What an unusual day it truly was. I had not slept at all the night before due to major back pain. I didn't know I was in the early stages of labor. I woke up and got ready for school. My mom and JP told me I was not very smart for going. They thought I should stay home and take it easy. While I was teaching the Reading lesson I noticed that the pain seemed to be coming in frequent intervals. My friends at work told me I should start timing the pain and said they thought I was in labor. At first the pain came at 10 minute intervals, then at 8, then at 6. I called my Dr. T. and he said to continue walking around the room teaching for another hour and see if the pain continued. It definitely continued! While I was teaching the Bible lesson I was holding on to a desk in the back of the room trying to take long, deep breaths to get through the pain. My kids could tell I wasn't feeling well and asked what was wrong. I told them the baby was really kicking. They asked me if I thought the baby might come that day. I lauged to myself and thought, probably so. "What in the world am I doing still at work?" I wanted to finish the Bible lesson with them before I left. I guess that shows how much I truly love my job and my kiddos. I called my long-term substitute, Susan, and asked her if she could come in at 11:30 for me. When she arrived I promptly left. I met my mom at my house, got my bags loaded in the car and headed to Dr. T.'s office. Sure enough I was dialated to 3 cm and he said, "I'll meet you at the hospital". I called JP and told him I was in labor. He left San Antonio immediately and headed to Dallas. My Dad was headed home from Red River and Alicia left Houston as soon as I called. Everyone made it in plenty of time. Alicia was with me throughout the birth. I truly could not have done it without her. She was amazing! She encouraged me, held my hand, fed me ice chips and coached me through 2 1/2 hours of pushing. Merit Cross McLain arrived at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday night, Sept. 15th.
