Evlynn's birth story

Evlynn was scheduled...a c-section due to her estimated size and my previous difficulties birthing large children. An ultra-sound performed a week prior, estimated her size to be about 9lbs 2oz...with a variant of 12 ounces either way. So she could be anywhere between 8.6 and 9.14. My dr was quite certain she would be on the lighter side due to her bone length. After considering everything...I decided a c-section would be best for the baby and me.

August 29th- be to the birthing center by 5:30am

That was one of the longest weeks and shortest weeks I've ever experienced. LONG because I couldn't wait to meet her! 40 weeks is LONG freaking time! And SHORT because I was scared to death of surgery and recovery. I kept myself busy that week prepping the house and making sure the house was stocked with groceries, lists of 'family' that would be helping with the kids and those bringing meals. Every night that week I would think to myself- this is the last Tuesday we'll be a family of 5...this is the last Wednesday we'll only have 3 children...this is the last Saturday I'll be able to nap whenever I want.

Early Monday morning (8/29) after a less than perfect night's sleep (anxiety and nerves...and having to pee every hour!) John and I kissed our sleeping beauties goodbye, gave them hugs and headed off to the hospital. My mom stayed with us and was bringing them up after awhile.

John- he kept my spirits light. Made me laugh and for the most part put me at ease. The prep lasted about an hour...probably would have been shorter except they couldn't get my iv in- OUCH! After three tries- it finally went. John had to change into surgical scrubs...he modeled them very well! Loved the booties and mask too...but the hat was the BEST! I sure do love that man!

Then they took me back to the surgical room. It was only about 50 feet down the hallway but my knees went weak and I tripped. I could feel myself starting to breathe fast. The nurses were sweet and kept reassuring me. I asked for my husband- they said he would be there as soon as the meds were in and I was numb. I started to cry. I said a quick prayer "Please, God!"

Then the doors to the operating room opened and my panic eased a bit. The room had a bank of windows spanning an entire wall. The sun was coming up and the light was beautiful and calming. The room was white and tiled with cool green...not sterile and scary as I was expecting.

The nurses were patient and kind. They helped me through the spinal block and talked me through everything was going to happen. They helped me lay down and the dreaded sheet was put in place. The sheet that they put up to keep the surgical field sterile and to keep me from seeing too much. I'm extremely claustrophobic and began to panic. One nurse quickly went to get John to help calm me.

The actual c-section was so surreal. You can feel but you can't. I think it probably helped that I was more concerned about that darn sheet being in my face. I kept pulling at it, crying because I was scared and freaking out and thinking this can't even be real! Finally, my dr said there was going to be alot of pressure because the baby didn't want to come out- so she was going to have to force her. She asked for a foot stool so that she could position herself up on my upper abdomen and push down on the baby to force her out through the incision.

Just when I thought I was going to pass out from all the anxiety, pressure and just the whole situation...I heard her cry. And everything seemed to stop.

John popped up and took a quick pic. Then one of the nurses brought her to the side so I could see her...she was a big chub ball! I mean HUGE! Her face was smooshed- her nose off to one side and her lips all squishy. Poor thing was cramped to say the least. All I could do was cry and I might have uttered something like "wow- she's fat!" I blame that 'loving motherly statement' on the meds.

All 9lbs and 14 ounces of her were completely healthy! All 20 fingers and 20 toes were accounted for! John was able to cut the cord and held her next to me as they stitched me up.

I am so thankful that John was there with me. I know I didn't converse much with him during the surgery- even though both him and the anesthesiologist were asking me questions to keep my mind off the sheet. But he held my hand and kept telling me he loved me. Which helped me the most. It must have been hard for him to sit there and not be able to do anything to help...and I appreciate that he went through that for me. And that he didn't pass out with all the blood and needles...that was really great too! :)

Recovery has been brutal...at least for me. I am a wuss when it comes to pain. And even though I've recovered quicker than expected...it was still horrible! For the last 7 years I've been telling John that our family isn't complete- that I've felt like someone was missing. Our family is complete now. We are all so happy to have Evie in our lives- its been along time waiting!