Welcome baby Kennedy

A Birth Story for Kennedy Summer Skinner

I was due to deliver you on Wednesday, June 20th. We spent the weeks before your due date walking over 2 miles a day. We (meaning me lugging you), would walk Jefferson to school every morning, and pick him up every afternoon. I thought for sure this would help put me into labor early.
Nope
At my last Dr. appointment the doctor pulled out a calendar. She was very blunt in laying out the facts. “Kristina,” she said, “you have a lot going on in the next couple weeks. You really can’t afford to continue further than your due date. You need time to recover, and the baby to recover from delivery.” This was true, but I didn’t want to face it. She scheduled me for an induction 2 days later, and I cried my way home. Being induced was the last thing I wanted… (well, after a c-section, and epidural, but more on that later). The consolation would be that my dr. was on call, and would be delivering you. 
It seems a lot people love having their births scheduled. I hated it! Tuesday was a very difficult day for me. It was like reality was about to hit me with a ton of bricks… and I was watching it come closer. I have known I would be doing this without your Daddy by my side for months…. but now it was real, and frightening. A neighbor of mine was willing to come over and give me a blessing just hours before I went to the hospital. I am so thankful for the Priesthood, and I believe this blessing is what got me through the next day. (I know, I’m making this sound like I was about to walk ‘the Green Mile’)
Wednesday morning at 12:10 am I arrived at the hospital. They checked me in and began the Pitocin at about 1:30 am. Because of the risks involved in your pregnancy, the doctor had me hooked up to the monitor (meaning no walking around, no jacuzzi tub…. bed-bound). And because of my previous cesarean, the dr. gave me a lower dose of Pitocin (meaning labor could take longer… and it did). I progressed slowly.
I entered the hospital dilated to a 3
9 hrs. later, at 9 am I was dilated to a 4
5 hrs. later, at 2pm I was dilated to a 5
at this point I had the dr. break my water, and things progressed more quickly
3 hrs. later, at 5pm I was dilated to a 9
by now I had been laboring for about 15 hours, in a single bed, in a room,  alone. It was difficult. But at the same time, I felt a complete sense of peace. I was physically the only one in the room, but I think there was some spiritual guidance. I believe the room was visited by many spirits who were comforting me as I brought you into this world. The peace and calm that I felt can’t be described.
I had wanted to deliver you naturally so badly. But by the time I reached 9 cm, I was drained and couldn’t bear anymore. I felt disappointed in myself and had a mini-breakdown. Luckily, I had one of the kindest nurses I’ve ever had. She comforted me, and reasoned with me….. I ended up getting an epidural. It was hard for me to be okay with it for a while. But in the whole scheme of life, does it really matter? um, no.
What matters was that I delivered a very healthy baby girl…. you.
There are only a few events that bring you so close to the veil that you feel like you can almost reach out and touch Heaven. Giving birth is definitely one of them. The moment your head crowned, I was overwhelmed with emotion. This was real. Your dad and I have been waiting for you for over 2 years… and I would have you in my arms in a few moments. The doctor held you up and announced “you have a beautiful baby girl.” Nothing has ever brought me more joy. You were truly beautiful. You cried the loudest cry, but calmed almost immediately after they placed you in my arms…. you knew you were home. And through all the hours I labored with you, you struggled also… we had gone through this together and bonded inseparably. 
I silently thanked Heavenly Father for entrusting me with one of his most precious daughters.
Your Daddy’s absence was my challenge, not yours. He bonded with you immediately even though he wasn’t in the delivery room. He was able to text with me throughout the day and he heard your cries in the evening. His love for you was instant and could never be diminished by distance!
          
You were born on your due date, Wednesday, June 20th 2012 at 6:57pm. You were greeted by your Mom and Nana.You were 9lbs. 1 oz. and 20 inches long. You had brown hair that shined like silver, and dark blue eyes. No birthmarks. You had a dimple in your chin, just like Jefferson. Your Dad will be happy to know your have ear lobes (unlike your mom).  Your cheeks were chubby. And you were perfect!

June 20th was the first day of Summer, so we chose to name you after that season. Summer is my favorite season (especially in Oregon). I look forward to its arrival each year because it brings warmth, fun, and brightens my mood. It seems fitting to name you after summer. There had been someone missing from our home, and we have been anticipating your arrival for so long. The day you were born I felt such warmth…. almost a bubbly feeling. I can’t describe it any differently than,

I LOVE YOU
Mommy
p.s. and you think you’re getting smothered with loves by me….. that’s nothin’….. wait until you meet your daddy!

 

Our once little family. Jefferson is happy. The reason he isn’t smiling is because he doesn’t like his teeth, he said.

The boys meeting their sister for the first time. They adore her.
     

but Reagan, she was ecstatic to find out she had a little sister! And She has not left her side since she was born… literally. Just look at that smile. I don’t think Reagan has ever been happier. 

Meeting your Nana

Oh, look at that sour face.

Kennedy and I, all dressed and ready to head home.

This last week has been a whirlwind… actually, I’m still in it. I feel sortof like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. The whole world has been spinning, but this little darling has kept me calm and at peace. It seems odd… usually it’s the baby who creates more chaos. But I feel like Kennedy has been the shinning light in all of this. Of course her birth came while Shawn was gone, I was packed and left without my belongings, and we’re moving across the continent… but her timing couldn’t have been any more perfect! I feel so blessed to hold her every day. I don’t think I could do this without her.