11/16/11
I was taken into the OR at 1:36 and was prepped and ready to go. Poor Patrick had to wear this over sized spacesuit and had to wait in the hallway while they did my spinal block. Once the curtain was up and I was numb, they started the C-section. Patrick sat by my side. It was the oddest sensation when she was pulled out...because I could magically breathe! I looked at Patrick and let out a sigh of relief! Then the scary part started...our little girl wasn't crying. It seemed like the longest minute of my life, and I kept asking if she was ok. Patrick stood up and saw that they had to bag her to get her to breath. When she finally let out that wail...we both started crying. She weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and was 20 inches long. They brought her to Patrick all bundled up...and I could barely see her face. I asked him if she looked like an Eleanor and he responded "I forgot we had to name her!" He had been so wrapped up in her being ok...he forgot! I cannot describe to you those few minutes of seeing her. It was such an amazing moment. One I relive everyday. I had waited so long to get to that point, that our miracle was finally born!
Unfortunately she needed to go to the NICU for observation due to her breathing...and poor Patrick had to make the decision between me and the baby. I told him I was going to be fine and that he needed to go with her. On his way to the NICU, he passed the waiting area, and our parents were able to meet her! :) I'm so blessed her was able to go with her.
She did have several hurdles to overcome because she was a preemie. First she couldn't regulate her temperature. Then, we had issues breastfeeding and still do. In addition, she was getting jaundiced. Then she lost 10% of her birth weight! Luckily, we were able to come home and are getting into our routine.
Since this journey is no longer about infertility, I'm going to be switching to a different blog for now. When we attempt number 2, I'm sure I'll be back here. :)
Miss Eleanor Anne
Holding My Baby for the first time....4 hours after she was born!
Daddy and his little girl
Wearing our shirt home from Holli and Scott
