Introducing Hailee Jo Thompson

Our new bundle of joy has arrived early. Mitzi’s c-section was scheduled for November 9th as her due date was November 16th. Hailee decided she wanted to be an October baby – so she came on October 29th at 8:01 PM weighing 7lbs 8oz measuring 20¼ inches long.

Our last scheduled c-section with Abby was simple, the date was set, we arrived at the hospital at our designated time and 45 minutes later we had our baby girl. Benjamin was a little different, we arrived at the hospital around 5:00 PM to be induce – the next morning he was delivered via c-section. Both fairly organized and when we plan for them.

Of course I am thinking Hailee will be the same. No worry, no need to rush, no advanced planning needed. My last business trip was scheduled from October 26th to the 29th (yes I did say the 29th…) giving me a week and a half before her scheduled c-section and 2 ½ weeks before her due date… No problems… Yea right…

On the 29th while I was in Wisconsin I spoke to Mitzi that morning; I knew she had her Dr’s appt for that afternoon and the kids would be with Grandma while Mitzi was at her visit.

I left the Milwaukee office around noon to catch my 2:00 PM flight which had a layover in Detroit (I know, don’t ask my why Detroit) and then direct to Salt Lake arriving just after 7:00 PM. My flights were uneventful and Mitzi and I even emailed back and forth during my layover. I was sooo tried on my way home that for most of the 4½ hour flight I was trying to sleep with little luck. I remember thinking to myself: I just want to get home, take a shower and sleep as I was still very sick.

As we landed, I had an impression to turn on my cell phone which I never do. I see its 7:10 and my battery is below its last bar reading red… Immediately my phone started vibrating and alerting me of voice mails, emails and text messages. The message that stood out the most as if it were bolded in RED had in the subject line: “Water busted, drive fast for c-section”

What the heck? Is this a joke? Other messages I see were from Melissa, voice mails from Mitzi’s parents, and more missed calls from my mom… So I call Ry, “Is this for real or is it a joke?” I questioned him. “It looks like your having a baby so get over to the hospital!” Was his quick reply. I then call Melissa and she is telling me the same thing… I asked her to please stay with Mitzi and I will get there as soon as possible.

I look up from my seat and realize, yes I am on the back of the plane – and there is NO way I am getting off any sooner. Inside I feel there is no way I am going to make it. As I deplane with my carryon bag I begin to run to the long term parking shuttle. I knew from earlier travel that month that the shuttles were not stopping in order due to construction and I had purposely parked at stop 9 as this was the new first stop. But was it still I questioned myself.

I quickly ask the driver if we could immediately leave and if she could take me directly to stop nine as I just received a message that my wife was in the hospital having our baby. She was a doll and began quickly diving to my stop. As we circle the airport I shook my head and began thinking to myself… “What is up with all this timing? Why am I getting a new job right as we are having a new baby? Why are we moving with a new baby in the winter? And sooo far away? Why could it not have been AZ? Why did our house sell in less than 20 days? Why is Mitzi in labor now???”

Suddenly, my aching heart, my questioning mind and my quivering hands all ceased and peace filled my soul. Tears came to my eyes as I knew the Heavenly Father was taking care of everything and that this was His time not mine, His plan not ours, and His course for us. “Please Heavenly Father; help me get there in time…” I whispered to myself.

I got off the bus and rushed to my car and I began drive to the Hospital. But now I was calm, cool and collected. I knew everything was going to be ok. I just knew it! Traffic was non existent, lights were all green and I had arrived at the IMC Hospital in less than 40 minutes from landing. WOW… I ran to the women’s pavilion and nurse had my clothing waiting for me. I quickly changed and walked into the operating room. I see Mitzi on the table, Mellissa by her head and the Dr looks up and says: “Perfect timing, we were just going to start! I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

It was now 7:55 PM and the c-section began and at 8:01 PM little Hailee Jo was born. Thank you Morgan’s for always standing next to our family always lending your helpful hand. I knew Mitzi was being taken care of and that you would be next to her side. (What are we every going to do without you guys?) Thank you Jalane for immediately watching the kids until my mom could pick them up. Thank you mom for watching Benjamin and Abigail when they were sooo sick – I know it was hard. Thank you Morgan’s, Smith’s and McKinnon’s for some yummy food! Thank you RC1st Ward RS for your visit – we will miss you. Thank you Dennis and Louise for spending a week with us after we came home from the hospital.

And thank you Heavenly Father for allowing me to be there for the birth of a healthy baby girl - Hailee Jo, for Mitzi’s speedy recovery and the perfect timing at the right place at the right time!!!

Now its time for some pictures!