Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Whole Story

I really didn't jump on a pogo stick, or do jumping jacks in secret, like my husband tends to think. However I did get my wish, and Lucy and Zoe entered the world on Friday, December 18, 2009.

Luckily everything worked out alright, someone was definitely looking out for us, and I'm pretty sure I know who. Che was as usual on Thursday night at Nana's house, he went to bed at 6:45 after an exhausting all day Christmas party at school. Mike and I went to Gino's, and even took the time to wait for the deep dish sausage pizza (Mike is a big fan of the wheel 'o sausage). We got home about 8 o'clock, and took our customary places on the couch to watch some Thursday night football. We discussed names, and being that at my appointment earlier that day I was 3 centimeters dilated, were really trying to be serious this time. As is normal, we went to bed, me with what seemed like 3,000 pillows, and Mike, probably hoping I didn't snore the night away thus forcing him to the couch.

At 6:45 I woke up for the 2nd trip to the bathroom, and when I came back to bed, couldn't fall asleep because Miss Unknown at the time had decided a nerve that makes my hands fall asleep was a great place to lay. Mike got up to take a shower and get ready for work at about 7:30, and I heard the water running in the tub. I attempted to move, and my water broke. Since the tub water was running when I yelled out Mike didn't hear me, so I very gingerly waddled my way back to the bathroom to let Mike know who was out of the shower. I don't think I've ever seen him move so fast.

After a few minutes we both calmed down (although I don't think I ever got nusty, but I could be wrong) and took showers, gathered the few last minute things, and made some calls. We made it to the hospital by 8:30, and were taken into a triage room, where I explained that we were scheduled for a c-section on January 8, 2010, and that this was the route I still wanted to go. Not but a half hour into our stay, but my Mom showed up, very excited of course! It is of note to say that I did not have any contractions..., but we'll leave it at that because I don't want every other woman in the world to hate me.

After some tests, and an IV we were getting instructions on what the c-section would entail, and that we would pry go in about 30 minutes. This is where unfortunately it got interesting. About 10 to 10 my mom started crying, and put her head between her legs. We all asked if she was alright, and to my surprise she actually said no, that she had pain radiating in her arms, was short of breath, etc. So, she was promptly taken down to the ER here at the hospital, put on an EKG and checked out. She then had to have a catheter placed to check out her heart, through her arm I believe. She was taken to the heart floor here at the hospital, and diagnosed with "Broken Heart Syndrome." As of Saturday the cardiologist has released her, saying that her heart is weak, but with treatment she will recover. Unfortunately, the psychologist has not released her yet, but may do so tomorrow (Sunday.) She was understandably upset and kept apologizing for screwing things up, etc. She didn't of course. At this time she has been able to come up and meet the girls and was very happy to have done so.

The wonderful staff here at the hospital was very accommodating, allowing us to push back the time our c-section was supposed to happen and getting as many updates as we could about Mom. As soon as I felt that she was alright, I gave the go ahead to get going on our end. I have no idea what Mike did while I went back and had the spinal block placed. I have to say that the bee sting feeling of the numbing needle is spot on, and while the placement of the rest isn't painful, you do feel it going on and moving around. The heat and tingliness that follows is definitely something that while they told me about, I wasn't prepared for at all. I was all ready to go, and then the anesthesiologist told me that they had already started, so after I actually spent time listening to what was going on, I could hear cutting and instruments. Mike came in shortly after they had started, and he to my surprise watched a lot of the actual surgery, commenting on my uterus, and ovaries, and the babies "beautiful" umbilical cords along the way. I was not prepared for the play-by-play, but in hindsight glad it was there.

After a few minutes, I have no idea how many, but not a terribly long time, Lucy Ann debuted at 11:04, weighing in at 5lbs. 5oz., and was 19 inches long. She was the baby that was at the bottom in utero, so I'm sure she appreciated getting out of there, since she was no longer being squished. He sister, Zoe Lynn, followed close behind a 11:06, weighing in at 5 lbs., 9oz. and was 18 1/4 inches long. Sometime during Zoe's delivery the doctor said something to the effect of "No you can't go back in there." Both started crying very soon after coming into this world, and sounded really great. Neither had trouble breathing to my knowledge, or received oxygen. They spent some time in the heaters, and then were released to us, with no stay in the NICU.

During this time I was "put back together" and Mike was able to float between all the girls to take pictures and give me updates. We were then wheeled to recovery, where the girls continued to do well, and I started to come out of the anesthesia.

I have to say that the c-section was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. When I was by myself getting prepped I was having second thoughts about doing things this way, however I knew that at that point there was no turning back, so did my best to suck it up and go with the flow.

During recovery the nurses asked if I wanted to nurse, and while it's something we had talked about we had not made it such a priority that we were dead set on doing so. I felt that if it worked, great, if not we would formula feed with no regrets. I did not think that things would work out well since the girls were born at 34 weeks 5 days, technically preemies, and could have difficulty sucking, however we underestimated the tough little cookies, who latched on right away for about 8-10 minutes.

At this time, both girls are still doing well at feeding, sleeping, and being exceptionally cute, although I know I'm biased. Zoe has a very round face and even personality, she either wants to be nursing, held, or sleeping, with or without a pacifier. Lucy has a bit more temperamental personality, but is still fairly easy going. She is the one that tends to fuss more, however is easily calmed and is just a bit more needy. Zoe's hair tends to lay down nice, and Lucy's stands up on end. I think that Zoe has more of my face, while Lucy has Mike's thinner face.

This has gotten extremely long, so I'll end it with a picture, and be done!

3 comments:

Angie said...

Congratulations! So happy everything went smoothly. What a fun Christmas this will be! You are very blessed.

Amy said...

Yea! I am glad they arrived so smoothly! I'mpraying for your mom.

AAWG said...

Great attitude! We are so happy for you!