Isaac's Birth Story

I remember looking at the clock after being woken up by a contraction. It was 6:04 a.m.. I didn't think anything of it, as I'd been having contractions like this for weeks. I got up to get ready for a fetal monitoring appointment that I had to be at the hospital for at 7 a.m.. By 6:30 a.m. I was having trouble walking through the contractions, but again didn't think anything of it. I asked my husband James to get up and help me finish what I needed to do before leaving. As he helped he watched me work through the contractions that were about 5 minutes apart. He told me that I shouldn't go to the appointment, I argued that it would probably stop and I'd be fine. He insisted and called to cancel it for me. Thankfully he didn't let me go, because by 7 a.m. I was on my hands and knees through each contraction. It was at this point that we decided it was time to pack our things, and get ready to meet our baby boy.

Packing our bags for the hospital, proved to be quite the task, as I had to stop and get on my hands and knees to work through each contraction, but we did it. I messaged my friend and labor coach Nancy asking her to come over and sit with me, while James took our other two boys Isaiah and Andrew to a friends house. She arrived at our house around 8:30 a.m. She was talking with James, when I came in and told her, "You know I have a birth plan, and I'm chucking it out the window." She let me know that this was all she needed to know, and then gently asked me if I felt like it might be a good idea to go to the hospital instead of waiting. I was completely on board with the idea, as I wanted to know how dilated I was. James was surprised, but didn't object to it. They got me into the back seat of Nancy's car, on all fours, and Nancy and I headed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Nancy timed the contractions all the way to the hospital, and didn't tell me at the time, but they were 2 minutes apart.

We arrived at the hospital around 9 a.m. They brought a wheel chair, which I ended up facing backwards on my knees in, while they wheeled me to triage. When I got to the front counter I started to have another contraction, and proceeded to get down on my hands and knees to work through it. I remember the nurse at the front counter telling me I can't have my baby on the floor. I assured her that I wouldn't. Once the contraction was over, they got me to a room, and checked me. I was thinking I was maybe at 4 cm. To my surprised the nurse announced that I was 8 cm, and they were going to move me up to labor and delivery quickly to have my baby. Nancy immediately called James and told him to hurry and get to the hospital. They kept me on the bed on all fours and rolled me up to labor and delivery. This seemed to be the only position that I could handle being in.

The next 30 minutes all run together, as things got very intense and painful. I remember Nancy helping me change into my labor clothes. Signing paperwork. Trying to hold still as they put an iv in my hand. Asking for the doctor multiple times. Trying to push, while being reminded that I needed to wait for my husband to get there. When Doctor Sullivan arrived, he told me as soon as James arrived he'd break my water and I could start pushing. I objected and told him I was ready, and didn't needed to wait for James. Thankfully he didn't listen to me, and took extra time getting his scrubs on to stall me. James arrived about 10 minutes later, out of breath and absolutely relieved that he made it. As promised they broke my water and let me go for it. I didn't feel ready for this moment. I didn't feel like I could do it. I remember screaming, "I can't", and being so overwhelmed by the pain. But by the Grace of God I did! Within 5 intense contraction, and 11 minutes Isaac Jonathan Beechy was out and in my arms! He was a sweet 7 lb 14 oz boy.

So grateful for this team!!

Grandma Leah

I don't think about you all the time, but there are those special moments that come, where I can't help, but wish you were here to experience them with us. My wedding day, becoming one with your son before all our family and friends. There was so much joy and laughter! I know you would have loved to have been there. Our first Thanksgiving and Christmas. I bet James had a favorite recipe of yours that you could have taught me to make him. Every time we bring new life into this world. This one has to be when I miss you the most. I never got to meet you, but I've heard about how wonderful you were. I can't imagine how much you would have treasured watching your son become a father, and holding your grandchildren for the first time. There's always a moment after each birth were I imagine you in the room holding them. It brings me to tears every time.
I wish you were here to tell me all about you son. The things only a mother knows. Little secrets that you kept to share with me about him. What he was like when he was to little to remember. How he made you laugh. Times when he drove you crazy. How much his sons look like him, and act like him. The times in space that only a mother remembers. I know the Lord took you for a reason, and that you are at peace, but oh how you are missed in our home and in our hearts. Grandma Leah you will be forever treasured by this family.