Thursday, September 03, 2009

Lillie Anna's birth story



Let me just start by saying THANK YOU to everyone for the sweet comments - on the blog, facebook and through email and phone! Chad and I have been blown away by the outpouring of love we've received this week and want you to know that it means a lot to us!



Based on the last post I did, it's no secret that I was feeling pretty uncomfortable the day or two before my labor began...I had a feeling I wasn't going to go much longer...it just didn't seem like my body could take it. On Sunday, after church, Chad and I went outside to work in the back yard - Chad laid out 160 bags of mulch and I raked...I took about 20 breaks, drank TONS of water and came inside to cool off when I felt overheated. We did that for about 6 hours and thankfully we finished THAT portion of the yard!



Around 7:45pm, we crawled in to bed and started watching some t.v., and around 8pm, my contractions began. They started out 4 minutes apart but within an hour, they were 2-3 minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds each! So, we called Chad's parents and made arrangements for Dennis to spend the night with our kids. On the drive to the hospital, the contractions got much stronger in intensity and there were a few times when I was unable to speak through them...I had high hopes that this labor might go MUCH MUCH faster than my previous labors!!! The triage in labor and delivery hooked me up to monitors and determined I was 2 cm dilated...so they kept me on the monitors to see if I would progress to 3 cm within an hour. Sure enough, I did...but then the nurse said she wanted to watch me further and see if I'd progress to 4 cm within the next hour (seriousely lady?!...is this some kind of a test?!)....and sure enough, I did! After I proved to the triage nurse I was in active labor, they admitted me (it was about 1am at this point).



And THIS is where I stalled....at a 4....for about 6 hours. My doctor came in that morning and broke my water - my contractions got quite a bit stronger and I dilated to a 5 (whoo-hoo!) within a matter of 2 hours. **I have to say that throughout this entire morning, Chad and I had the most wonderful time together - we talked, laughed so hard we cried, and just had the most incredible bonding time....it is a day I'll never forget!!** Around noon, the nurses and Chad convinced me to go ahead and get the epidural...they were concerned that I would begin to progress really quickly at this point (b/c SURELY I wouldn't be in labor for 18 hours again!!!). So, I got the epidural...again...still laughing with Chad and having a marvelous morning despite the painful contractions.

Several hours later, the nurse wound up having to physically stretch my cervix from a 5 to a 7 due to my body not doing it on it's own. And about 20 minutes later, I was ready to push....REALLY ready to push! I told Chad he needed to have someone check me b/c the epidural felt as if it was no longer working....I was nauseated and just knew it was time! Sure enough, I was 10 cm and fully effaced. SO...they called the doc who practically ran across the street from his office and when he got there, I looked at him and said "if you want to deliver this baby, you need to change clothes FAST!!!".

So, after 21.5 hours of active labor and 10 minutes of pushing, the most marvelous baby girl was laid on my belly! At the time she looked like Rauly, Chad and Jenny to me....but after a few days of her being home, I'm beginning to see that she looks like ME and Shep! That may change, but I'm fine either way....just as long as she's healthy!

On that note, please be in prayer for Lillie Anna. She has a dimple on her bottom that the pediatricians are slightly concerned about. Apparently, a dimple on the bottom can be a sign of many things, mainly spine ibifida and/or a tethered spine. The pediatricians assured us we have nothing to worry about and that they really feel it is NOTHING, but just to be safe, they have scheduled an ultra-sound for September 9th (her due date...kind of sad, huh?!) to rule out any thing. Please pray that her spine is perfect and that the ultra sound shows my daughter just has an adorable little dimpled behind! :)

12 comments:

Adawk said...

Congrats!!! We will say a prayer for her tonight:)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you updated! But really...no pictures??? Tell Chad to get on it. It's not like he has anything to do or tend to. REally though, love you guys and can't wait to meet that sweet little girl.

aunt nancy said...

We will be praying!

Sara said...

I'm with Melissa, we need some pictures!! Congrads you two...four! I am so happy for you and can't wait to meet Lilly Anna!

Page said...

I'll definitely say prayers, but I am SURE everything will be fine!! I loved hearing your birth story! In retrospect, I wish I could have been more relaxed during my L/D, but I was so nervous! Can't wait to see more pics!

Michael and Hannah said...

You are a trooper with those long labors!! I'm glad you and Chad got to enjoy some special time together. You guys have the MODEL marriage. Seriously, I know no one's perfect, but you guys are a great example for so many! Michael and I are so guilty of letting it become all about the kids too often, and you guys always seem to take time for each other. You inspire us! I'll be praying for Lillie Anna and her cute dimpled behind. I wish I could hold her and smell her and love on her!

emily said...

congratulations! she is beautiful!

Marie said...

We are praying and so excited for you!

lauren said...

I'll keep that in my prayers! I enjoyed reading the birth story!

Jenny said...

Congratulations on your sweet baby girl! I know that you are so thankful to have her in your arms and not inside your belly. May God bless you guys as you adjust to having three kids to take care of and love on. I loved watching the videos of her with Shep and Rauly, so sweet. We will be praying for Lillie Anna's ultrasound tomorrow and that the results come back normal. Hopefully, we can meet your sweet kids when you come to LR to visit.

Kathryn said...

Congratulations on your sweet new little one! We'll be in prayer for both Lillie Anna and your family, hoping that all is well with her health. She's precious!

Lane said...

Said a prayer...let us know what you find out!