Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Thunder Down Under: Updated

As I write this, Amy, beloved sister and blogger at Matron Down Under, has gone into the hospital to have her baby girl. Or, as they say down there, she's "gone into hospital." (I think when Australia was a prison colony, the definite article was in short supply, so they got used to going without.) Through some elven magic, it is midnight Tuesday night there, and she was checking in late in the evening to begin induction. She's only a few days past her due date, but she went in to her OB's office yesterday and told him that if he didn't induce her, she was going to go outside and jump up and down on the hood of his car. So he was blinded by her American sunshine and gave in.

I feel like she's been pregnant forever. Seriously, I think it's been 11 months. I must have heard the good news before the cells began dividing. And as I've told you before, I am blamed for having spilled the beans to our mother before Amy could, simply by asking, "Have you talked to Amy lately?" And then there was the time she refused to get really drunk with me at Thanksgiving, "because of the baby." So you can see that this pregnancy has been full of ups and downs for me.

Here she is with Nate right before leaving home.

She said they do labor and childbirth a little differently down there--they don't go straight to an epidural for pain relief, but they have a progression of other things they try first. I said, "Amy, just tell them that an epidural is an important part of your culture," but she is a more natural girl. Here's hoping for an uncomplicated delivery and a healthy baby Grace. As much as we in the developed world are lucky enough to be "used to" childbirth as a normal thing that women do, it never seems really routine. Whenever a woman gets ready to have her baby, it's like she's going on a journey, and she has to travel beyond the safe places of our everyday world, and go on a dangerous crossing, all by herself. Sure, we can love her and try to help her, but we're really just waving and calling from the shore. So come on, Amy! We are here waiting for you and for that baby. Be strong, girl!

I will update y'all in case you somehow manage to escape the Twitter/Facebook/total media storm that my brother-in-law Jason will unleash.

And here she is! Grace Elaine:

She just arrived, 5lbs 13 ozs. Mother and baby are fine!

23 comments:

Fantastic Forrest said...

It's been almost an hour and a half! Hasn't that baby been delivered yet?!

I'm rooting for your sister to have an easy labor, even if she is a wimp for inducing. I waited two extra weeks with my son before he was born. Oh, wait, I remember. I induced too. Yay, pitocin.

Jenni said...

I clicked over to wish you luck and I'm welcomed with a photo of beautiful baby Grace. Congratulations to the Suburban Matron family!

Oh, but she is a wee one! Three whole pounds tinier than my Miles. She makes my ovaries ache for a wee lass, positively ache.

Michele said...

What a sweet little thing. She so rocks that wrinkled forehead look. Glad everyone is well.

Fantastic Forrest said...

So tiny! Thanks for sharing. I'm happy to hear that Amy is well. But once again, you've announced her news before she got a chance to...at least I assume she's not blogged about it yet. She's been sort of busy, so I suppose we can forgive her.

Jane said...

Congratulations to Amy and Jason! What a beautiful little girl!

Sara said...

Ah! So kerklempt! Beautiful!

Thanks for the reporting, Becky! And, if I might add, a very nice post. What a lovely description of a woman's 'journey.' Really cool.

xoxo to everybody!! Yay!

Bex said...

what a sweet and tiny girl! i miss the little bitty stage. well, maybe not the sleepless nights and sore nipples / boobs and being fat and endless diaper changing.

Bren said...

I'm usually all "that's nice" over other people's babies, but I was surprised by emotion when I saw that baby Grace was here. Congrats Amy and Jason!!!!

Keely said...

Awww so teeny!

Funny how you think her pregnancy has taken so long. When I was 11 months pregnant, my BFF said, "That went quickly, huh??"

Uh...no.

Lawyer Mom said...

Oh, so sweet. And her eyes are open long enough for her photo to be snapped. Congratulations to your sister!

Kelly said...

So sweet! I bet you can't wait to get there now!

Sandi said...

Your blog is adorable, your niece is adorable, and you are adorable. How can so much adorable link my site on a blog that is anything BUT ADORABLE?

I still think that baby is stinkin cute though.

Becky said...

Thanks, y'all! I talked to Amy this afternoon, and she said she progressed so fast that she did not get that epidural after all. It was all fine, though.

And get this: in Australia, you can stay in the hospital for at least 4 nights after a normal vaginal delivery, and 6 nights after a c-section. Bring on the socialized medicine!

The Stiletto Mom said...

So sweet! Look at that beautiful girl! And btw, great name choice. :)

I have a cousin who is like a sister to me due in six weeks, cannot wait!

delaine said...

Welcome to our world, Grace.We are so glad you are here. It's going to be wonderful to meet you in person. Becky, thank you for a beautiful post and a sweet analogy.You captured the experience perfectly !

Veronica said...

Yay Amy and welcome Grace! What great news.

Julie Morris said...

Oh my goodness. What a GORGEOUS baby!!! So glad to know everything is good, and love the picture. Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh man! New babies are sooooo fun!

Amy said...

Aw shucks. Thanks everyone!! And thanks Beck for such a sweet post. I love your description of childbirth too--less than 18 hours after the event, I can tell you that's what it feels like!

I'll be posting soon, hopefully tonight, if Grace cooperates. Thanks for all the good wishes! :)

The Dental Maven said...

Congrats to those down under! Grace is perfect. Well done!

Wendy said...

Yay for new babies. What a beauty!

By the way, I love how you describe the childbirth "journey". Precious.

Life on The Rowland Ranch said...

Hey Becky!
Great post. You sure are a great sister!! Amy is incredibly blessed to have you!

Anonymous said...

Oh, the things I miss when I go away! She is a precious, perfect thing. The littlest Matron!