Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Our baby is here!

She is my heart. She's so beautiful and sweet. She was born November 28th at 10:13 a.m. and weighed 6 lbs, 14 oz. A big girl compared to the other babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU).

We had a lot of problems since I last posted...I spent 10 days on bedrest and in the hospital because my amniotic fluid kept dropping no matter how much Evian I forced down. I was in the hospital for Thanksgiving and for my birthday, so that was a little sad! But my darling husband brought me a carryout Thanksgiving meal from a local restaurant, so it was not that bad. Madelyn is worth anything!

The danger with low amniotic fluid is that without a lot of fluid to float in, the baby might get tangled in the umbilical cord and strangle, so they put me on IV fluids and kept the baby monitor on us a lot. Madelyn sailed right through...her heart rate was always good.

But, between low amniotic fluid and gestational diabetes, my wonderful OB finally decided we could wait no longer, and Madelyn seemed good-sized. They measured her at 5 lbs 14 oz and she came out a pound heavier, so it shows that those ultrasounds aren't always accurate. Yet my OB said there was hardly any fluid when they delivered Madelyn by c-section, so we made the right decision to let her be born early. Madelyn had no premie issues at all even though she only got a 7 on her Apgar. (My OB said the neonatologists were being "stingy.")

I was very afraid of the c-section and the needles in my back for the spinal...and wouldn't you know it, the spinal didn't work at all! About 15 minutes after it was administered I could still wiggle my toes and feel them sticking me with pointy things, and the anesthesiologist said she never tries twice, so I had to be put under. They kicked my husband out, and he was so disappointed because that meant he wasn't there for the birth of either of his babies. But the operation went fine and I was awake and talking in full sentences and looking at the digital camera within 5 minutes of them finishing. The OB said, "We pumped you full of stuff and could hardly keep you out...you wanted to see your baby!" I told her it was my Irish liver. :D

I got to see and touch my sweetie just once after the birth, when they wheeled her out for transport to the Children's hospital NICU. I sent my parents and my husband with her and dozed the afternoon away with my morphine drip, but by 6 p.m. they took out my catheter and hoisted me into a wheelchair, and then my parents and my husband somehow got me downstairs and into and out of a car so I could go see her. She could not be picked up but I got to hug her and touch her. I cried of course, and I only lasted 45 minutes before the pain and sleepiness got to me, but I did get to see and touch her the same day she was born.

I spent 3 days in the hospital after surgery, and got to see her each day, and I've been to the hospital every day since then for at least half the day. I have been able to pick her up since a couple of days after her birth and have even breastfed a bit, though my milk is slow in coming in (they say that is common after a c-section and when your baby isn't with you to stimulate breasts and hormones). And just as I wrote, that moment when I could lift her to me and kiss her sweet head was the most perfect moment of my life. I can't believe I wasted one instant worrying that I would not love my baby! She's mine, and I love her more than anything. It's a tidal wave of love...it didn't grow slowly...it filled me in a rush that was both sweet and painful.

Madelyn had her back closure surgery and her shunt put in, and she did perfectly fine for both surgeries. The opening in her spine was very small and she moves her legs vigorously, and her hydrocephalus was so mild they waited over a week before deciding she did need the shunt. The only big setback we've had is that right after her birth, she was able to void urine on her own and we were ecstatic...but after her back closure she totally lost that ability and now has to be catheterized every 3 hours. We have learned to do it although it scares me -- I'm afraid I'll hurt her though the nurses say it's impossible -- and I'll do anything I have to for my sweet girl.

Last night my husband's mother got out some old albums of him as a baby and it is Madelyn's face in those 41-year-old pictures! She is such a pretty little baby, though my husband said, "I hope she doesn't look exactly like me. I'd make a really ugly woman."

Unfortunately my breastfeeding hasn't gone so well...I can only produce about 2 ounces a pump. But my baby is a champ...if there's food in it, she doesn't care if it's breast or bottle, Isomil or Mommy milk.

Right now, I have to go to Bethesda hospital because I've gotten a high fever and need some antibiotics. I'm crushed I can't see my girlie for a couple of days...but of course I need to protect her. More after I bring her home, and Love to all who are still interested in our story.

We have truly had a "happy beginning"...not an ending...it's a new life for Madelyn and me, and her father and brother too.

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! I am so happy for you. Please keep us updated. I love following your story.

Tricia

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you and your family! I've enjoyed reading Madelyn's story. Best wishes for her continued health!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Please keep us posted. It wounds like your daughter is doing beautifully!

Hope

Anonymous said...

Oh, Bee, you made me cry today! I am so very happy! Somehow, it didn't realize that the time had passed so quickly and that you were already due.

And her legs were kicking vigorously! That is such wonderful news. She may void on her own yet -- it may be merely a case of surgical swelling and once that settles down, the inability to urinate will resolve. Of course, I don't know, I'm just guessing.

Such wonderful news! Truly, truly, truly. Thanks for posting.

Cricket said...

Congrats on your daughter's arrival! You sound so blissfully happy, despite the kinks. Thanks for taking the time to write.

Anonymous said...

Oh congratulations! I have been following your blog for awhile. It has been so inspiring for me. I am now 6 weeks pregnant with DE eggs as well. I will continue to read your wonderful story as long as you write.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! She sounds amazing. Wishing you all much sweetness and light during your lives together.

Anonymous said...

That is beautiful! You brought tears to my eyes. I am 5w1d pg with DE and you've given me a lot of inspiration! Thank you! Spring66

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear she's arrived and that things are going well. Congratulations to you and your lovely family.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. That is truly wonderful news. I've been a quite reader up to now. Crossing my fingers and sending prayers. I am so glad Madyline is doing so well. You are a wonderful writer. Thanks so much for sharing.

Betsy

Anonymous said...

I am so overjoyed for you and your family. I have followed you blog and worried alongside with you. Your darling baby sounds like she is off to a great start. She sure has mom fighting in her corner. Take care.

Amy Linder said...

Congratulations, Bee! I am SO HAPPY for you, hubby and, of course, baby. Such wonderful news to hear of her leg movements, ease through surgeries, and hope for the future. Thank you for writing this update - I've been waiting to hear. I hope you have time now that you're a mommy to continue sharing your story.

Take care.

Amy :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Bee!

Congratulations dear friend. I am so thrilled to read your update. I will keep checking back to hear more good news. You have sooo been on my mind. Crying tears of joy for you, dh and your beautiful dd!

Much Love,

tee-tee

Anonymous said...

I have been follwoing your story for many months and you ahve given me inspiration through my own infertility troubles. I am so happy for you and your hubby and your daughter. You are so inspirational. You are going to be an amazing mother.

Mar

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Bee. I am so happy that the issues for your daughter are not as dire as had been worried about. Please keep us updated and I am looking forward to a picture (if you plan on posting on the Internet -- I understand if you chose not to).

Anonymous said...

Congratulations.. I check your blog at least once a week.. I'm so thrilled to hear that she is finally here and doing so well..

Take care!

JennaM said...

Oh happy day.
Best news I've heard all week.

Anonymous said...

Oh Bee! I was thinking about you and wondering if you had updated and lo and behold! I'm so happy for you. Reading your post brought tears of joy to my eyes. Congratulations!!!!!!

xo,
Emily

Anonymous said...

Such sweet news! Congratulations!

chris said...

I've been checking all these days and then I missed one and there she is! I'm so happy for you. Please keep us updated when you can.

Congrats mom and dad.

Anonymous said...

Delurking to say congratulations! I can't believe Madelyn is already herer.

Please keep us updated.
Bonnie.

DeadBug said...

A thousand congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!

--Bugs

Anonymous said...

Bee, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations to you and your family! Keep us posted...

Thalia said...

Congratulations! It's wonderful she's doing so well. I hope things just keep getting better.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy I decided to check in wiht you today! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. She sounds wonderful in every way! All the best for you, Madelyn and the whole family.

Anonymous said...

Hello Bee,

Madelyn, your precious bundle of joy has arrived....she sounds beautiful! Just had to come out of lurkdom to let you know that your post made my day. This is truly such wonderful news and I couldn't be any happier for your lovely family.

Thank you for all you have shared with us. Motherhood will be keeping you busy but please keep us posted when you can.

Love and congratulations,
Ade

Anonymous said...

Wow, Bee, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed to read such a happy ending to your difficult story. You are such a strong woman and brilliant writer. And of course a wonderful, loving, devoted mother. I am crying tears of joy for you and your family.

Wishing you continued happiness!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Bee, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed to read such a happy ending to your difficult story. You are such a strong woman and brilliant writer. And of course a wonderful, loving, devoted mother. I am crying tears of joy for you and your family.

Wishing you continued happiness!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for your family. She sounds gorgeous. :-)

Anonymous said...

I have never been so happy to cry!!! Congratulations to you and your DH, and welcome to the world deat sweet Madeline!!

I wish, from the deepest part of my heart, your entire family the very best the life can bring.

I am thrilled that everything went well. This is just the beginning of beautiful things to come. What a incredible gift for the holiday season.

Bless you all.


Wishing4ababy

Pamplemousse said...

Welcome to the world, baby girl Madelyn!! Best wishes for everyone's good health, Bee.

Anonymous said...

I am so pleased to hear about your happy beginning. Congratulations and good luck in the days, months and years ahead.

Anonymous said...

Bee,
Your words are amazing .. and I am so happy that your miracle is doing so well. I pray for you often!!

We started this DE process together .. and our babies were born so close (12/1 for me). I understand every word you type about "immediate love", etc .. it is so true.

Thanks for this story .. stay strong and keep us posted.

Your cycle buddy and friend,
MeganW

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and your family a Very Happy and Healthy New Year dear Bee.

xo tee-tee

Anonymous said...

Bee, you and Madelyn will be in my prayers as you go through surgery. I read the news about Madelyn's upcoming surgery on Wessel's blog and will check there and here for updates. Please know there are many prayers being lifted up for you, your daughter and your husband.

Anonymous said...

I'm also here from Wessel's blog, and hoping that the surgery will go well. Thinking of all of you.

- Sonetka

Anonymous said...

I too heard about Madelyn's surgery from Wessel. I'd previously read your blog up to the very last entry and was wondering how you are. I'm sorry to hear about the surgery and certainly will keep you and little Madelyn in my prayers. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and Madelyn during this stressful time.

Anonymous said...

I'm here from Wessel's blog, too. I hope baby Madelyn's surgery goes well and that she is on the mend very soon. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

Sending luck for the surgery. I hope you able to update with wonderful news, and madelyn recovers quickly! Bless you both!

Anonymous said...

Sending all my good thoughts for you and Madelyn. Hoping everything goes well for the surgery.

Pamplemousse said...

Wessel sent me. Thinking good thoughts for all your family, especially baby Madelyn's recovery.

Anonymous said...

Bee, I'm thinking of you and Madelyn and your husband. Please let us have an update when you can.

Anonymous said...

Bee, I read on Wessel's blog about the surgery. Your family will be in my prayers.
-Ade

Anonymous said...

Hello. I am a friend of Bee's. I know Bee hasn't had time to write on her own blog or here. She's had 2 rough weeks in the hospital with Madelyn. I wanted to quickly write to inform all of her her wonderful supporters that Madelyn came through her Chiari Decompression surgery with flying colors! So far, most, if not all the Chiari symptoms seem to be resolved and Bee and baby should be going home today (Wed 1/25/06)! They will have to repeat some tests in the weeks to come, but it looks good. I told Bee that I emailed Wessel and begged for some prayers from you all... she appreciates it more than you will ever know. Thank you Wessel! Hopefully soon she will be able to give you all a more details.

Thank you all!

Anonymous said...

Such great news! I was really worried when I didn't hear anything. Thanks for letting us know.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to see this news. Update when you can Bee.

Thinking of you all!

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear the good news, and thanks bundles for the update. Lots of Love to Bee and the baby. May the recovery be quick.

Unknown said...

I hope you're doing fine dear! Your blog is so inspiring. I had so many thoughts on my mind before de ivf. It’s much easier for men to accept this. It will be their child, so why should they worry about such things? To be honest, at first I was completely against de ivf. I thought it’s unnatural and I won’t be able to love a baby of another woman. How stupid I was! This procedure was my only chance to become a mother so I persuaded myself to do it. Now I have no regrets. I look at Sammy and I consider him as my son and no one else's. We had an opportunity to give our doctor list of features we want to see in our donor. We mentioned hair color, nose and face shape, eyes, lips, etc. I should say everyone tells me my son looks like me! We told everyone, even our family, that we had simple ivf. No one can ever tell we used egg donor. Of course I’m grateful to our doctor and that girl, who donated her eggs. I will never forget what they’ve done for us! But I really have no feelings like my son is not genetically related to me or I feel differently toward him. Absolutely no! I love him with my whole heart! As soon as I knew I’m pregnant all my doubts faded away. I carried him, I felt him inside my stomach, I sang for him and read fairytales for him, I gave birth to him! He’s my son and only my! We decided we’ll not tell Sammy about egg donor. I think he doesn’t need to know that. I’m his mom and I’ll do everything for him so there will be no need for him to look for donor. We had 2 attempts in general. I’ve got pregnant from the first one. The clinic also offers «packages» with 1 or 5 attempts. So we’ve just chosen «package», which suited us the most. I have no regrets! I'm the happiest mom in the whole world!