Monday, May 6, 2013

The Birth of a Miracle

Exactly one week ago today I gave birth to our second miracle. Because I was high risk, we had to deliver Sweet Pea at 37 weeks to prevent contractions. By the time the day rolled around, I was more than ready to be done with pregnancy and to finally hold my little miracle in my arms, the baby we had fought so hard and long for, and that I had been through so much to bring into this world.

My c-section was scheduled for 7:30 in the morning, so we had to be to the hospital by 6:00. I don't really remember what time they rolled me down to the OR, but I cried. I always cry when I'm being wheeled down to any surgery. I cried the whole time they were putting in my spinal, and I cried for sometime afterward. I think they started before Hubs was even in the room, or at least it felt like it. It seemed like it took forever before they actually get in there and got the baby. It felt like forever before I heard the sounds of them suctioning up amniotic fluid.

The first time I heard Sweet Pea cry, I just sobbed. I could not believe she was finally here. Here, safe and sound, pink and crying. Beautiful. Perfect. Wanted more than anything.

They held her up over the curtain for me to see, and it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
She came in at 6 lbs 11 oz and 19.25" long.

The baby was taken off to the nursery for her first bath with daddy in tow while I was cleaned up and sewn back together. I spent a bit of time in Labor and Delivery before being wheeled to my room to hold my sweet baby.

The rest of the day is a bit of a blur. I tried to sleep while Hubs worked and I waited for the spinal to wear off.

Sometime around 5:00, Hubs went home to get my parents and Little Bean. I had been waiting for months to introduce Little Bean to her sister, and the moment had finally arrived. She was so excited, and the moment could not have been more perfect. She fell in love instantly.
Little Bean was excited to come to the hospital every day to see the baby. She still hasn't grasped the concept of a newborn and the fact that they don't giggle when tickled, smile when you say "boo", or play with a toy set of keys, but she sure does love her little sister. She tells me every day how cute Sweet Pea is and that she loves her.
The best was when my mom was holding the baby in the hospital and Sweet Pea let out a little cry. Little Bean told grandma to be careful because Sweet Pea was her baby, not grandma's. I think these two will be very close as the years go on, just as I had hoped. If Little Bean is this excited about her sister now, just wait until the baby can play and giggle.

The past week has been easier to handle than the first couple with Little Bean. This time I knew what to expect and how to combat the baby blues. In addition, and as always, Hubs has been amazing. I cannot imagine trying to do this without such a supportive, loving partner. It is because of him that I am adjusting so well and tolerating sleep in 2-hour stretches. I hope and pray it continues this way, but I also know there will be days that are rougher than others, like the ones where Hubs will have to go into work and I'll be on my own all day. But I am thankful for the days he is here with me.

I am trying to breastfeed again, and just like last time, it is my Achilles heel. I swear I can do anything in this world except for that. At just 5 days old I had to go to pumping. I would like to get back to breastfeeding soon, and I have an awesome lactation consultant, much better than the one I had with Little Bean. I know she can help get me through this and get back to nursing my baby and not milking myself every 3 hours.

Recovery from the c-section is exactly as I expected, a cake-walk. Luckily I have a high pain tolerance for surgery and always recover quickly and easily.

The best part of recovery so far is that I am already only 4.5 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight! I only gained 17 during the pregnancy, so I knew I would come out ahead after I delivered. I don't remember the last time my legs were so tiny. I am rather relieved that unlike last time, I won't have that pesky 10 lbs hanging around months after the baby is born.

Tonight, I am a very happy mother of two. My family is finally complete, and my journey through infertility is done. A 7-year battle is finally over. All that is left now is to enjoy my little miracle babies with the most incredible husband and loving father in the world.  I am truly blessed, and I thank God every day for my family.

12 comments:

Alex said...

I'm so happy for you!!! You sound wonderful! I'm just thrilled for you. I'm so happy things are going well, and I especially love how excited Little Bean is about her little sister. What a perfect family. Just so happy for you!!!

Fran said...

Fantastic news!! Congratulations on the perfect birth of Sweet Pea!!! Wishing you a lot of happiness in the days, months and years to come! Fran

Punch Blogger said...

Yay, Yay, Yay!! I am so happy to read your update and know all is well. She is beautiful and such a miracle girl!! Congrats lady, you deserve every bit of this. What a journey it has been and I can't help but cry tears of joy to see your dreams come true. Love you!

Leah said...

I am so happy for you and your family. :) Your new baby is beautiful, and I"m so happy that LB fell in love instantly. I love your little family. :)

Life Happens said...

Congrats!! I was thinking of you. Sweet Pea is just so adorable. And I love how Little Bean is already so protective of her. They will be the best of friends. :)

Good luck with the breast feeding. Enjoy every minute with your babies. I'm so glad to have followed you on your journey!

Sarah said...

Congratulations!! I am so happy for you!

Laural said...

That is such a wonderful story! So happy for all of you! And you are all beautiful!!! Congrats!

*Jess* said...

Congratulations!!! I am so happy she is here and healthy!! Welcome to the world Sweet Pea!

(Need any advice on breastfeeding? I am training to be a LLL leader and would love to help! email me at thethreejays@gmail.com )

MN said...

Congratulations!! What a blessing <3

Carrie said...

Aw! Congratulations!

It took me 5 weeks to master breastfeeding and it was hell the whole time. I literally bit through my lip trying to get through the pain of it... but after those 5 weeks it was a breeze and I am so glad I stuck with it! It's okay to give up (I did with my first) but just know that eventually it gets better!

Journey Girl said...

Congratulations, such wonderful news!! I am so happy that it has all turned out well. I hope that you are feeling the overjoyed love that I feel right now!! All the best!!

Barb said...

CONGRATS! Beautiful family!