Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Molly is Here!

We have had Molly in our lives for 8 days now! Although for me, it has seemed like one long never-ending day. I think 3 hours is the longest stretch of time that I have slept since Saturday night (May 29th). So, its kind of hard to determine day from night and day from day. BUT--its been amazing!!
Here is how it all happened. Sunday, Luke & I went to Palmyra for Greg & Lesley's baby shower and BBQ and it was the best I had felt in several days. We didn't get home until after 10:00 that night and I started to feel some cramps on the way home. By the time we got home I told Luke I was pretty sure I was going to have the baby soon-but I don't think he took me too seriously. I woke up at 3:00 the next morning and didn't feel right. I laid on the couch with Kelly until about 4:30 when I could tell that I was starting to have contractions. I knew I needed to start timing them so I went and woke up Luke to see if he would help me. At that time, they were about 5 minutes apart and lasted about 45 seconds.

I think I was in denial because I kept telling myself that it was just false labor. Luke finally talked me into going to the hospital and we got there around 6:00 that morning (Memorial Day). The contractions had gotten much worse by the time we got to the hospital (45 minute drive) and I was really happy we left when we did.

They checked me into a birthing room and hooked me up to 2 monitors. One tells you the baby's heart rate and the other measures uterine tone (which increases with a contraction). The contractions were 3 minutes apart and lasting about 1 minute by this time and they told me I was going to be staying and having the baby. Before long, the contractions were getting so bad that I was crying through every one and anxiously awaiting the epidural. The anesthesiologist was in the OR so I had to wait about an hour--which was excruciating. BUT once I got it, it was so wonderful. I was able to relax and chill out for a couple hours before my doctor got there. I would HIGHLY recommend it.

The nurse that was taking care of me, Laura, was amazing and did such a great job. She noticed that the baby's heart rate started to drop after every contraction, meaning that the cord was being pinched by the intensity of the contractions. We were waiting and waiting for the Dr. and Laura had to just make the decisions on her own to do what needed to be done to keep the baby safe--like I said, she did awesome! After she got the baby's heart rate settled back down, the Dr. showed up and told me it was time to start pushing. The problem was the epidural had worked too good and I couldn't feel enough to push.
This is when it got really intense. They turned off the epidural so that I could feel more of the muscles I needed to push--but within 5 minutes I could feel everything--and it felt horrible!! I pushed for about 45 minutes and there are really no words to describe it...it was the most painful thing I have EVER felt.
When I thought there was no way I could possibly keep going, I gave a final push and Molly started crying. I was overwhelmed with relief, pain & happiness. They put Molly on my chest and I just couldn't believe that she had been inside me all that time. What a miracle!!

Molly was born at 1:24 PM on May 31st, 2010, weighed 7 lbs 1 oz. and measured 2o inches long.

Finally home after spending 2 days in the hospital. Kelly was so happy to see us and meet Molly:

4 comments:

Becky said...

Jamie I've been checking your blog daily anxiously waiting to see photos of Molly. She is so adorable. I would love to snuggle her. Life is such a miracle! Hang in there someday you'll get a full 8 hrs of sleep! Congrats to you and Luke.
Lots of Love, Becky

Cathy said...

Jamie, I am so glad to hear you are doing well despite the lack of sleep. And, I'm so glad to hear you has such a relatively short labor. I'm encourged to hear you say all that pain was worth while. Maybe between you, Lesley and Chad, I'll someday be convinced to give it a try! Molly is simply beautiful!

Amanda said...

Jamie,
We are so excited for you! Molly is such a beautiful little lady! I know the lack of sleep is hard, but you will start to get used to it. Eventually she will sleep....eventually being the key word. The experts recommend that babies don't start riding horses, so you'll have to wait until she can walk. Have fun, don't forget to take a little time for yourself (even if it is an extra long shower), and call me if you just need to talk. New mama business is tough! Give her lots of kisses and snuggles from the Aleman family!

Amanda

Unknown said...

Jamie, congratulations, she's beautiful! Sounds like you did awesome during the labor/delivery -- and she came so fast! I'm so happy for you and Luke. I hope you're getting some rest during these first days at home. I'm sure it's quite the transition! Take care!
-KC