Camilla Jana Patricia Karspeck

We welcomed baby girl Camilla on July 7th, 2012 at 3:58 a.m. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz and 20 inches long. It was another extraordinary event in my life that I will never forget. In order for you to get a clear picture of Camilla's entrance into this world, let me start from the beginning. On Friday, the 6th, I woke up knowing that my baby's birth story was beginning... at least I thought so. Contractions were fairly strong at about 6-8 minutes apart, but I was handling them pretty well. Lorelei awoke shortly after and preceded to mimick my labor positions on the floor with me. She will one day be very adept at yoga because she can already do upward dog, cat arch, and child's pose. She was with me every step of the way. Until, contractions started getting closer together and stronger. I thought for sure we would be at the hospital by late morning. We called my dad to come and take Lorelei so John and I could have some time to pack and focus on the impending labor that I felt ready for. Shortly after Dad left with Lorelei, the contractions started slowing down and by 3 p.m., I was able to take a 2 hour nap and the contractions were non-existent. As the evening wore on, contractions continued at about 10 minutes apart. John insisted that I try and get some sleep around 11, deducing that whether or not I was having the baby, it would help to have a little rest. However, Camilla had other plans. From midnight to 1:45 a.m. contractions progressed quickly from 10 minutes apart, to 6 minutes apart, 3 minutes, and then finally 1-2 minutes. John quickly got the car packed, again, and we arrived at the hospital about 5 minutes and 3 hard contractions later. Getting checked in and up to the room was quite a task as I had to hop out of the wheelchair and hold on to John every contraction. Sitting was too painful. As the nurse finally got us to our room, there were about five nurses, including two that were at the birth of Lorelei, writing down our info, putting wrist tags on us, and attempting to get an IV cap in my arm (I was pricked about five times, and they still weren't able to get it in; I have the bruises to show for it), all during intense transition-phase contractions. They even had me sign papers through my haze. Who knows what I was signing my name to, but I didn't care. I just wanted to get in the jet tub to hopefully help me relax. Before I got in the tub, my exam showed I was 6 cm dilated. I was somewhat disappointed that I was only that far along after 18 hours of labor, but I just kept my focus and kept thinking my baby would be here soon. And she would be. After only an hour in the tub, I was 9 1/2 cm dilated and ready to push. I got in the bed, and with the help of John's soothing words that "our daughter would be here soon" and "just take my time and breathe" I saw the birth of my second daughter after a half an hour and a couple of painful screams of determination ( I think I even said, "Get it out of me"; I think I was trying to encourage myself to push harder). It was as I remembered with Lorelei; a feeling of pure joy and bliss, and also, relief that it was over and our daughter was here. I got to hold my new baby in my arms as the nurses cleaned her up, John cut the cord, and I was able to nurse right away. Birthing my two girls have been the most empowering and beautiful experiences of my life.