I guess it was about 6 or so weeks ago that we found out the birth date for our new little arrival. Usually my surgeon likes to have the date set earlier, but since I didn't begin seeing him until a little later in this pregnancy, we were unable to take care of that little detail. It was ironic that the date he chose and the hospital was able to schedule, November 13th, is my brother's birthday. It is also the birthday of my close friend and "sister", Sherry Mims.
As the big day approached, I obviously became more nervous. Each c-section has been more stressful on my body and emotions, and the thought of running a household and caring for children after the procedure really scared me! Although I have an expert "household" husband and a great set of parents who are willing to help, there are certain things that mommies tend to obsess about, right? One of mine is vacuuming, which is a big no-no after abdominal surgery. Anyway, my boys are getting along real well with the vacuum, so although it might not get done exactly like I would do it, it will be done!
The 2nd thing that was making me nervous is the fact that I experience a tremendous amount of pain in my upper torso and shoulder area during surgery. I don't know how much anyone else who may be reading has suffered with this problem, but it is fairly common. With Kaitlynn I was so scared because it was intense on the left side and I thought it may have been connected with my heart problem. Surgery for her was completely miserable, and I continued to be miserable well into the recovery room.
Because this was my last experience, I assumed this one would be as bad or worse.
I taught Monday, and was pretty much in a cold sweat all day, although I tried not to let my students notice since they didn't know my delivery date. By the evening my nerves calmed down somewhat. We hadn't told our children when the baby would be born, so Monday on the way home from school I told them we had special plans for the evening and would need their cooperation in cleaning, packing, etc. when we arrived home. They were helpful, although anxious to know the surprise. When we finally jumped into the van to head down to my parents, Greg explained what was happening. They went very silent and sported very large smiles! Greg's parents met us at my mom and dad's house, where they would spend the next couple of nights. We had a good time eating and talking together, then we headed back home with the kids for one last "good" night of rest. As I was showering and packing that night, I asked God to make this experience a little better than the last, and although it sounded selfish, give me an "easy" time and a healthy baby. From that point, I had peace about what was facing me. I then ended up talking to Valerie on the phone (she is in Florida this week) until about midnight, before crawling in to bed for a few hours of sleep. Greg's mom and dad arrived about 4:30 a.m. to stay with the kids, and Greg and I headed for Lima. I was admitted at about 5:20, with surgery scheduled for 7:00. When you have a scheduled c-section, there is a period of a couple of hours where not much but surgery prep is happening. We talk about the oddest subjects during that time! Usually, in our own way, we lay bets on the sex of the baby. It's always fun then because you actually have an answer pretty shortly! My dad tried something new this time. He has been trying to decide what kind of a "building" he wants behind his house...large shed or garage. Considering they have a 2 car garage attached to the house, my mom would prefer a shed (says it would complement the house and the neighborhood a little better). Well, men tend to think bigger is better, especially when it comes to tools, sheds, cars, etc., so he told us his decision would be made this way: boy=garage, girl=shed. I think he was pretty convinced that it was a boy, or he would not have made a commitment such as this!
Although surgery ended up being a little later than scheduled, time went fairly quick and we were soon into the procedure. That is, most of us...the student nurse didn't get beyond watching my spinal before she went to the floor and ended up having to leave the room. I think she was spotted with something to drink peeking through a window as I was stitched!
I was blessed to have an incredible team in the OR. My surgeon, Dr. Ryan, has done all four of my c-sections, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in this area who needs to have this procedure. He is very quick, which helps to minimize the referred pain which ends up making me so miserable. The anesthesiologist, whose wife has had 5 c-sections, was incredibly kind, concerned, and comforting. He rubbed my head and right shoulder, and talked me through the pain, which was very intense in the left and right sides this time. Greg massaged my left shoulder as he could, and then took pictures and held Allison while the procedure was being finished. My prayer was answered in the fact that the upper pain did not begin until they had delivered Allison, and I was able to focus somewhat on the joy of having another girl as well as listening to her healthy cries. After the baby is delivered the doctor has to remove some of the female parts for suture or inspection, and that is the time when air is allowed to move into the upper body. Dr. Ryan worked as quickly as possible to get everything closed, and we were off to recovery. Within an hour or so I was feeling wonderful. All throughout the day things felt more like they did with baby #1, when I had a slightly younger body! I am thankful that God cares about even the things that are supposed to cause pain. He definitely has given me strength that I did not expect to have. In 24 hours or less my catheter was removed, all IV meds and fluids were removed (although I winced to see the morphine pump leave my side), two or three other monitoring devices disappeared, I traded the old hospital gown for one of my more comfy ones, and I became free to roam! Last night I slept wonderfully and I am ready get up and shower here in just few minutes. Greg took off of work today and tomorrow, so he was able to get the boys up, showered, dressed, and treated to McDonald's before dropping them off at school this morning.
As for Allison, she is my biggest baby, at 7lbs. 6oz. Funny thing is, she seems so tiny and fragile! It has been three and a half years since Kaitlynn, and I kind of felt like a klutz for the first day or so! Anyway, she has a little more hair than my other three had, and it is just a little darker than Kaitlynn's was at birth. It will be interesting to see if she ends up red or dark blonde. Her complexion is perfect, a very dark pink. Just as soon as she was delivered she was sucking on her tongue and smacking her lips. In the nursery, just shortly after delivery, she was sucking on the sleeve of her onesie. Her eating habits have been just as ambitious! She has some pretty explosive bowel sounds, which the boys just think is hilarious. Allison loves to be swaddled tightly, and held close. She is a snuggler.
Ryan, Evan, and Kaitlynn are totally in love with her, and can't wait to get her home. I, on the other hand, wonder how I am going to be able to protect her from them without isolating them. I want a great relationship to develop, and I want her to live to tell about it!
Greg's parents went home yesterday. I was thankful they were able be here and to help us with the kids. When you live away from most of your family, it is special when family get to be there and are able to help. Not that we don't have plenty of caring friends around here, but I wanted the kids to be with family during this time, especially so they felt they were a part of the excitement.
For those of you who don't really get into details, I'm sorry you read this post...for my family and the rest of you who are into it, sorry it was so late! I have been on the internet since just a few hours after her birth, but I have been putting my free time into her because I know I will not be able to give her 100% when I get home.
The bulk of my pics from day #1 are on a 35mm roll that I have to send over to be put on disc. I can probably have Greg to do that today and have them posted by this evening. Delivery pics as well as those with Grandpa and Grandma Burley are in that batch. We'll get them up asap.
Well, I can tell it is time to move around a bit, so I'll end this lengthy report! Thanks for all the nice comments...I thorougly enjoy hearing from my friends who comment...and enjoy knowing there are many more who stop by just to keep updated.
