We first found out about her existence on Valentine's Day 2010 when I woke Tristan with a positive pregnancy test. Our first visit to the doctor revealed the estimated arrival as the 9th of October. Pregnancy was pretty smooth with little complaints. There was minor issues as a bout of dizziness, frequent sciatica, skin sensitivity, and an itchy, annoying rash on my tummy and thighs. I gained about 25 pounds and grew larger than my first pregnancy as evidence in the stretch marks that appeared on my lower abdomen. I was not prepared for how uncomfortable, itchy, and sensitive those marks would be. All in all everything went textbook perfect this pregnancy. The doctors were leaving the decision to try a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) or a repeat surgery completely up to me. Each visit I would discuss the choices, pros and cons with the different practitioners to try and make a decision. I just couldn't decide either way and I didn't feel like I was even leaning one position over another. But there was no rush, I would have plenty of time to decided. Just as I began to feel more comfortable with the VBAC I went in for my 36 week appointment to find my previously vertex baby had turned breech. OH boy. You have to be kidding me. I was scheduled for an ultrasound at 37 weeks to see if she'd turn head down, which she did leaving me open in my options. By this point I was just hoping the choice would be made for me. I was feeling completely unguided and didn't really know what to do. Each week I would debate scheduling that C-section while hoping labor would just start. At my 38 week appointment I did put in the request for Friday October 1st. Tristan had looked at his schedule and he could easily miss school that day, my mom was scheduled to fly in on Tuesday and I'd most likely be discharged from the hospital Monday allowing me to get a little settled before my mom arrived. The only catch to the perfect plan was the hospital's refusal to schedule me before 39 weeks without a medical reason. I would be 39 weeks on the 2nd. One day. No C-section allowed. I was very distraught. Instead I was scheduled for Wednesday the 6th at 2pm. I fervently hoped to go in to labor before then to no avail. Things worked out anyway, despite my excitement to have that baby I had to wait. My mom arrived and was there to take Kalia so we didn't need to ask friends. Tristan was able to take time off to be at the hospital with me. And the cold that I'd caught the previous week was gone so I didn't have to worry about sneezing with a fresh incision.
Tristan didn't go in to school Wednesday morning and we all relaxed together at home. I packed the hospital bag with a few things, said goodbye to a rather confused Kalia and headed to the hospital. We got checked in and taken to the prep area. I absolutely loved my nurse, Carmela. She was very personable and efficient. We did have some wait time to get everything ready. We were next to head in to the OR when an emergency stalled us. We got in about 2:30 and the administered the spinal block, taped the sheet on my belly and started the operation. Tristan came in soon after to hold my hand and tell me what was going on. The drugs made my ears kinda fuzzy and I couldn't hear as well. The doctor had two residents assisting him. He'd tell me what he was doing step by step. I asked questions and he answered them. When the were delivering the baby it took a few minutes to extract her. Once her head was out she was trying to cry but hadn't been suctioned so she gurgled. That was the first impression she made. Gurgling. The doctor called her feisty, like she was trying to tell him off for taking her out. Right before they took her over to be cleaned up, the doctor peeked her head over the drape so I could look at her beautiful big eyes (wide open) and dark hair. Tristan stayed with me while they cleaned her up to be sure I didn't get hit with the panic like last time. I'm so glad I was much calmer this time and clear headed. I was able to be much more aware of what was going on. They finished up the surgery, stitched my stomach shut and sent me back to the prep room for recovery. Shortly after arriving they gave me Amalyn to hold. I felt so drained of energy, they were encouraging me to try nursing but after taking my blood pressure and finding it pretty low they had me lay there until it came up. Amalyn was moved to lay on my chest so I could wear the pressure cuff that remeasured every 15 minutes. It took a long time for the exhaustion to wear off and my blood pressure to raise. Amalyn was born at 2:54 pm but I wasn't up to my room until 7. Once I was in my room they broke my fast (since 6 the night before) and brought my dinner of broth, jello, and fruit ice. I wasn't to eat solid foods until 24 hours after the surgery. And I was only able to eat a solid dinner the next day due to a nurse's correction when they brought my broth again for dinner.
The hospital stay went as expected. Night time interruptions for my vitals to be checked, medicine administered, and baby fed. These gradually decreased in frequency until I was wondering if they'd forgotten I was there. It was about 20 hours later that they unhooked me from everything and encouraged me to get up for the bathroom. I was surprised at how good I felt. What a difference! Tristan stayed with me until 10ish Wednesday night and came back with Kalia and Grandma Thursday afternoon. In the meantime I hung out in my room reading The Hunger Games and feeding the baby. I didn't keep her in the room with me when Tristan was gone until I was able to get up and down on my own. I think the hospital preferred that. Once I was moving pretty well I spent more time with my little girl. Having Kalia visit Thursday let me know just how grateful I was to have more time to recover before taking on a wriggling toddler. She's at the age where she throws her body about when upset. I couldn't handle that yet. She didn't want to sit up on the bed with me at first. I think she was a little mad that I'd abandoned her. Luckily that was short lived. She was allowed to return Friday afternoon for a visit as well. Kalia was so sweet with Amalyn. Looking at her little fingers and trying to point to her eyes. I was surprised how gentle she handled the baby.
Coming home was fantastic. I was so sick of mediocre food and the same room that I couldn't wait to get home. Kalia was happy to see me and very aware of the baby in the house, though she didn't come to close. She requested to hold the baby a few times but demanded more to have Amalyn sit here or there. It was great having my mom there to wrangle Kalia into her high chair and crib. She also went with us to the doctor. I'm not sure how I'm going to get around with two. Maybe once I'm able to lift Kalia things will be easier.
We've been home a week now and things are slowly slipping into a state of normal. My body is sore and bruised but that's fading. Amalyn's eating really well. She was almost back to her birth weight at her first appointment (at 5 days). She's been sleeping really well at night. Last night she went 8 hours and 6 the two nights before that. Kalia has been great about the night time interruptions and sleeping right through them. I'm so glad sharing a room has been as successful as it has. We are loving our little sister and enjoy her addition to the family
