It was a Monday afternoon and I had just done a marathon cleaning session at my house. I figured if I wanted to relax all week and be lazy, I better get all my cleaning done! Afterwards, I headed to my 41 week appointment, feeling hopeful. My Braxton-Hicks contractions had been more frequent. That had to mean I dilated more... Right?! Wrong!
First they sent me to the ultrasound tech and I was actually thrilled! I had no idea I'd get to see my baby this far along and get some pictures of her beautiful face! My fluid levels were great and the baby was measuring 8 pounds, 14 ounces. Everything looked great, which meant I could wait one more week before my doctor scheduled an induction.
They monitored the baby and I for over an hour, making sure she was active enough and to see if my contractions were consistent. Nope! My doctor told me I barely dilated a 1/2. I was bummed because I was certain she was close to coming. So he stripped my membranes (which I avoided doing all along because it HURTS!) and sent me along.
I drove home talking to my best friend, updating her on what he said. I got home and decided Brenna and I should go to my grandma's and help her fill up her fountain. I was feeling crampy and having contractions like I had the last month and kept thinking it would pass as usual. This was around 4 P.M. An hour later I drove home and decided I shouldn't be driving because my contractions were getting stronger... COULD THIS BE IT?!
I wrote Joe a text, who was almost off work, and said my contractions are more intense since my appointment. When he got home, he decided for me that I needed to go to the hospital since I was doubled-over in pain. We got there by 6:30. I was walking around and standing up to help with the pain. I wanted to try to avoid an epidural, but I was in too much pain!
They didn't give me the shot till 8:45!!! I was upset! Ten minutes later, it was time to push. I was not numb. They didn't even hook up my IV with the pain medicine! One part of one leg started to feel tingly, but that was it. A half hour later, at 9:31 p.m. my lovely, precious baby girl was born!
I was very pleased with my doctor! He was an amazing coach and made me feel so comfortable. He hadn't been there to deliver Brenna, so I wasn't sure how it would all turn out. Joe and I barely texted our families when it was time for me to push. They all arrived after she was born since she came so fast! We took a few pictures and then they took her away. I was very sad because I had felt so much joy when she came!
Tears of joy and a heart full of instant love filled me up. It was so different than with Brenna because now I was already a mom and the first time I didn't quite FEEL like one yet. I kept thinking they'd bring her back soon, but an hour turned into two and then they told us the news. They had to move her to the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) because she wasn't breathing well and had too much fluid in her lungs.
I was pretty devastated things didn't turn out the same for Brynlee's arrival. Family couldn't really visit and Brenna wasn't allowed in the NICU. Brynlee was hooked up to all sorts of machines and had tubes and IV's that got in the way. Her chest X-Rays showed an infection starting in her lungs and it was very dangerous. Her doctor said it would develop into pneumonia if untreated with antibiotics. She had to be in there eight days and they were the longest days of our lives. We couldn't take her home fast enough! I went to see her every three hours to feed her, change her and cuddle her. By the time I'd leave, I had two hours till I returned. I was able to go home and see Brenna and eat sometimes.
But on May 21st, she came home with us and got to meet her big sister! We caught it all on tape and it was the most precious thing I had ever seen.
 |
| On my way HOME! |
 |
| First sister picture! |
 |
| Finally together! |
 |
| Look what her baby sister got her! |
 |
| Happy mommy! |
