Thursday, August 20, 2009
Kelly and I headed to our doctor's appointment around 9:00 Thursday morning. We were not expecting what was about to become one of the most exciting days we'll experience together.
We had our normal vital checks -
My BP was normal: 112/72
My weight gain: 27 lbs total
Kaitlynn's heart rate: 159
Fundal Measurement: 37cm
Dilation: still just barely 1cm
Doctor Walters talked with both of us about our previous days' visit to the hospital because of the continuous contractions & pains that I was experiencing for a long period of time. Because of our past two hospital trips, contractions/pains, and the fact that my body was not dilating at all (barely 1cm), she began discussing a few options with us. She first asked me how I felt about a C-Section. I told her how I was planning on having a vaginal delivery and had no thought towards a C-Section. She told me that the only difference between the two was I would feel pain upfront with a Vaginal Delivery verses pain afterwards with a C-Section. I really didn't want to go through with surgery because I thought it would seem like I was just "throwing in the towel." Yet, Dr. Walters explained to me that I wouldn't be giving up since I've already been experiencing prelabor for 2 weeks now and most likely would have 2-3 weeks left of it. Because I couldn't seem to make a decision, she then decided to ask Kelly what he wanted to do. He simple said that he was tired of me being in so much pain and wanted to have the C-Section. Dr. Walters told us to sit tight and she would call to arrange our surgery for 5:00pm that day! WOW!
I looked at Kelly and became very emotional. I told him I couldn't believe we would be meeting our baby girl that afternoon. We spent a few minutes talking about our excitement and nervousness over the news we just received. Kelly was able to calm my fears and we were ready to go meet our baby girl. Dr. Walters came back into the room about 10 minutes later to explain that our surgery was set for 5:00pm and we needed to arrive at the hospital around 2:00pm to wait for a room and get prepped. We thanked her, said we'd see her soon, and headed out the door to finish a few things at home!
We spent some time calling family and a few close friends to let them know of the upcoming exciting news. My mom was on her way down at this point, my dad was in Statesboro with some customers hoping to head back early afternoon, and Kelly's parents were heading down hoping to see us before surgery. We also spent some time getting a few things done around the house since our parents were staying here to take care of Willa while we were in the hospital. We were not looking forward to staying there for 3 nights.
Little did we know how fast it would go by and how thankful we'd be
for the time we were there!!
1:00pm rolled around and my mom got to the house. We spent some time explaining in more detail everything that went on at our doctors appointment. It was good having her at the house before we had to leave for the hospital.
1:30pm came - Kelly and I grabbed our bags and left for the hospital while mom took Willa for a long walk. ::::I was not happy having to leave my 'baby' girl.::::
2:00pm - We arrived at the hospital, we checked in with Labor & Delivery for the 3rd time this month! The lady at the desk actually remembered us from being there the day before!! Pretty amusing.....sort of! After checking in, we waited for just a while for a room to be ready. Supposedly August 20th was a very busy day in labor & delivery!! Lots of babies being born :)
3:30pm Once we were able to go back to our room the nerves kicked in again. We met our nurse, who was amazing! She was prepping us in a labor/delivery room before moving us to surgery. My mom was also there for a few minutes before Kelly's parents arrived. Our parents were able to spend some time with us in our room for about an hour before I received my epidural. It was so comforting to be around family before my surgery!!
Me and my mom before surgery
First, I was hooked up to the monitors, had blood work done, had an IV started in my left ARM, not hand - thank goodness - and waited on the epidural. I was very nervous at this point, but Kelly was by my side the entire time! The nurse left for a short period of time which gave Kelly and I a few minutes to catch our breath, and get ready for such a life-changing experience. He sat down on my bed and said a pray for us and for Kaitlynn as we prepared for our upcoming surgery. His prayer & God's comforting grace relieved my fears and worries over the surgery and I was able to go into the room with confidence and knowing that Kelly would be by my side and God was keeping the three of us completely safe!
**Kelly & I waiting on the epidural and spending a few last minutes together before meeting our baby girl**
Kelly & I ready for surgery and to meet our baby girl!
5:00pm - My nurse came in, rolled me down the hallway to the surgery room and had Kelly wait outside for about 5 minutes while they got me prepped and ready to go. Those were the longest 5 minutes I've ever experienced! I was not a fan being alone, but once Dr. Walters - my OB - walked in my nerves calmed a bit and then Kelly was finally let back into the room. We were prepped and ready to go! Things went very quickly. They doctors checked twice to make sure I was completely numb to pain before beginning the C-Section. I was not able to feel an ounce of pain, however you feel tugging, pushing, and pressure. It feels a lot different though since there is no pain involved. Regardless of all the pressure, I knew I'd be okay! Kelly was sitting right with me the entire time - he never left my side, never let go of my hand, and kept talking to me during the entire surgery to help keep me calm. I will never forget the first thing he chose to do once our daughter was born. After they showed us Kaitlynn over the drape, they took her to get cleaned off and asked Kelly to come watch. Before he ever left my side, he leaned in - told me how proud he was of me, how much he loved me, and gave me a kiss. That was when I told him I was okay and wanted him to go be with our daughter since I couldn't be with her quite yet.
*AMAZING*
5:23pm - Kaitlynn was born and welcomed into the world by me, Kelly & our fabulous team of doctors & nurses. I saw a glimpse of her before they took her and cleaned her off. I told Kelly to go see her for me, which he did, as well as take several pictures. I was crying at this point - so emotional from the experience and anticipating meeting my daughter for the first time. Before Kelly & Kaitlynn went to the recovery room without me, he brought her to me so I could finally see her and meet my precious child. When they left, I cried again and started talking to the doctors to pass the time while I was being stitched up, stapled, and cleaned.
Our daughter, Kaitlynn Leane Crawford
Born on 8-20-2009
5:23pm
Weight: 5lbs. 14oz.
Length: 19.5 inches
5:45pm - I finally made it to the Recovery room and was reunited with my amazing husband and beautiful daughter. We were down here for about 2 hours. They wouldn't let us go up to our postpartum room until I could move my legs! It took forever for the epidural to wear off, probably because I supposedly asked for some extra pain meds during surgery :) Again....me & pain = terrible enemies!! These two hours were breathtaking, very memorable, and so special to both Kelly and I. We enjoyed being together with Kaitlynn for such a lengthy period of time! This was a new start to our family - the addition of our first child.
After Kaitlynn's first bath in the recovery room
Mommy & Kaitlynn
Daddy & Kaitlynn
Meanwhile....my parents & Kelly's parents had been waiting in the Waiting Area since 4:30pm - they had no idea they'd be waiting 4 hours with a planned surgery before seeing us and meeting our daughter! Thanks everyone for being so patient and waiting :) Also, sometime during the "waiting" time, Ginny - a good friend of mine - showed up as well, so she got to partake in the waiting game with our parents!
7:45pm - Finally, we were taken upstairs to our postpartum room. Our families had no indication that we had already gone upstairs. We were with the nurse right away and were not able to go get them until 8:30pm.
Our first family picture -
Kelly, Kristen & Kaitlynn Crawford
8:30pm - Our parents + Ginny were finally able to come into the room to see how all of us were doing. Everyone wanted to make sure Kelly & I were doing okay, and then finally meet our daughter. She was so precious and we were excited about everyone finally meeting her!! Everyone stayed until about 9:15pm and then headed out for the evening. It was great being able to see our families and let them know we were okay, but it was also nice having some time to get to know our daughter and begin learning how to take care of her!! Little did we know this would be a night of no sleep......
Nana Watson
Nana Crawford
Grandpa Watson
Papa Crawford
Papa Crawford
Ginny Sneed came by for a visit as well :)
Long first night....Kelly looks a little more refreshed than me,
but I guess since I went through the surgery, that's normal :)
but I guess since I went through the surgery, that's normal :)
But....Kaitlynn definitely makes our
long nights worth it!!
long nights worth it!!
God REALLY new what I needed in a husband and he blessed me with Kelly - the most amazing husband and man I could have married. I can't go through parenthood without him and he was right there beside me during the entire hospital stay and will be beside me throughout the rest of our lives as husband & wife, and as parents!
To end such an emotional day & a new story in our lives....the C-Section was wonderful! I will have to have C-Sections for each pregnancy, but after experiencing this past one, I definitely am looking forward to going through pregnancy & surgery for Kelly & I to meet our future children when God blesses us with them in his timing!
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