Best day of 2011

As you all know, October 6, 2011 is Rosalie Helen's Birthday. What an exciting day this was.
Pretty much the whole month of September I was on pins and needles waiting for that phone call saying that Alex was headed to the hospital. I got a couple of them, but they all were "false alarms". That is not to say that it was not important for her to go to the hospital because it was. She had abnormal test results, etc that got her admitted but the released. Oct 5th was Ron's birthday and also the day I got the phone call that she was headed to the hospital. Her test came back not good so the doctor admitted her to have and induction. At first Alex said for me to come early... like before the sun comes up but then later said 830 would be fine. My task was to grab breakfast for dad to be and myself. Unfortunately mom to be couldn't eat anything but jello. :( I arrived a little late due to traffic, and doing some household things for Alex and Ron. When I got there I did not even go into the room all the way because Alex would have smelled the food. Ron and I ate by the drink machines and then went back into the room. Alex was already starting to have contractions because she was induced at 730ish. Nothing was painful so Ron showed me around the hospital. Who knew how long we were going to be there. Might as well get my bearings. After the tour I went to visit with Alex and stayed for quite some time before leaving for any period of time. We chatted, texted, were on the internet, etc. I did go get the nurse a few times from 9-12. I went running for the nurse when Alex's water broke. Why we did not use the nurse button you ask? Well we were told how to use it many times but either forgot about it or just went to the nurse desk since it was so close.
I must say that Alex and Ron had by far the most fantastic nurse ever! She was the perfect fit for them. Knowledgeable, warm, kind, and not pushy. She was always there when needed and was able to get Alex focused when she felt like giving up.
By the time we knew it, it was 12 and we all knew that this was the opportunity for lunches. Ron went first and went home for food. I then left. When I came back Ron went to go study. When Alex got checked at around 2, she asked for me to go get Ron so I went looking for him. I couldnt find him but he eventually came back and from then on out, no one left the room. Things progressed fast from here. Ron started with holding Alex's hands and counting when contractions got bad, then her back hurt her so I took over hand holding and he rubbed her back. After about 30-45 min of this, Ron declared his arms tired. So we switched. I went to give Alex a deep tissue massage on her back every time the contractions started and counted. Ron then started breathing tech with Alex while holding her hands. I am not sure how we got into such a rhythm but looking back on it, it was amazing. Alex asked me to stay and asked Ron if it was ok. He said yes and of course I said yes. I told Alex when I saw her that morning, that it was her day and she was #1. Anything asked of me, I would do. I stuck to my word even though I am the worst with blood and guts. My mind must have gone on overdrive because I watched the nurse set up all the instruments, all the medical items, and did not flinch.
Things got very intense by 4pm. There was lots of pushing, holding breath, counting to 8 or 10, and some very difficult times. Alex proclaimed she was an idiot for not getting any drugs, she broke down once, and cried... "get this baby out of me". The doctor finally came in at around 420. Talk about fashionably late! We were all wondering where she was and the nurse called for her twice. A few minutes later, Rosalie started making her entrance into this world. Ron watched, I couldn't but my side vision did catch Rosalie as she entered. We proclaimed she was here! Alex said, Why is she not crying? I reassured her that she was fine. They were cleaning out her mouth with a suction. My eyes got all teared up along with everyone else. What a magical moment! The doctor cleaned up Rosalie a bit and put a towel on Alex and then rested Rosalie on her. WOW! So incredible. Rosalie then had to be measured, cleaned up a bit, weighed, and have her first photo shoot. Ron stayed by Alex's side because she was getting shaky and in so much pain that she needed him. (and rightfully so) I got the camera to take pictures of Rosalie so that they could view them at a later time. Rosalie measured 22 inches. At first the nurse measured her at 22.5 but then remeasured her. They got her head measured, chest, and weight. She got her first diaper and then started sucking her thumb! Already a personality forming. After finishing up with the nurse, she was swaddled and given back to Alex and Ron. I got some family photos with them, photos with the doc, nurse, and then the extended family came in.
Alex's Mom, Dad, and brother entered and they started taking pictures. Everyone was super excited. After some time, we had champagne and pink cookies. Eventually we had to leave the deliver room so Alex's parents left and the rest of us walked down to the nursery to drop off Rosalie for her first bath, tests, etc. Alex's brother and I went to go get all the items from the deliver room and transferred them over to the recovery room. I went to grab dinner for Ron and myself. Alex got free food from the hospital. I did not forget her though. I figured after all she did, the least I could do was grab ice cream! (and been for Ron) The day winded down with everyone settling into the room and I left (even though I did not want to leave).
This day was by far one of the top days that I have ever experienced. It was the most educational, emotional day ever for me. Life really is a miracle. I am so happy to have The Farlow's in my life and have many more great long years together.
How could two friends get any closer you ask? I just don't know. Thick and thin, we are there for each other.