One Week Ago . . .

Last Wednesday, I had my regular doctor's appointment. It was also the day that I got my terbutaline pump out. Yay! I knew I was feeling some contractions at the doctor that afternoon, but later that evening they became regular. I was talking to my mom on the phone and I kept feeling them; this was about 6PM. I asked Buffalo Wings for the stopwatch so that I could time them; this was about 7PM. The contractions were coming about 4 minutes apart, so I called my doctor and she told me to come on up to the hospital. I was sure that the minute I got to the hospital, they would stop, but they didn't. They actually increased! I have never had such regular contractions without pitocin, so I was really surprised. Our nurse (who was really fun, by the way! She was great.) checked me and went to call my doctor. A few minutes later, she came back in and said, "We're having a baby tonight!"

I was totally shocked! But Dr. F had told me not to wait if I started having lots of contractions. That's because the ultrasound earlier that day had showed that Charlie was still footling breech, with lots of cord bunched up under his legs. If my water were to break, things could get really dangerous. So Dr. F wanted to proceed while things were still safe.

We had a good time talking, laughing, and relaxing with our nurse and Dr. F. I was lucky that Dr. F didn't have any other deliveries that night, so she had time to just hang out with us before the surgery. I got my IV and BW got his scrubs and we just waited to be taken to surgery. I got into the OR at about 11:30PM or so.

My nurse, Kimberly, went with me to the OR and helped me while I got my epidural. It was the easiest epidural I've ever had administered. There was very little pain and the weird feelings in my back went away really quickly. I don't remember a lot of things about the surgery, at least, I don't remember everything exactly in sequence. But I do remember that I kept thinking, this is it? No waiting, no pushing? Hm . . . maybe I should have done this before! I also felt lots of tugging and pulling, and then Charlie was out at 12:04AM! I started crying and asking if he was ok. I heard something about him maybe not weighing enough to go to the regular newborn nursery. I heard his little squeal and all I wanted to do was touch him and hold him. I thought he might be cold or scared and that he needed his mommy. I told BW to go over and see him, and I just kept asking over and over again if the baby was ok. Everyone in the room kept telling me how great he was, but I had to see him to believe it. Finally, BW brought Charlie over to me and I got to hold him a little bit. BW went with him as they took him to the regular nursery - he weighed enough after all!

I guess I was getting sewed up and everything after that. I remember some more tugging and my doctor talking to me and my anaesthesiologist helping me out with nausea. Kimberly was then taking me to recovery and getting me warmed back up and comfortable. BW was with me then, though I am not exactly sure when he got to the recovery area. BW was wonderful throughout the whole thing. He was perfectly calm and helped me be calm. He kept assuring me that everything was fine and that the baby was great. I don't remember exactly what time I got to my room, but on the way to my room, Kimberly stopped at the nursery and held Charlie up for me to see. All I wanted was to hold him, and I was thrilled when they finally gave him to me a few hours later. He just had to get his temperature regulated.

Charlie was so tiny and absolutely perfect. He never had a bit of trouble breathing. He was lazy at eating at first, but that's just sort of status quo for a preemie. He looked to me like a miniature baby, like a doll. My other babies had been at least two pounds heavier and an inch longer than he was. Charlie was just a sweet little cuddler and I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness that after everything, he had come out perfect and healthy, even though he was small.

After awhile, BW went home to get a little bit of sleep and to get a few things from home. We didn't even bring our camera (I was sure I would be going home the night before!)! After BW left, the nurses wanted me to get up to go to the bathroom. The first few times, I wasn't sure how I'd be able to do it. But by the time the day passed, BW came back and spent the day with me, and the night crew came on, I was getting out of bed alone. 24 hours hadn't even passed by that time, so I was pretty proud of myself! My doctor told me that if I continued to do well and could tolerate food till lunch the next day, I could go home. So, I did! Charlie was born at midnight on the 12th; we went home at about 5PM on the 13th! My parents were already at our house and though I was in pain right when I got home, things got better and I was so happy to be home early and recovering there.

My parents left yesterday. We are all doing well. Charlie is the sweetest, and a really good baby. I am so relaxed this time around, and also very aware that this will be our last newborn. I have been enjoying this little boy more than I can say. I hold him too much, I spoil him, the kids hold him and kiss him while BW and I ooh and ahh . . . I keep remembering how uptight and scared I was when Chicken Nugget was born nine years ago. I was so worried about so many things that I missed out on enjoying lots of things with her. Not so with Charlie. I am probably doing things that would curl the hair of baby experts everywhere, but I am having so much fun, and I think Charlie is too. We are blessed beyond blessing to have this sweet baby boy join our family. I can't wait to share him with all of you! I hope we can see you soon. Much love to you all -