So, Ivy is already almost two months old and I haven't blogged at all, but life has been crazy busy and beautiful. I figured it was probably time to write out Ivy's birthing story while it's still at least a little fresh in my memory. So, let's begin.
On Friday, July 7th we woke up at 7am to head to the hospital for my scheduled c-section. Jaime had flown in to Omaha, and she stayed at the house with Orion so he didn't have to wait at the hospital for quite so long. Seth and I got to the hospital and checked in, and next thing I knew we were in the pre-op room. They had me change into those super sexy hospital gowns, of course, and wrapped my legs with the aluminum foil looking wraps. The nurse Catherine was incredible. She made conversation and talked like we were old friends, staying in the room with Seth and I from the time I arrived until the procedure....other than when she took Seth to get some apple juice since he had skipped breakfast. 😀😀 .
Initially I was a bit concerned because the nurse told me that they didn't have a room ready for me yet for recovery and that I wouldn't be able to have visitors until I got to my room. I told her about Orion and how excited he was to meet the baby, and she promised me that they would figure something out to make that happen.
They started my IV and pushed fluids, and it was way less painful than a lot of them have been! Catherine then did the necessary grooming 😮 and strapped the baby monitor to my gut, and we waited patiently for the time to pass. Of course, baby was not having any of the monitor so we spent a bunch of time chasing her down, but it kept me entertained until it was time to go into the OR at 9am. The room was cool but not too cold and for this epidural they actually allowed Seth to be in the room with me, which was so helpful for my sanity. There were two nurses, my doctor and her assistant, and the anesthesiologist in the room for the procedure.
I talked to the anesthesiologist before the procedure, talking about all the issues I ran into last time, and he helped me feel so much more comfortable by adjusting the dosage and giving me an action plan for post-procedure. Before I knew it, I was leaned clear over my stomach and the epidural was inserted. I did not go instantly numb like I did with Orion, and that was a little bit scary. They laid me back on the table and feeling slowly faded away, but I still didn't feel completely numb. Instead I could tell WHERE they were touching, but not really feel any pain associated with it. Eventually that faded too, and the small curtain was hung in front of me, and surgery began.
Seth stood by my side, camera strapped around his neck, holding my hand and waiting patiently. The doctor talked to me throughout, explaining what she was doing and asking how I was feeling. Seth and I talked about how I felt. Last time I told him I felt like I was on a roller coaster with my entire body flopping around. This time it instead felt like the table I was on was moving around while I held still. I asked Seth and he assured me that the table was stationary. It seemed like no time at all before I heard my doctor say, and there she is. It is a girl. Seth looked around the curtain and simply said "She's so beautiful." I asked "She is?" and he says "Oh yes" and I just started bawling. I was so happy she was here and beautiful that the tears just flowed. They took her over to be weighed and measured while they finished tying my tubes and closing me back up. As soon as she was wrapped up, Seth brought her over to meet me and I knew in that moment that all of my concerns about being able to love a second child were completely unnecessary.
The procedure was over quickly, and they took me, Seth, and baby to a labor room temporarily while they prepped my room. They went to move me from pre-op bed to the labor room bed and instead of waiting patiently, I found myself helping them move me. They were all very surprised that I could already move my legs. They then brought in Orion to meet his sister. He sat down on the couch and wanted to hold the tiny screaming baby. I was so proud of him, holding her close and talking to her. I'm so glad he got that time, away from everyone else, just us and his sister. It's a moment I'll remember forever.
Eventually they did get my room ready and we were off to recovery and the rest of the family visitors. Recovery seemed less difficult this time, which says a lot considering I didn't think it was awful last time. The nurses were excellent and the itching and frustrations from the first time were a lot less. The itching was well managed and there was no benadryl involved, so I didn't feel all drugged up and groggy. The nurse checking my uterus was also much less forceful so, while uncomfortable, it didn't hurt nearly as bad. The worst part was keeping the IV in place and taking off the bandage after surgery (I had Seth help me out). Overall, we had a happy, beautiful baby to complete our family. There will be no more little ones in our future so we are enjoying every second with this tiny baby, while also watching Orion blossom into his role as big brother. It's an amazing journey.
