And then she was nine!....Wow how time flies! I can't believe my kids are 9 and 7 already....I really miss the baby stage at times - though not enough to have more. We are at a really good stage and life sometimes seems more simple. If that's possible really. I just love my kids though - and it seems weird that you think you couldn't love them anymore and yet each day brings more. And I love their unconditional love for everyone......
I've told the story of Karlee so many times that it still seems like yesterday. I was due to have Karlee on Oct. 20th. And on the morning of Sept. 12th my sister picked me up at 6:30 AM to go yard saling (sp?). Around 9 AM we were north of town, out off of Garner Lane and my little bladder could handle it no more. I made someone ask the homeowners if I could use the bathroom. So short of giving you the graphic details I came out and told my sister it was time to get me home (as it appeared that my mucus pull was starting to descend). Oddly enough we'd gone to our 2nd Lamaze class on Wednesday and I'd learned about that. I had also on Friday been to interview our pediatrician - whom I loved instantly and had said "I'll see you in about 6 weeks". I wasn't really concerned at this point and didn't really discuss it to much with anyone and I didn't call the doctor. I really had just decided that it would happen sooner rather than later. And besides I had a big day ahead and had things to get done. We were at the time a part of a dinner club that met every other month and tonight was our turn. So I was having 16 people for dinner and needed to finish the preparations. Of course two hours before the guests were set to arrive my husband decided that now would be a good time to tear out the bathroom floor in our bedroom. So I had to stop what I was doing and run to La Hacienda to get the dressing, then to La Comida to get the bucket of chips and then to his parents house to get the table toppers and more folding chairs. We were making a little cantina in our summer house. My sister had helped me with the decorations and we even had a stuffed guy sitting on sand in a chair with an umbrella, and a bucket of corona's. Too cute! So anyway - dinner went off without a hitch and the last couple left at 11:45 PM and I was in bed by Midnight. I remember waking up around 3 AM and hearing a popping sound and then feeling a trickle - I woke Kevin up and he came over and did a little looky loo and informed me that I had just wet myself. So I got up and waddled to the other bathroom (because remember I now have NO floor in my bathroom) and was still having trickling down my leg. So again - no need for the graphics here - I called the hospital at this point and said that I was 34 weeks along and had signs of the mucus plug and water breaking and they said I'd need to come in. Of course I'm thinking I've only had 3 hours sleep after being up for more than 18 hours and I want to go back to sleep. So we go down to the hospital and I remember telling Kevin that this was just practice as there was no way they would keep me I still have nearly 6 weeks to go - I didn't even pack a bag (which I would later regret) And all they would tell me is to take it easy and no baths or swimming!..... So we get into my room and it's just before 4 AM - I try calling my sister a couple of times and they aren't picking up. So we are just waiting around for a doctor to come in, my water has broken and I'm dilated to 2 and completely effaced. Of course they are telling me it's too early and they want to stop the contractions and labor.
So after nearly 24 hours of trying to stop the labor by giving me magnesium sulfate (which was just about the worse thing ever - I remember the nurse apologizing to me before injecting me with it) and getting two doses of steroids in to develop the lungs quicker, our Karlee Grace was born on Monday, September 14th at 7:22 AM. She came out with the cord wrapped around her little neck twice - yikes! But the little peanut was 5 lbs. 3 ounces and breathing on her own! And Dr. Tedford was right there when she came out - and he is just the most calming person anyone could meet. Nothing like the female doctor that delivered Karlee and never said a word about anything that was going on - just barking orders like "roll over onto your hands and knees". Huh? I thought I was pushing this baby out....Karlee only stayed in the Neonatal unit for three days and then Dr. Tedford was able to get us a private room in the pediatric unit until Friday so I was able to stay with her. She was about 4 lbs. 8 oz. when we came home - we had one home visit on Saturday and that was it - no complications what so ever. I remember going to her 8 week check up and Dr. Tedford telling me that if I went to another pediatrician they'd never know she was a preemie. She caught up in record time. Of course she slept for about 20 hours a day for the first few weeks home - which of course was heavenly! She is still the best sleeper in the house! And I love it..... And I love her even more! She is independent, stubborn, curious, artsy, smart and beautiful in my eyes! She has beautiful blue eyes and the greatest curls you've ever seen - which she tries to hide everyday. She's not afraid to try things and is a huge animal lover. She thinks everyone is her best friend and is very caring. Just a love I tell you......Happy Birthday, Karlee Grace!
I do have funny recollections of my hospital stay. The magnesium sulfate made me feel like I was burning up and everyone in the room had sweaters and sweatshirts on as the thermostat was down to 68 degrees. I remember my friend Susan was putting wash cloths on me after dipping them in an ice bucket and the wash cloth would turn warm in a matter of seconds. And then of course there was the puking that came with it as well - though not quite so funny there. But then there was also the time when it came time for coaching and Kevin and my sister got in my face and we're telling me this and that and I told them they needed to both go brush there teeth or stay out of my face (and I heard later how they were insulted by this as I had been puke girl and had not brushed my teeth either), whatever!
No comments:
Post a Comment