Audrey's birth story

I have read/seen numerous birth stories all over blog land and I loved reading them while I was pregnant and knew I wanted to write one after the lady's arrival...so here goes! This will be long, prepare yourself ;)

Audrey was stubborn from the get-go and was in breech position since week 18 in the pregnancy. We went in for a growth scan at 32 weeks and she was still breech, this was when I decided it was time to come to terms with the fact that she wasn't going to turn. I was upset at the thought of having a c-section because I really wanted to experience the spontaneity of a regular childbirth, never knowing when the time could come and all that jazz. Luckily, I am also a huge control freak so it didn't take long for me to come around and enjoy the fact that I knew exactly when she was coming. It was nice being able to plan for the big day. I was offered an ECV to attempt to turn baby, but I refused. I had read up on the procedure and wasn't interested, besides, she was obviously cozy the way she was. So, my c-section was scheduled for August 3 at 7:30 am.

The night before I did not sleep well at all, I was so nervous and anxious. I got up around 3 am and showered and did some last minute tidying up. When the time came to leave the house it felt so surreal, the next time we were home their would be 3 of us!

When we arrived at the hospital we were taken to a room in labor and delivery to get my IV started and wait for the big moment! They told us right away that they were running a little behind because their was construction going on in one of the operating rooms. We were told it would probably be about an hour delay. Well, of course that was not the case. It was torture just waiting and waiting! Especially because I hadn't had anything to eat or drink since 9 pm the night before. Luckily we had very friendly nurses who kept us updated. We ended up FINALLY going back into the operating room 5 and a half hours late at 1300.

No pictures please, I am a freaking cow.

They took me to the operating room and Brandon stayed in the room until I was prepped and ready to go. I was most nervous about the spinal block so I wished he could have come back with me. The room was very small and there was a lot of people in the room. Along with the doctor, anesthesiologist, and 2 nurses, there was also 4 or 5 students in the room observing. When they began the spinal block I remember feeling very claustrophobic and became extremely nauseous and sweaty. Literally dripped sweat, so gross. It took the anesthesiologist two trys to get the spinal block in because I kept wiggling, oops. They told me it would take effect very fast but WOW, they were not kidding! My body felt like a tree trunk, so heavy and it felt like I was floating. Such a bizarre feeling. The next few minutes were such a blur, it all happened so fast! Next thing I know Brandon was next to me and I heard my doctor saying "I see a butt," and she was being pulled out. I didn't even know they had started! Even though I was numb I could feel such a relief when they pulled her out. I felt like I could breath again, like all my organs were back where they were supposed to be LOL. They held her up over the curtain for a very brief moment and I just started bawling. I barely got to see her before they took her away and I couldn't see anything because of the curtain. Brandon went over to her to see her and I remember being worried that he would see me all sliced open so I said "Does it look gross? Don't throw up!" Then the anesthesiologist said "Oh she's cute, not gross." I should have let her know I wasn't talking about the baby but I never did LOL She was probably thinking I was a weirdo.

That smirk! "Hey guys, you ready for what I am about to throw your way?"

It was probably only 10 minutes before they brought her over to me but it felt like an eternity. I was so incredibly jealous that Brandon got to hold her first, I know, how selfish..blah blah whatever. Seeing Brandon walk over with her was such a wonderful feeling and all the jealousy went away, I loved seeing him hold her and I could see in his eyes how happy he was. I did get to house her for 9 months after all, so I suppose it was his turn ;) Her eyes were wide open and she was sticking her tongue out and "sucking." Guess she was just as hungry as I was. I got to kiss her little face and look at her for a minute, then Brandon and her had to leave the room while they finished putting me back together. The doctor was explaining what she was doing to the students and all I remember hearing was "and this here in my hand is the uterus," UHHH so weird. The anesthesiologist stayed by my head and wiped my tears for me, she was so sweet.

What seemed like hours later, I was wheeled back into my room where I finally got to hold (and attempt to nurse, more on that later, TMI? oh well.) my precious little baby. BEST FEELING EVER. It was such a surreal moment, holding her in my arms and actually seeing her. She was so perfect and beautiful and tiny, I could've stared at her forever. She is the best thing I (and Brandon, I guess he helped some) have ever done. We created this beautiful little life and I couldn't be more in love.

OMG, can't believe I am posting this terrible photo of me in all my glory...but the first time holding my lady.

 ....and coming next in the oh so exciting Sullyhood saga...my (NOT) so fabulous hospital stay and the weeks leading us to now!