John Mark's Birthing Story

John Mark arrived at 10:24 pm

When 39 weeks rolled around I got more anxious. Naomi was born at 39 weeks and 1 day so I was hoping that would also be the case for John Mark, even though everyone tells you that all pregnancies are different. That day when the 39 week mark rolled around we went in for a sonogram. Dr Gomez found John Mark quite snug and not showing any signs he was coming soon. The sonogram also showed he was getting pretty close to weighing 8 lbs. He also said that he wanted to induce in one week if nothing happened. I didn’t argue since my parents were coming in one week and I also did not want to compromise any issues with his ventriculomegaly. The next day I had an appointment to meet with my midwife Rosa. I wasn’t feeling anywhere near labor just tired of being pregnant and hot due to the summer weather. Well it turned out I was 3cm dilated but she didn’t seem too worried stating that we would probably have him during the coming weekend. It was Wednesday. She then casually tells me, “today can’t be the day because it so happens that the maternity ward is full!” She said, “go home rest and don’t do a thing so that labor wont initiate...try to hold off until tomorrow.” That is when I knew John Mark would be born that day. That sent me into a slight panic so I called the other hospital to make sure that they could take me in if I went into labor. Thats just the way things function in Chile. I got that taken care of and went on with the day. Josh took Rosas's comment very serious so when it was time for my swimming class he was adamant about me not going. I talked him out of it plus my pool time was sacred and helped me rest from the heat and anxiousness. I went and I had a good time. Josh picked me up and we headed home. On the way home I called Dodey (a fellow missionary) back since I had missed her call. That morning her and Mike had returned from their trip to the states and she was very happy John Mark was not here yet. She really wanted to make it back on time and she did! Right after I hung up the phone my water broke. It was about 8:15pm. I was a bit doubtful that it was my water breaking since I didn’t know what to expect. My water did not break with Naomi. There comes a point though when you know it is your water breaking and not you peeing your pants. All that ran through my mind was “see, I knew it!” I called my midwife and she said to go ahead and make my way to the hospital. Josh had started this amazing meal a few hours before. May I add that my wonderful husband had taken over the cooking a few days before and was doing an excellent job with his flavorful meals. I could not let this meal go to waste so I suggested we eat quickly before rushing out the door. Plus it gave me a chance to gather Nimi’s things while he finished. She was to stay with Mike and Dodey. I was so glad they were back because it was really hard finding the right people for her to stay with if they had not made it. It was not until 45 minutes later I felt my first strong contraction. By then we were almost out the door. The contractions started coming rather quickly, five minutes apart to be exact. We literally threw Naomi in Mikes arms and drove off. The drive was endless and why was there so much traffic at 9:30 at night! At 9:45pm my midwife called to see where I was and said Dr Gomez was waiting on me. My doctor was waiting on me! It had been an hour and a half since I first called her. Taking my sweet time like I had now seemed so ridiculous. Good thing we were about to pull into the parking lot when she called. I waddled my way up to the fifth floor and things started moving rather quickly. Dr. Gomez checked my progress among other things that brought upon lots more pain and said I was about 6 cm dilated. Really! Only a six I thought! Rosa came in a few minutes later and I guess by my actions she wasn’t convinced. She double checked and said nope you’re a 9 and next thing I know I am being wheeled into the delivery room. Then came the big question...”Do you want anesthesia?” With Naomi I almost made it through the delivery with out an epidural so I was trying to go without drugs with John Mark. Thanks to my midwife’s encouragement I made the decision to decline the epidural. I was so close, why not! I felt a little more prepared this time knowing what to expect and the breathing exercises from my swimming class paid off. There was no turning back now and the pushing began. I am not going to lie...it was painful and it hurt. BUT as soon as John Mark was born and in my arms it all went away. John Mark my perfect miracle was born at 10:24pm after a 2 hr labor and at exactly 39 weeks and 1 day just like his sister. 

John Mark Renfro 9 pounds 21 inches long

First Family Photo