Autumn has finally arrived!!!

Autumn Bonnie Cozzens arrived 9-16-20 at 2:16 pm PDT weighing 5 lbs 15.5 ounces and measuring 17 3/4 inches.

Due to the placenta shutting down around week 33-35, little Autumn was not receiving nourishment and estimated to weigh about 4 pounds so the doctors and Marcie and Ben agreed that the baby needed to come early. 

Marcie was admitted to the hospital on Monday morning (9-13) at 9 am. Because of the c-section from Emry's birth, Marcie could not have labor induced by medication - pitosin - because it would put too much pressure on her incision. So the doctor suggested a different procedure. The nurse would strategically place a special balloon near the cervix to soften/stretch it. It was a long shot but Marcie very much wanted to deliver Autumn normally.

From the many prayers and fasting on their behalf, the balloon procedure worked. Throughout Monday night, Marcie had contractions between 2-3 minutes apart so it was a long night. By Tuesday morning, she was dilated to a 4 so they removed the balloon and broke her water. Then the contractions stopped. Oh, no!

After waiting another day, the doctors and Marcie and Ben decided that they would give the baby 72 hours after the water was broke  and then they would perform a c-section Thursday morning.

Oh, and by the way, Marcie was allowed her "last" meal on Monday at 4 pm. After going without food for 38 hours, Marcie was getting weak so they finally let her eat breakfast on Wednesday morning. 

On Wednesday around noon, it was decided that a few family members would fast and pray for a miracle. If we did not include you, sorry. It was a quick decision. Our miracle began Wednesday night.  Intense contractions began around 9 pm and were about 4 minutes apart. By Thursday morning, it was apparent that this baby was coming naturally. Woo-hoo!!

Fourteen hours of continuous hard labor coupled with extreme exhaustion, Marcie asked for an epidural. It allowed her body to relax and finish the job. 

Ben said the nurses were cheering Marcie along throughout the whole process. They realized what a sacrifice Marcie was making and they were in awe of her strength and determination.

By Thursday at 1:48 pm, Ben sent out a text saying, "Next 15 to 30 minutes". What a relief. The doctor, too, was in awe of Marcie determination so he asked her to not push until he could get there. He was in surgery and would be done in 30 minutes. Marcie obliged.

Marcie pushed for about 10 minutes and out popped Autumn. Elated, relieved, and proud of her little one. Marcie called me to tell what they had named her. Oh, bubba. I was shocked and it made me speechless. Of course, I cried. 

The doctor told Marcie she could hold the baby as long as she wanted after the birth (before they took her to weigh, measure, poke, etc) so Autumn curled up on her mommy's chest for over an hour. Pure joy!!! Connection to heaven. I'm sure Autumn's big sister, Emry, was close by giving comfort and assurance that all would be well. 

Yes, by now, Marcie was completely on-empty so she quickly ordered a large meal. And devoured it. Yeah, food! 

Ben called Melanie to tell her that her little sister was finally born. She was quite excited. So he went to Jeff and Stacy's to pick her up and take her to the hospital. At first, she was hesitant but that quickly faded. She wants to be a little mommy. She tried to awaken Autumn with no success. Her parents had to teach her about babies habits.

Congratulations to Marcie, Ben and Melanie. Grandma is coming on Saturday to share in the joy.

(Duncan said Friday morning, "I wish I could fly to WA too." He really does love his sister and her family.)