21-8-2008 - Birth Story!

My mood while writing this blog: Grateful!!

Ok. Here we go. Let's see how far we can get before Ty wakes up! LOL!

I was terrified! I had never had a Cs before and didn't like the thought of ANY of it AT ALL (which I have shared in detail before.) The day before was a pretty great day. I did a thorough job of nesting for the last time, all the while looking so forward to meeting my baby (who was still breech and refusing to turn!) the next day.

Bright and early we are up and adam (where did that saying come from anyway?) We get to the hospital at precisely 6:00. The admitting door opens and we are on our way! From this point on, I go from one event to the next -- herded like an innocent sheep. I was dreadfully thirsty, wanting to throw up (from nerves and morning) and, as I said, terrified.

Each person along the way was blessedly kind to me and all seemed to enhance the feeling of happy anticipation of a new baby soon to be here! That made it all bearable. That and the epidural! :) And what an excellent team we had! I hadn't realized there were that many people in the OR until pictures later. I knew that my Wonderful Dr had an assistant (apparently that is law for CS - interesting) who was quiet but worked very fast, making what is rumored around the hospital to be "the best Team". My OR/Recovery nurse (herself a grandma - and probably my age! - and who treated me like a daughter!) and the Anesthesiologist were real bonuses! Right before the surgery began I had a serious wave of nausea. I told the Anes. and he put something in that took it away immediately for blessed relief! Thank God for drugs and people who know how to use them!

Start time was called out at 8:05 - just moments after Tom came in helping much to build my failing courage! After a few INTENSE moments of tugging and yanking (understatements all!) I heard my little baby cry at 8:11!! Tom got some wonderful video!! I haven't been able to watch it yet; I just listen and cry... just thinking about it makes me cry. I am so relieved that he is here and so healthy -- and so relieved (and I think a little proud) that I did it and it is over!

As opposed to labor, the hard work came for the next few days AFTER birth! Each little step of recovery (and I mean that literally!) was effort and joy richly rewarded by having this new little life, this sweet little son snuggled and nursing in my arms. My incision "looks good" (whatever!) and I'm "healing well". I now have 4 more weeks of no sex and no driving (basically - no life! ha!) but feel better and better each day! I can actually envision being my energetic, strong self again!!

How can it be that I miss being pregnant? I was soooo sick for soooo long... but now? I am moving on to "Mom with an infant" status. I LOVE IT but some of the mystery (?) is gone... I'm not sure what it is... This is actually the first time I've ever felt it so succinctly, even though bearing three other children. The only thing I can think is that now, after growing older, living longer, and knowing by first-hand experience how fast it all goes by, I understand what a precious gift it is to be granted the life giving power by a Living God! Dr M asked if we would like to have my "tubes tied" while they "were in there". We said no.

Who knows? Tom isn't even 60 yet!!! LOL!!!

Thanks to you all, my dear lady-in-waiting friends! You have blessed me and encouraged me and made me smile on days that I couldn't have borne alone! I love youl!!