Dear Ellie -
I know I haven't really gotten a chance to describe that day when you entered our world so here goes...
It was like I said a snowy day. Both Mommy and Daddy arrived at St. Joe's hospital with expectations that it would be a great day. We knew that in the past week since we tried our first induction that many natural things had happened to Mommy to give us signs of progression. Mommy got all hooked up and our amazing nurse started the Pitocin. At 9:30 am Dr. Rice came in to check on Mommy. You were low, and I was dilated to a 3, right where the Doc wanted you to be so she broke my bag of water. It wasn't so bad, some poking and a little gush. Afterwards, Mommy and Daddy got up to walk around for a bit. Not too long after the contractions started and they were heavy. I asked for an epidural and there were two ladies ahead of me. While I waited the nurse gave me something to hold me over because let me tell you they were really bad. Finally at 11:30 am I was able to get the epidural and relax. For the next three hours I just rested, I didn't really sleep but I closed my eyes and listened to the TV. Of course Daddy had on ESPN or something sports. Meanwhile the nurse kept checking me and at 2:30 pm I was dilated fully to a ten. I couldn't believe it. I got so excited when the nurse said I would start pushing soon. I mean excited... I started shaking, the nurse said it was adrenaline because my body was getting ready to labor. At this point I still couldn't really feel much for pain. And by 2:45 pm I was giving all I had on my first push.
I had a great view of the clock... I would look up after every push. The contractions were about 2 minutes apart and I could only feel a small tight spot just above my uterus as it would contract, but that was enough for me to know that it was time to push. Each push was a series of three pushes... one take a breath, two take a breath and finally a last hard push for as long as I could. REST and then do the three steps again. Of course I was nervous as I was trying a vaginal birth after cesarean and had the chance for a uterus rupture... but I just kept pushing. I was asking Grandma Bernice for help and I also thought of your Grandpa Heinsen... I remember thinking please let me push like a stubborn German would. It must have helped because our nurse said you were getting closer and closer. I also remember thinking, if my uterus is going to rupture... when would this happen? Ugh... well it didn't so I will never know thank GOD! But, when the clock started to hit 3:30ish I was really getting anxious and nervous since I was coming to an hour of pushing.
Finally....
Around 3:45pm our nurse said you were there, in position ready to come out but you were hung up. She went to get Dr. Rice and she verified that and said she would use a vacuum to get you out. She looked at me and said, This will be your last push... it is 90% you and 10% me as I use the vacuum." And, she was right... it was my last push and you were out at 3:55pm. Right away I had no idea if you were a boy or a girl. No one said a thing until Daddy finally said, it's Ellie. They plopped you on top of me and I was in so much shock and awe that I actually did it... I gave birth naturally to you, a beautiful healthy little girl. You weighed 8 lbs 1 0z and you were 20.5" in length. You were a nice shade of pink and daddy counted all your fingers and toes.
I looked at the Doc and just thanked her over and over again. When I talked with her that morning before the birth, I asked her for a pleasant birth experience. I got that and more... I didn't feel an ounce of pain, the worst of it was waiting for my epidural. I was worried it would hurt when you came out but it didn't.
Shortly after the Doc sewed me up because on your way out I was cut a little and then I got to hold you... our sweet little Ellie.
You had and still have an adorable face, with big eyes and a cute pointy chin. Daddy picked out your middle name and we broadcasted to the world that you were here!
That day you came into our lives and made our family complete... you gave us another lovely daughter and you gave Hadley a sister and a friend she will have forever.
Like I mentioned above you are 90 days old give or take already... and we have loved every minute of you in our lives. We look forward to the next 90 days, 90 weeks, 90 months and 90 years. We love you to pieces Ellie Belly!
3 month updates:
- You get gas still - so today we decided to start you back on antacid meds.
- You love to be held. You like to rest on our shoulders and you also like to sit face out.
- You enjoy the swing and will fall asleep in the swing at night.
- You still like your paci.
- You are a great eater, both from Mommy and the bottle.
- Lately you have been a good sleeper... you go to bed around 11 pm and get up twice to nurse.
- You are a Mommy's girl... but that is okay. I enjoy it!
No comments:
Post a Comment