Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Pictures and Recap

Greetings from Mommyland...


OK, I know I said I was working on the birthing story... and I am (all 2000 words of it. More for me than for you, obviously).  It's just such an emotional thing for me that every time I sit down to write it I get like 2 paragraphs in, start crying and then I miss holding my baby... so it's coming... 

But in the meantime, some "highlights" (readers digest version):
  • My cervix never dilated (ok, it dilated to a 1.5 after 24 hours of medical interventions; does that count?)
  • Hypnobirthing worked (and Danny was a rockstar). I mean, it helped me relax, and even though I had to be induced, I used it up until the decision was made to cut me open and get baby out
  • That's right... I ended up getting a cesarean (Long live Caesar! Oh wait, that's a different battle cry...)
  • They broke my h20 after 4 1/2 hours of pitocin, and then I labored another 3 1/2 hours (yes, I could definitely feel it) before my "spinal tap" premier (I never opted for the epidural, thus the spinal for surgery instead...so I really think there's something to be said for the hypno thing)
  • Holden was in distress for who knows how long?!? Once they got the internal fetal monitors in place (after breaking my water) they could see I'd have a contraction every minute 1/2 and his heart rate would drop at each peak
  • They put me on O2 early, but after breaking my water it revealed he had also passed meconium(sp?) in his amniotic fluid and they were worried about him aspirating
  • "Hard Labor" was manageable (about 3 1/2 hours) until the decision for the c-section was made. Unfortunately, I "came out" of hypnosis and had another 45 minutes before surgery, and the pain was like nothing I've experienced before (apparently the "drip" was on a 19 and the highest dosage they go up to is a 20?) Yeah, I could feel it. 
  • But Baby is safe, and eating well now (totally lazy eater btw... no offense to Holden, but he kinda sux and sucking...) but I'm pumping milk like a cow so at least it's "mother's milk"... and Mama is doing fine.
  • I also would like to note that yesterday I almost put Burt's Bee's Diaper Rash Cream on my nips instead of "Tender Care Lanolin" (yes, nipple cream).  In my defense they do both come packaged in a yellow tube...
Anyway, I have a lot of mixed emotions about what happened through L&D, with my pregnancy being so easy and all, and then to have such an odd turn of events (I didn't even read the chapters on cesarean in "What to Expect" so I was into it blindly.) But I've been working through those (emotions, not so much  the book's chapters...though I've read those now too) this past week and a half.  Like many of you have said, it doesn't really matter as long as he's here and ok.  And he's not just ok -- he's a perfect little squish. 

So some pictures to celebrate (you may have already seen these on facebook if we're "friends," but anyway: 
Daddy and Holden: Day 2 I believe.

Yep, definitely Day 2 after Holden's birth...Daddy has not been getting much sleep... oh and the Pink Blanket was a gift from Danny before we got married (he made it for me) and I took it to the Hospital to be comfortable... so that's why our son has a pink blanket (and because he's totally metro and comfortable with his sexuality)

Single's Ward After Party last Sunday with Holden's Surrogate Uncles and Godmother -- Lindsay Morgan


Holden, Parker and TIgg (Tigg will only be smiling for a moment and then freak out about 5 seconds after the picture as he sees his first umbilical chord... I think he thought it was Holden's circumcised "guy." 

Yesterday: Holden was sleeping... I was picture taking; he was saying "Mom, that's enough."

I don't think he likes the Bear hat... but I think it's adorable. 
Too much work... time for rest.

20 comments:

WIKKY said...

Sabrena, so sweet... I am glad he is here (finally!) It never goes as expected so I am glad you have such a great attitude about it all!!!! He is so darn cute. Congrats and I can't wait to meet him!

Melanie said...

WOW! I am impressed you got that out so soon. I have to admit though that I have been seriously waiting for it.

Jas&Tara Fam said...

Congrats! I've been thinking about you and babe. You both look like a million bucks. I am glad things worked out for the both of you. Talk to you soon-

naptime nostalgia said...

Sounds like Holden and my firstborn have VERY similar birth stories. I was wondering if you ended up having a cesarian because of how long you were at the hospital. Hope you are recovering well. And Holden is adorable by the way.

Kyle, Adrienne and Hayden said...

Sabrena, Congrats! He's absolutely beautiful and so so sweet. Cherish every moment you have with him, because as every told me (and I didn't believe them)they grow up way too quickly. ;-) We're so happy for you.

Brian and Cami Murray said...

I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you! I'm so glad everything is ok for you and lil Holden. I totally know what you mean about having an ideal pregnancy and an "interesting" delivery. I didn't have the same struggles you did but I definetly had some of my own. You look like such a cute mama!! It's undescribable until you experience it for yourself. I love my baby boy more than life itself. I hope to see you soon, when you are feeling up to it that is. Make sure to rest and enjoy that little guy cause they grow up SOOOOOOOOO fast!:} BTW...if you want to add us our blog is camiandbrian.blogspot.com.
Take Care,
Cami

Anonymous said...

Hi, thank you for sharing your story with us. My heart reaches out to you .... I had a similar experience with an unexpected 11th hour ceaser and I completely understand how overwhelming it can be. Holden is beautiful well done.

Cicely said...

LOVE these pictures. I can't wait to meet your little squish.

Bergeson Family said...

Oh my word...so worth it! He is a cutie pie! Way to go!!!

mrs. farlanderz said...

wooohooo!! He is so handsome and I hope I look as hot as you after just havin a babe!

We are so happy you and Holden are doing well now! We are expecting in July so beware I will be asking many prenatal yoga questions...

Staci said...

YAH!! I didn't know you had a blog..i love it..i will stalk it now! He is ADORABLE...YOU are amazing and I can't believe you had a midwife. Congratulations...he is such pure joy!!!

Mrs. Two Cents said...

Sabrena, Congratulations to you and Danny! Holden is so adorable. Glad to hear you are doing so well.

Merilee

Sharlie and Raynel said...

Ok I take back what I said earlier... that is a baby with Daves face on it!!! I am jealous of the blond hair!!! Too Cute!

Shy Little Violets said...

Oh he is so precious. They truly are miracles. I'm so glad that you both are doing well and you both look great! Motherhood is the same as delivery, just as you think you have them figured out, they throw something totally unexpected your way. It's the greatest thing though. He's beautiful, I think i'm going to go find my husband and put on my high heeled boots :) I need to get me one of those

dave&abby johnson family said...

Oh friend! He is so beautiful! Congrats again!

Cory and Sara Jane said...

Sabrena, he is BEAUTIFUL! I had c's with all 3 of mine, and it was just fine. I am glad he is here & healthy, and that you are doing well also. :O)

Nate and Jacque Holt said...

he is an angel sabrena, congrats!! hope the recovery for you goes well!!

Mrs. Olson said...

This is way better than any book you get at the store, library etc! I'd like to hear more about the hypno.

Cicely said...

I kind of wish that you would do the biggest loser with me.

Cicely said...

Oh, and I love Holden. And so does Faye. She smiles when she sees him.