lucy, named after legendary entertainer, Lucille Ball, as I have continuously butchered Desi Arnez's accent throughout her lifetime.

My husband and I had been going through some problems. We had grown distant after suffering a miscarriage, if you can even call it that. On our 8 week visit, we expected to see what I call the ‘teddy bear’. A tiny little fetus with 2 stumps for arms and 2 stumps for legs, much like a teddy bear. Unfortunately, the amniotic sac was there, but no bear. And even though there was no actual life, the feeling of loss was the same because we were expecting a baby. My husband buried himself in work and I went into reclusion.

So imagine our delight when we discovered Ms. Lucy was on her way! I was a busy mom with a 3 year old and a midday show on the local radio station, not to mention church obligations. Even pregnant, I don’t know how to sit still. I was at my desk joking and laughing with my co-worker as usual. I don’t’ even remember who/what we talking about, but I was literally laughing until my stomach hurt and I was out of breath. “STOP! Before you make me go into labor,” I begged. It must’ve been a Wednesday night because my family and I went to church. I was tired so we prayed and skipped the bible study. At about 9p, my stomach started feeling weird, like I ate something that disagreed with me. I paid it no attention and went to sleep.

4am. The discomfort (I wouldn’t even call it pain) was still there. It didn’t hurt but it was coming every 15 mins. Considering the previous ordeal with my oldest, I didn’t want to take any chances. So we proceeded to the hospital. I walked in cool, calm, collected. The cheery, front desk clerk beams, “What are you here for today, ma’am?” Um…I’m 9 months pregnant in labor and delivery at 5 o’clock in the morning…WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK I’M HERE FOR?

‘I’m in labor…’

“Oh!” she jumps up and gets me a wheelchair and proceeds to take me into the triage area. I guess because I wasn’t causing a fuss no one believed I was about to deliver. I told my husband, I’m right about here. (pointing at 7 on the dilation chart.)

The nurse went as far as to laugh in my face. “so you think you’re in labor, huh? Let’s see. The monitor is saying you are having a contraction right now.”

“I am,” I say without missing a breath.

After checking my cervix, her eyes got as big as saucers. You’re 7 centimeters.

“Told you…”

Once in the delivery room, the nurse asked if I wanted some meds. I cannot have an epidural because of the back surgery I had as a teenager. Too many components going on in my back to be sticking needles and stuff back there. So I got something in my IV. “Now, this is going to make you feel a little loopy. OK?” warned the nurse.

Not quite sure what my definition of loopy is, but I’d be such a bad drug addict. I did not like the way the room was spinning and I had no real control over my senses. I actually had a panic attack! I tried to get up and leave the hospital! Luckily, they calmed me down. I just laid there with my eyes closed waiting for that feeling to subside. The pain…barely noticeable. Giving birth to here was a breeze. She came into this world quietly…without much fanfare. And she’s been making up for it ever since! She’s energetic, upbeat, and full of life! The co-worker who sent me into labor is a red-headed cutie pie just like Lucy’s first crush.

That’s her story and I’m sticking to it.