Monday, February 27, 2012

Small Packages

I had envisioned all my life about how the birth of my children would be. The doctor would hand me my baby, my husband who had been dabbing the sweat off of my forehead, rubbing my feet and holding my hand during the delivery would kiss me on the crown of my head as we both stared in awe at our child. It was something you'd probably see in a Hallmark commercial or an episode of Seventh Heaven. My deliveries were more like something you'd see on E.R.! When my son was born they had to take him a month early because my body was shutting down. As soon as we arrived at the hospital, they sent me to a room and checked me in there. I was surrounded by doctors and nurses, quizzing me and prepping me for an emergency C-section. They were so worried about losing me they used general anesthetic, and my husband wasn't allowed to come into the delivery room. A team of doctors and nurses ran (yes literally ran) my bed down to the operating room. I could almost hear the E.R. music as my husband let go of my hand and I was wheeled into the operating area. There was a brief snag in the music when they all stopped because my catheter had caught on the door. True fact. They took my son a month early, and he stayed in the hospital for ten days. I was released about three days and a few blood transfusions later. I was reassured by several medical professionals that this sort of thing really only happened with first pregnancies.
When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter we were really happy. And my husband was a tad nervous. My doctor was cautious. I ended up on bed rest three months before my due date. I went stir crazy. I LOVED doing the stress tests at the hospital because I was able to leave my house. I was only allowed to get up to shower once a day (with a five minute time limit) and to use the bathroom. I saved my shower until noon because it was the highlight of my day.
My deliveries are on my mind because ten years ago this week my little girl was born over two months early. I had HELLP syndrome--a severe type of toxemia--so they had to take her early. So early I hadn't had time to properly prep for the delivery. I remember wanting to die of shame because I hadn't shaved my legs for over a month because of my short showers. The doctors were fighting to save my life so I doubt they noticed but oh man was I aware. She was born weighing three pounds, eight ounces, and was in the N-ICU for over a month. I was a lot worse off this time and didn't improve for over a week. She lost weight but finally started to regain it. Every year I am amazed at how how much she has grown! I am so grateful for the wonderful doctors who took care of not only her but me. She may have been tiny (She still is for her age) but she has been a huge blessing for my family. Oh and in case you're wondering, we decided that two was the perfect amount of children. Our mind was firmly made up when found out a lady had died the next city over from HELLP about a week after my experience. I feel very blessed!!

10 comments:

Heidi Noel said...

I always wonder when amazing parents have only a couple of children. I try not to judge because it is so very personal, but it is nice to know the reasons. I was told I would never have children and have 4 now. Blessings are amazing and everywhere.

Unknown said...

Well, you know, your daughter may be tiny because her mommy is tiny. It may not have anything to do with being born a little early! ;)

I'm so glad you came through both of those experiences because otherwise I never would have met you or your adorable babies! Happy birthday to your little girl!

ali cross said...

What an ordeal! And one I can relate to! I'd had seven miscarriages before I became pregnant with twins. I was terrified I would lose them--my track record pretty much ensured I would! I spent the majority of my pregnancy (with the exception of three glorious weeks mid-pregnancy) and hooked up to an IV. Despite me nearly dying on the operating table (toxemia), the boys were born at 4.6 and 5.9 lbs and did great! Thing One had to stay in the NICU for ten days too because he couldn't suckle. I am grateful my pediatrician got the hospital to release both my babies--even though they both dropped a pound and came home as teeny tiny things. Within days of being home Thing One was suckling and could have his gavage tube removed!

Having my babies was a harrowing experience but so, so worth it! I always enjoy reading other people's stories about how they had their family against all odds--makes me feel like I've found a sister, ya know?

Happy birthday to your little girl! ((hugs))

Lani Woodland said...

Wow Heidi! Congrats on getting the four they said you'd never have. Blessings really are amazing. :)

I'm glad I got to know you too Sera Phyn. :) I'm looking forward to seeing you at BEA.

Ali- I'll pass along the birthday hugs! We call our kids Thing One and Thing Two too. Sometimes we also refer to them as The Boy and The Girl. Thanks for sharing your delivery story with me. I enjoyed reading it and I do feel that scary-life-and-death-delivery sisterly bond thing too. I'm glad they are healthy now.

Jordan McCollum said...

Definitely sounds like your family is blessed to have all three of you still with us! Happy birthday to your daughter!

Molly Hall said...

What a beautiful story! I'm so glad to hear that it had a happy ending and that your children and you are well and thriving now! Blessings to you!

Lani Woodland said...

Thank you, Jordan! I passed along your birthday greeting. It made her smile. :)
Molly- I'm so grateful for it too. Thank you. :)

Rita Webb said...

So glad you and your children stayed safe during such an ordeal. Happy birthday to your daughter!

Heidi Noel said...

I moved and have been offline for a few days. I looked back at my post and am a bit embarrassed. I don't mean it to seem like I was bragging or anything. (I shouldn't have written at 4am.) My point was that sometimes things don't happen the way we think but blessings are everywhere if we look. I am not that great with words. :)

Lani Woodland said...

Thanks Rita
Heidi you didn't sound like you were bragging at all! I am so happy for you!