Charlotte's Birth Story

Well, having a baby with you in the hospital and bringing her home with you is definitely much better than the alternative of a NICU, but I've quickly realized that it also equals no time for blogging!  I was writing about MJ's birth just hours after it happened, but this time it's taken me two weeks to even think about recording Charlotte's. 

Life is more than a "classic shot" though.  It's a combination of memories, and this one in particular was a beautiful memory that I want to be sure to document.

My c-section was scheduled for December 23, 2011 at 8AM.  We were told to arrive at the hospital at 6AM.  The night before we laid in bed still trying to narrow down our name list.  Our bags were packed, we'd prepped MJ, and we were full of nervous energy.  I don't think either of us slept more than 3 or 4 hours before the alarm clock sounded bright and early.  Off to the hospital we went.  We checked in through the Emergency Room, as directed, and then were escorted to Labor and Delivery, and our room-566.  My nurse, Rhonda, greeted us and all the prepping began....changing, medical questions, IV, fluids, etc. etc.  Mat was asked to change into his scrubs, and he was really beginning to get anxious as the time was now drawing near.  Just about 8AM, when we were expecting it to be any minute now, they came in to tell us that there was an emergency c-section that needed to go ahead of us and we'd be pushed back.  So, it was waiting time....

We'd been in that position, so waiting for our turn was fine by me, but of course it gave us more time to be anxious and nervous.  My family (MJ, mom, dad, and Jeff) showed up about that time though and that helped the time pass a bit more quickly.  MJ had fun watching the monitors and listening to the baby's heartbeat.  He kept pointing and saying "baby's heartbeat". 

Finally, it was time.  I walked myself into the OR, while Mat and the rest of my family went off to the waiting room.  The spinal block was administered.  I remember the whole process just feeling so much slower than with MJ.  I never realized how rushed and serious MJ's delivery was at the time I guess since I hadn't known any other experience.  This time though, I remember after the spinal went in, I sat there for a moment until the clock turned to 9:45 AM.  Then, they told me I could lie back.  I was quickly going numb, but as they were using little cold cloths on me to see if I had feeling, I could still feel the cold on my belly.  Ummm, no thanks please!  So, they had to put my head lower than my body so that the anesthesia would run further up and numb me better.  That did the trick, but unfortunately made me quite nauseous on and off throughout the procedure.  The doctor came in, they did a few final prep things, and Mat was brought in.  Christmas music was playing, my arms were placed on arm boards off to my sides, but not strapped down, and everyone was communicating with me very clearly (all things I'd requested and was so pleased by).  I began to feel lots of tugging and lots of pressure, and I remember the doctor saying we might hear a pop sound as he pulled her out. 

Meanwhile, my family was in the waiting room...

And, then we heard it.  It was 10:01 AM. He wasn't kidding.  It was a very audible popping sound when she came out.  He told us her cord was wrapped around her neck one time.  I swore I heard him say there was a little meconium (panic moment), but I immediately asked Mat and he said the doctor didn't say that.  Phew!  We heard her cry, and continue to cry (unlike MJ) and then we began to cry.  It was a beautiful sound and moment.  They took her off to the side to clean her up and assess her.  Her first Apgar score was an 8.  I couldn't see this part, but Mat could and he kept assuring me that everything looked fine.  Next was that moment I'd been waiting for for 9 months.  My little baby was swaddled up and brought to my side.  Mat was able to hold her and place her next to my head so I could see her face and kiss her.  We cried and commented about how she looked like MJ.  Then, the nurse told us that Mat could come with them to take her to the nursery while they finished up with me. 

Off to the nursery they went, and nurse Rhonda went to tell my family that she'd been born and they could come watch in the nursery. 

There were little steps for MJ to climb up and have a great view through the nursery window.  There they did all the normal things...height, weight, (8lbs. 6oz. and 20 inches) cleaned her up, put ointment in her eyes, and then she was handed off to Daddy.  He was able to sit and rock her in the nursery for a good 15 or 20 minutes.  Such a blessing that he had that special time with her.  All the while, my family was able to watch through the glass. 

Her second Apgar score, in the nursery, was a 9.  Our little girl was doing just great! 

Meanwhile, my surgery was finishing up.  Again, it all seemed SO much longer.  Lots and lots of tugging, but not painful.  I was just getting so nauseous and anxious to be reunited with my baby.  It was finally done, and I was returned to my hospital room for a little recovery time.  Rhonda was there with me, again, and began assessing my pain, checking my vitals, etc.  Before I knew it, my new baby was wheeled into my room.  MJ even got to help wheel her bassinet down the hallway and to my room.  Charlotte was placed in my arms, and Mat, MJ, and I shared a few VERY special moments together with her as a family.  My mom captured a sweet video of this thankfully, since somehow we didn't think to take any pictures of our new little family.  Now I just have to figure out how to get the video off her phone and onto my computer.  :)  It was a perfect moment in time that I honestly wish I could relive over and over, so I'm so thankful to have a little video of it.  I absolutely knew what a blessing that moment was and appreciated it fully. 

Mat went to call his parents to share the news of her birth. Shortly after that, they helped raise me up in bed and I was able to begin nursing her.  She latched on right away and it was effortless at that point.  At this point we still hadn't decided on her name, so we asked for a couple moments of privacy so that we could discuss it.  We decided on Charlotte Noelle.  It just felt right, and we both loved the name.  Mat went to make a couple more phone calls to grandparents and then everyone began to take their turns seeing and holding Charlotte. 

Loving on my sweet Charlotte Noelle shortly after birth

I love the smile on MJ's face as he explores his new baby sister. 

After awhile, MJ needed to go home for some lunch and a nap, so my parents, Jeff, and MJ left, and Mat and I shared some special time together with Charlotte just resting and enjoying her.  My mom came back to the hospital after a couple hours so that Mat could grab a bite to eat.  Unfortunately, I began to get more and more nauseous...so much so that I didn't even feel up to holding the baby.  GiGi was happy to cuddle and rock her though while I tried to rest and feel better. 

All in all, it was a beautiful day.  Besides the nasuea, I wish that I could go back and experience it over and over.  Words don't even describe what a relief and blessing it is to hear that your child is healthy and safely in the world.  Experiencing it as a mommy was beautiful, watching it through MJ's eyes was so special, and having my family there to share in the joy was icing on the cake.  I am beyond thankful for Charlotte Noelle.  Every bout of morning sickness, every sleepless night, and every ounce of pain was so worth it and I'd do it over and over and over just to have her life be a part of ours.  You are so loved, Charlotte Noelle.