On Sunday, August 23, 2020, Lauren Skai Walker entered the world at 9:43AM. She weighed 7lbs, 4oz—the largest of all three of our girls. Head FULL of curls. I was 39 weeks and 2 days, the longest I’ve ever carried. And she was the perfect last little addition to our family. We say last addition with a strong desire for it to be our last, but nothing is final until God says it is & until we snip away the possibility—if you know what I mean! In the meantime, we are practicing safety while we fully accept the consequences should we reap another bundle of consequences…

Today I’m sharing a sweet collage of photos and video leading up and following the big day. Also though, I wanted to share some highlights in list form, so you could see just how fast this labor went once it was actually in full effect!

• I went in around 9P on 8/22 having had full on contractions from about 2P that day.. roughly 20-30 min apart that were REALLY INTENSE.
• Due to COVID, David was unable to be with me during the check-in process. They weren’t going to allow him in until they knew they’d admit me for sure.
• Much to my dismay, they sent me back home because I wasn’t dilating due to the position of her head. All of that time I was without David.
• I looked up what they kept telling me about her position (her head not fully “engaged”.. she was really high, causing me not to dilate even though contractions can go on forever in that state..)..
• Went back home; I started doing some abdominal lifts and certain positions while laboring at home which is what I found after researching her position.
• Finally at 3A I was having STRONG, without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt type  contractions 3-5 min apart.. and I waited an hour to make sure the nurse staff wouldn’t send me back AGAIN!
• We got to BSW about 4:45A. I was 4cm & they could finally feel her head which means the activities at home worked!
• They admitted me and David was able to come in. I was Covid tested, but he was not (that part was a bit odd to me).
• Somewhere around 7A, I got an epidural..
• Somewhere between 8:30 – 9 Doctor Romberg came in; my doctor, Dr. Walker wasn’t on call that night, but she definitely called my labor in since she had sweeped my membranes just 48 hours earlier! She said I’d go into labor right around 48hrs-56hrs after having that done.
• When Dr. Romberg came in, just by TALKING TO ME my water broke mid-conversation! It was literally so cool how it happened!
• About 9:30A I was ready to push.
• 4 pushes later I delivered at 9:43A!!

Though this was my longest and toughest pregnancy, it was my fastest and easiest labor. The nursing staff at Baylor Scott & White were phenomenal like the previous birth & never disappoint! I LOVE the nurses there! So much so that I hate having to go home.. They spoiled me so much. We had the best suite & they best staff—I can’t say it enough! Even with our departure nurse forgetting to cut Lauren’s tag and setting off the security alarms! That’s a memory we’ll have forever! Lastly, not having family and friends be able to visit was definitely different, but I must say I enjoyed the time alone with my new bundle and hubby.

What a blessing it is this side of pregnancy to be able to hold the fruit of my labor in my arms every day. She’s the most perfect little thing.. and I wouldn’t trade anything about my experience with carrying her and journeying her to earth. Every part of my story qualifies me to be the best mommy to my sweet Lauren.

I hope you enjoy the video!
Xo,

Bri