This morning, Christian and I drove into Raleigh for my 37-week check-up and
fetal heart rate stress test at 10:00 am.
The nurse set me up with monitors attached to my belly, and
I was supposed to push a button every time I felt the baby move.
Well, turns out baby didn't move much even after
some juice, and after wiggling around,
so they sent us to the OBED for further testing.
I wasn't too nervous.
I feel the baby move all the time, and I really appreciate the care,
so we got in the car and arrived at the hospital at 1:00 pm, where
an OB team was waiting for me.
They did some tests, and baby was moving just fine.
I thought they would unplug me from the monitors and send me on
my way, but actually, the best thing happened.
My favorite OB doctor, Dr. F., came into the room, announced that she
was on call, and asked if I was ready to have the baby.
I said,
"Well, yes, you mean, like, right now?"
And Dr. F said,
"Yes, like right now! Let's get you started,
baby is fine, and I feel good about it. Plus, I know how uncomfortable
this has been for you."
Then I broke down in tears and sobbed with gratitude and excitement
because honestly, I couldn't imagine another night itching my legs
to smithereens, and the thought of not having to barf again sounded
like I had won the lottery.
SO YES, I WAS READY TO HAVE THE BABY!
at 4:20 pm, the nurses transferred me into a gown and into a bigger L&D room
with a giant window overlooking the city.
I had to honestly pinch myself.
Was this real?
I made it!!!!
The day I had waited for and prayed for WAS FINALLY HERE!
Christian got us food, then fed me soup, encouraging me
that I would need all the extra energy for the upcoming labor.
I called Jane, who had just picked up Lottie from school,
to share the news.
Then I heard screaming on the other end of the line.
Both girls were overjoyed!
They had both decided to be present for the birth, and I was thrilled.
It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
They told me they were going to go home, get some stuff,
grab dinner and then make their way to the hospital.
I chewed ice and breathed through contractions for about three
hours until the girls arrived in the room with bright smiles at 8:00 pm
They weren't sure what this was going to be like, and I could
sense their hesitation, but they warmed up soon enough, and were
so good to help me walk around the room, breathe with me, and get me
ice chips and back rubs.
We also called Oliver in Idaho and Claire and Nate in Arizona to let them
know baby sister was on her way.
They wanted play-by-play updates, and Lottie was good at keeping
them informed.
I texted Gigs in Slovakia and told him to say a little prayer for his mom
and baby sister. He gave me a heart emoji back.
I labored through the shift change, and really, really loved
both my L&D nurses.
I even got a visit from Katherine,
whom I met in the OBED early on in my pregnancy.
I bounced on the ball, walked around the room, and even took
a little nap. Everything was slowly progressing.
Around midnight, I told the girls and Christian to take a little snooze on
the couch, while I lay quietly on my bed,
moving from position to position to find comfort during the contractions.
I felt strong and powerful.
Then, I threw up.
And that's how I knew I was close.
That would be the last time I'd throw up for this pregnancy!
I woke Christian up at 3:05 am and asked him to get me a barf bag
to which I threw up and woke up my girls.
Then I felt such intense pressure,
I thought surely her head was out already.
I asked him to give m e a blessing, which he did, promising me
strength and peace from the Savior, who knew what I was experiencing.
I was immediately calm.
Then I had a big contraction, and Christian looked down there,
and called for the nurse, her head was in fact beginning to poke out!
Lottie and Jane woke up, lights turned on, and Dr. F. ran into the
room just in time to deliver baby girl Nielson to the world!
I pushed and pushed, working hard, but I also had the presence of mind
to look at my girls' faces, and I am so glad I did.
I will never forget seeing the sheer shock and amazement,
the joy and the awe, the tears and smiles.
It felt so surreal.
After five big pushes, the most darling baby was placed on my chest
and we were all crying!
Dr. F gave me the sweetest hug and kiss on my cheek.
Miss Minnie Maloy Nielson was born at 3:21am on 1/21/2026.
The same day, 34 years ago, as my oldest sister, Page's firstborn son,
Layton, whom I watched be born in a hospital in
Utah in 1992 at the age of 11.
They are my parents' bookend grandchildren.
How special is that!
