Last Wednesday night, I couldn’t sleep. My brain was going a million miles a minute going over what was to happen the next morning - my induction. At 39 weeks pregnant, it was finally time to head to the hospital and have our daughter. So naturally, I laid awake thinking about every possible complication, all the possible pain, and all the coming exhaustion. 

The next morning, I woke up before my alarm that was set for 5:15. We checked in at the hospital at 7 am, excited and nervous about the day we had ahead of us. We got settled in our room and I was hooked up to an IV of fluids and Pitocin, the drug that starts contractions. I began feeling contractions shortly thereafter, with mild discomfort at about 9:30 am. After having my water broken at 10 am, the contractions quickly took over. From 10 am to 11 am, I experienced the worst pains I have ever experienced - back labor. I was ready for an epidural by 10:15, and finally received it at 11 am. I had to lay completely still during the 15 minute procedure. I couldn’t squeeze anyone’s hand or the side of the bed. Just lay there. During the worst pains imaginable. A weird groaning noise was all I could do to control myself in order to not move and risk paralysis. The epidural finally kicked in at about 11:30 am. 

Now, just before the epidural I was 5 cm dilated. My doctor came in just after the epidural began numbing the pains. I was already dilated to an 8. 

At about noon, as I was attempting to nap while I was pain free, the baby’s heart rate dropped significantly. Though my nurse was on her lunch break, another nurse rushed in to put me on my other side to see if that helped. It did not. So I was hooked up to oxygen and the resident on duty was called in. 

Turns out I was 10 cm dilated and ready to push. 

Delivery began at 12:30 pm. At 1:05 pm, Kayla Danielle Rawson greeted the world with a pouty bottom lip and fingers donning a peace sign. 8 pounds, .06 ounces. 20 inches long. Perfect in every way. 

Eron and I have experienced the greatest life change ever. God’s biggest gift. A daughter. She’s temperamental, expressive, and cranky. A lot like me. She is not a good eater. Nothing like me. When she sleeps, she makes the most adorable faces, as if she is dreaming about all that the future has in store. According to her expressions, it includes confusion, pain, love, humor, and lots of kissing. 

She’s wonderful and we are adjusting the best we can. I am hoping I heal soon so I can help more with house chores and cooking, things Eron has had to take over. 

And by the way, Eron is the best dad and husband of all time. He is great at diaper changes and a rock star swaddler. He’s been amazing. 

Above all, I am blessed. Honestly blessed. I’m not sure what I did to deserve such a perfect little family. But I am so grateful. 

Scott MacIntyre in Concert!

In our continuing efforts to support those in our community living with low vision or blindness, the Envision Foundation proudly presents 2009 American Idol finalist Scott MacIntyre for a special performance featuring a live concert and question and answer session with the audience. Proceeds benefit services for children who are blind or visually impaired, ages 0-18. Services include the Envision Child Development Center, Assistive Technology Camp, kids support groups, homework club, an arts program, a music program, and more. In the last decade alone, pediatric blindness and low vision have increased by nearly 300 percent.

• Scott MacIntyre was the first legally blind contestant to perform on American Idol.
• His new album “Heartstrings” released March 11 and debuted at number 17 on iTunes.
• Scott began playing piano by ear at age three, and subsequently learned to play organ, guitar, bass and drums.
• He studied music at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
• Scott was admitted into Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College and Herberger College of Fine Arts at the age of 14.
• He graduated ASU Summa Cum Laude at 19, receiving a Master’s degree in England at Royal Holloway, University of London and the Royal College of Music.

Concert sponsored by Cox Communications, B-98 FM and myTVWichita.

Thursday, August 5 | 8:00 pm | Orpheum Theatre

Reserved tickets go on sale Friday, May 21 to the general public! 

Ticket Prices: 
$60 (Special VIP seating – includes a meet and greet opportunity)
$21.50 (Rows B-S and Mezzanine Rows AA-AD)
$16.50 (Rows T-W, Mezzanine Rows AE-AG and Balcony) 

Reserved tickets will be available at Select-A-Seat by calling (316) 755-7328, online by going to www.selectaseat.com, or at any Dillon’s Superstores and Plant Employee Clubs.

At my appointment Tuesday, the doctor informed me I was already 3 cm dilated. She expects lil’ girl to come before Monday. After a short hospital visit with false labor, I’m doing everything I can to coax this little one out. Walking really fast, taking the stairs at work, driving over as many bumps as I can possibly find. I have to say, I’m beginning to doubt her arrival will come any time soon. 

But, even if we go until a week after our due date, we have less than a month left of being non-parents. Which is insane. I’m about to be a…mom. Really? And Eron will be a dad. We’ll have a kid. Of our own. That we have to raise. Weird, right? And this little human is currently living inside of me. Even more weird. 

Hoping the little one decides to come soon, and when she does, I’m going to be posting tons of baby pictures. I thought I should go ahead and warn you. 

We have a name, a nursery, and a daycare. Only thing missing is a baby. Seriously, now that we are just 6 weeks away from D Day, I’m growing impatient. I can’t focus. I can’t think of anything else besides this little girl. We have just about everything done that we need to get done before her arrival. And we have to wait another 6 freaking weeks?

I’d be okay if she came in 3. Let’s make it happen Baby R. You have 3 weeks to get here. Kthxbye.

I just returned from a trip to Baltimore, Maryland where I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference. I was a walking conversation starter. 

“Is this your first AFP Conference?” “Yeah, it is.” “Is this your first baby?” “Yeah, it is.”

Every middle aged woman in my sessions just had to ask me about my pregnancy, maternity leave, how I was feeling from traveling, if the baby was active, if we had picked a name. 

This is all so strange. I have NEVER had so many strangers interested in my presence. Now, what I wish was that strangers would let me have the best seat in the rooms, offer to let me cut them in the bathroom line, bring me a cup of water…

Strangers are curious. Not generous. 

Besides walking WAY too much for my 33-week pregnant body to handle (my feet are swollen and I can’t walk at all now) and feeling generally sore and gimpy all week, the conference was alright. Had the pleasure of listening to Peter Thum (creator of Ethos Water) speak, as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Learned a little and left a bit more inspired to do great things. As Tutu said repeatedly, we are in a noble profession, and I’m happy that I have the opportunity to create change in the world. 

And frankly, baby girl LOVED Baltimore. She was super active all week and I think she really likes crab. Good to know. 

So yes, first conference, first kid. Tired and sore, but it’s worth it.