Samantha Apito Jelley

Born: June 26, 2007

Due Date: July 5, 2007

Time: 5:34 am

Weight: 7 pounds 6 ounces

Length: 19 inches

Predicted Birthdate: Mom thinks June 30, July 2, or July 4; Dad thinks June 29, July 1, or July 3.

On Sunday June 24 I asked Aunt Beve when she thought the baby would come. "Tomorrow!" she said. I thought there was no way but at my doctor appointment the next day he said you are going to the hospital now and this baby will be born today. Of course the process started the 25th and ended the 26th but Aunt Beve gets credit for her guess.

Birth Story: At my June 25th doctor appointment I asked how I would know if my water broke because I felt "leaky" but really not much. The doctor said he could check. The visit was cut short when the result indicated that it was indeed amniotic fluid leaking. He then basically said something like "you are going to the hospital now and this baby will be born today". I wanted to cry. Don't get me wrong I wanted the baby out but I was scared of what was to come. It seemed too early; I wasn't in labor. And of course I was not ready - I hadn't even packed a bag yet.

I was checked into the hospital by around 6pm and soon they were talking pitocin to induce labor. I was afraid I would not progress if things weren't naturally happening but I had no choice. If the membranes were compromised the baby had to come out. I was very scared I would end up with a c-section. By midnight the pain was much worse and the doctor arrived. Did I want the birth with or without pain - I said I would take the epidural.

By around 3am I asked if I could push the button for more epidural but they said I was fully dilated and needed to push. I was hoping to get a nap in first. It didn't feel like pushing did anything but I guess it was; the baby was one good push away. Unfortunately, I was exhausted and the final push to get her head out wasn't happening. Probably by 5am the doctor decided I could use help. Vacuum suction was used and I was thankful because I was exhausted. The pain in my leg muscles after and my inability to walk well even to this day indicates that I was too worn out. I don't think the baby was in distress but in any case she is fine now.

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Chinese Zodiac: Year of the "Golden" Fire Pig - children born in this year are believed to be twice blessed with happiness, wealth, luck, and prosperity.