Welcoming Elliot

Elliot came faster than any other baby I've heard of. It was only about two and a half hours from the first real contractions to birth. It took about an hour and a half to convince myself it was really happening and I should head to the hospital. I didn't want to go without Britton. Unfortunately, he was at school taking his last final which was scheduled from 8:30-11:30. I texted him, "meet me at the hospital" at 9:45 AM. I expected to be able to get to the hospital, get myself situated in a room, get my epidural, and then have Britton arrive for the fun part.
I made it to the hospital thanks to my good friend Nikki. She received a weird call from me around 9:20 where I just breathed into the phone for the first minute because it was hard to talk during the contraction. She reminded me that people with fast labor should head to the hospital as soon as possible. She almost gave birth in the car! She sent her mom and step-dad to pick us up. Her mom would stay with me until Britton arrived, and Will would go back to Nikki's house to play with his buddy Gabe.
We arrived at the hospital about 10:00, and slowly walked to Labor and Delivery. They checked me in, and all their questions took FOREVER! I said I wanted an epidural as soon as possible, and found out I was already at 6 cm. So they rushed me to a room, set up the IV, and the anesthesiologist started to explain the risks of epidurals. He also took FOREVER. While he was getting things set up my water broke and the contractions transitioned into the overwhelming stage. Sometime between one of them the epidural started working and I could get control of myself again. I had only been in the hospital for about 40 minutes and it was already almost over! I asked Nikki's mom Janice to try calling Britton to see if he could get there in time for the birth. He didn't answer, but I didn't really expect him to during the final. It was nice to have Janice there so I had someone supporting me. She was like my free doula, cheering me on, assisting the nurses, and calling Britton. There was nothing left to do but get the baby out. And he was born at 10:51 AM! I got to hold him right away. As I was basking in his cuteness, Britton rushed in the room with a anxious, slightly bewildered look on his face. And then we were all together in a big kissy, baby-filled hug.


Brittons Story: Here's how the events of Friday unfolded from my view:
6:30- woke up and got ready for final
7:00- had breakfast with Renee and Will and admired Renee's belly
7:30-8:15- last minute cram for Cardiovascular Bioengineering class
8:30- head to med-school and start final
9:00- emails start to trickle in... making my phone vibrate. Sony is having a sale this weekend.
9:45- more emails come in. I ignore them (see Renee's story and kick me)
10:45- Renee's calling me and I dont pick up but plan to step out and call her back momentarily.
10:51- Renee calls again and I see a text from 9:45 saying, "meet me in the hospital"

10:51 + 3 seconds- Throw test at TA while running back wards and asking for directions to the Hospital.
10:51 + 5 seconds- SPRINT to the hospital asking directions as I run into random Doctors and med-students.
10:55- arrive at the hospital and went to labor and delivery
10:56- see 5 minute old son... started to cry cause there is nothing more beautiful than this ...

We finally decided to name him Elliot Paul Olson. He weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz, and was 20 in. Nikki brought Will to see us right after lunch. I missed him the few hours I was away from him. All of a sudden Will seemed so big and heavy!

He was a little hesitant about the baby at first, but I helped him poke baby Elliot's cheek and after that things were OK. He is pretty excited to have a little brother. He says baby Elliot is just a teeny, tiny, little guy. He brought one of his friends from the playground to see his baby brother today.
We came home from the hospital Saturday afternoon, and are looking forward to a week of pure, relaxed family time.