Birth Story Part II: As told by Holly because Kari was on drugs

After I read the text, my heart sank.  I was sad for Kari, and sad for her husband because he will miss the birth of his son.  Then I suddenly realize that I will be the one in the operating room. Obviously, there is no way I will leave her by herself to go through this. Panic sets in.

Before I go on, let it be known that I am the worlds biggest pansy when it comes to anything medical.  I faint at the drop of blood.  How am I supposed to be the rock in this situation? I am going to see her intestines laid out. Can I handle it? Jesus, if you are listening, please give me strength.  I put my ‘baby daddy’ pants on and mounted up… for Kari.

Before they could take her up to labor and delivery they had to start an IV.  They also had to do one in each hand. I have to say, IV’s are the worst!  They are so painful. Her veins were so small that it took eight tries, and then the anesthesiologist had to get them in.  After the first few tries the nurse says, “We are going to have to call the big guns in.”  What the hell does that mean? Who said anything about guns?

Finally after all that, she was ready.  They told us it would be a couple of hours at least because there were some women ahead of her. I start manically texting her husband hoping he is back on the road.  We have some more time, hows the flat?  Response:  My spare is flat, and the fix-a-flat only works when it is above freezing. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I told him to keep me posted and I would try to stall.

Rockstar IV Queen!

They take us up to the waiting room and the nurse tells us the agenda.  She also asks what size scrubs Kari’s husband would need.  Still not having the heart to tell Kari her husband was stuck in the snow storm with a flat, I run after the nurse in the hall and tell her to get me scrubs, because Hubby wasn’t going to make it. We sit in the room and run through the day.  She is calm and collected, while I am texting her family and keeping them posted.  Her husband finally defrosted the fix-a-flat and got back on the road, but had to stay under 55 MPH. He texts that he can see the city.  Excitement builds and I feel like I am on a movie set.  He might make it!

Some time passes and the nurse enters.  She says, “You are next, we are just cleaning up the OR.” Kari and I both look at each other.  I do not want to imagine what they are cleaning up. The nurse can sense our comfort level plumiting and follows up, ” Well, you want it to be very clean.”  As she leaves I look at Kari, “As opposed to what?” We burst into laughter. I was happy to make her laugh because her arms were hurting and so swollen from all the pricks.

No bueno.

I change into the scrubs in the bathroom just in case.  While I am changing her mom called and told her about the flat.  Phewww, at least I didn’t have to break the news! I told her he still might make it.  I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself at that point.

Finally the Doctor arrives and tells her it is go time.  They had to take her to give her the epidural. Once they had her set up, they would come get me to join her. We took one last picture with her pregnant belly.

Doctor Holly- I like the sound of that!

As she left the room, the emotion set in.  I couldn’t believe  what I was about to experience, the birth of my bestie’s baby.  At that moment I felt so blessed. I sent another text to her husband.  He was about 30 minutes out.  I told him the room number and as soon as he arrived to text me so I could switch with him.  The door opened. “Are you ready?”  I stood up and walked toward the OR.  Here goes nothing, I hope I don’t faint.

To be continued….  (I know, but next is the finale.  I promise)