On Sunday, April 29th I woke up and thought my water had broken/leaked... not going into details here, but it was not a normal situation. I also was having some stronger contractions and it was new for them to happen in the morning and that they would continue. I mentioned this to Frank and we were not sure what to think of it. I decided to call the on-call number for my doctor's office and the on call doctor said I would need to go to Labor and Delivery at the hospital to be seen. This was both exciting and a moment where we both were thinking, oh geez, what if we are wrong? I wanted to dry an outfit for Cameron that I washed that morning so while it was in the dryer I packed a few more things in the hospital bag, Frank loaded the car with our bags, and we surveyed what was left to do in the house. Since it was our last "relaxing" weekend I hadn't done our laundry yet, hadn't gotten groceries, and a few other things. So I made a list to mention this to whoever would see it first and left my car key out since I knew one of our families would need it for Emerson. And off we went to the hospital. It seemed so quiet there... nobody was in the lobby, and it seemed calm when we arrived in Labor and Delivery. They asked me a few questions and within minutes we were taken to a room. Soon after a nurse came in and we explained everything. She checked me again and I was not dilated or showing signs of labor in that way, but I was still having contractions. They were checking my blood pressure and it was coming back very high every time. Our nurse was an Asian lady named "Na" and she was asking me if I had preclampsia and I said I hadn't been having any problems, and she said "You are now"... In short, we were not going home because it was high enough she said the baby would be coming today. But wait!!...my doctor was not on-call this weekend... this was not what I thought would happen. With the back and forth with the decision on a c-section I had assured myself that Dr. Kaye would handle everything and it would be fine. Na said that he probably would not be able to come, but that the on-call doctor would try to reach him. I needed to not worry she said and explained we would be having a c-section right away basically. She said we could wait for my mom/family to arrive... I had began to feel very uneasy with things and could feel my anxiety growing every second that passed. Frank changed for surgery into some scrub like outfit and they prepared me as well. My family arrived and I was able to see Emerson too, which made me feel better emotionally, though evidently my blood pressure got even higher. Not surprising... I was really beginning to freak out inside... but I was doing my best to not worry. So they wheeled me into the operating room... I had a hard time being calm before they gave me the epidural, but then I felt better. They had also given me magnesium, which would prove to be some downright awful medicine, but it protected me from having a seizure due to my blood pressure. Soon after I was told good news that Dr. Kaye was driving in and would perform the surgery and I felt better knowing that, and then Frank was able to come in the operating room too. They began the surgery and it was not long before we heard that amazing and overwhelming sound of our baby boy screaming/crying... I watched as he was handed to two nurses who immediately cleaned him and performed all the checks, cleared his lungs, checked his response, etc. All the while screaming and kicking his arms and legs... tears of joy were in my eyes... thank goodness everything was ok. He arrived April, 29th at 1:06 pm weighing 9 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. A sweet heaven sent little chunk of a baby. They brought him over to my face since they were still doing the surgery and we got to meet for the first time. I was so happy and very in love. I was able to give him a kiss and look at his precious little face... my little man was finally here!
After this point for me things become very blurred and the drugs were having a heavy impact on me! I was in our recovery room and our families came in to meet Cameron and see me too. After this Cameron got his first bath, I tried breastfeeding, bonding time, etc. A few meal times passed and things are a blur there. But Cameron was doing great... The next day they took me off magnesium and the epidural was removed. Another wave of feeling bad hit then... and I was being prepared to move to another room. I almost fainted as 2 nurses and Frank helped me go to the bathroom... I couldn't walk but used this nifty walker/wheeler contraption to get there. Then I arrived in the Post-Partum room. This is the end of day 2, Monday. I was really feeling down and didn't like how my body felt, but the wonderful nurses assured me I would feel much better each day. Thankfully they were right. We stayed in the hospital for another 3 nights as they were wanting to get control of my blood pressure. All through pregnancy it was fine, and then it was a problem and has made my recovery a little more challenging.
The great news though is that Cameron is absolutely amazing. God has blessed us with 2 wonderful children and we feel very blessed. We spent the time in the hospital working on getting me to feel better and stable, work on breast feeding, and making sure Cameron was doing well adjusting to life outside. Some friends came to visit and we spent time with our families. Even though I had a hard time with recovery I was so happy with the hospital staff and their assistance with everything. I didn't feel the same pressure with breast feeding as I did when Emerson was born, they were just very helpful. The nurses for me were so helpful in easing my mind and getting me whatever I needed. When we were finally able to go home I was glad, but also a bit concerned with the adjustment. But everything has gone so well... each day is better than the last as far as getting the hang of things. Cameron is the best sleeper and is so content so far. I think maybe he will take after Frank with his personality so we will see. :) We call him our little piglet too since he snorts when he is upset, or when he is hungry and is impatient. It's the cutest thing.
Here are some pictures as well of everything. Frank and I are so very blessed to welcome this little miracle into the world. Both of our children mean everything to us... Emerson and Cameron are the best gifts we could ever receive.
Headed to the hospital- 38 weeks 5 days!
Cameron kicking and screaming!
Meeting our little man for the first time... what a moment.
Finally some rest!
Uncle John Paul and Aunt Amanda
I'm such a cute little munchkin.
We love him so much!
Our first family photo... so happy to have these wonderful kiddos.
Sweetie
Kellie and Stefanie came to visit!
So glad Laura, Kathy, and Alecia came too.
Uncle Justin and Aunt Alyssa
Barbara came to visit us too.
Granddad and MomMom love me so.
GG getting some cuddle time.
CC andUncle John Paul love me so much.
Johnnie is a proud Uncle.
GrandPaul loves me so much too.
We are heading home... I am so little in my car seat!
Emerson sitting with Daddy looking at a book and checking Cameron out.
Time for Emerson to open her big sister gift!
She loves her stroller!
Cameron loves Ashley!
Getting comfortable!
Our burrito!
A happy one week old Cameron!
Sweet friends Lindsey and Jim
Peacefully sleeping.
Our sweet neighbors Frances and Ron
Emerson checking in on her brother. So sweet!
I got my first sponge bath and feel so good!
Comfortable in pajamas after his bath.
Cameron's first baseball... autographed by Nolan Ryan! It was actually played in the game on his birth day (April 29th) at the Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers lost the game, but we think the baseball is a winner. :)
The adorable door wreath "Aunt Stefanie" made for Cameron. I love this... she is so sweet. It makes the perfect wreath for his bedroom door at home!
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