Addison Elizabeth Lee
Born February 18, 2010 at 4:49pm
8 lbs, 5 oz and 21 inches long
After a very uneventful pregnancy, Addison decided to enter the world with a little drama. Here is her story:
Wednesday 2/17 (1 week overdue):
After what seemed like weeks and weeks of waiting, we were finally going to have our little girl. Wednesday was spent doing final cleaning of the house, relaxing as a family of two, and eating at one of our favorite places, Kenny and Zukes. Sean and I were both pretty anxious, but we managed to stay calm. We were scheduled to go in at midnight on Wednesday. Before we left we both got a little sleep and took showers (good idea, mom). Finally, at just after eleven we made the drive across town to St. Vincent's.
Thursday 2/18:
We checked in just before midnight and were settled into our room at St. Vincent's just after. I was quickly hooked up to some machines and checked to see where I was. I was still only 1 cm dilated, but I was having contractions (although I could not feel them). At this time I was given cervadil to help get me ready for labor. At about 1 am, Sean and I were left to get some sleep as we anticipated a very long day. I was awoken at about 3 in the morning with mild contractions. By 5 they were a little stronger and somewhat uncomfortable. At 8, they were right on top of each other and VERY strong. I was not having fun at that point. My doctor stopped by and I was still barely dilated (all that work and pain for nothing?). I got a little relief from some pain meds but not for long. At 11 am, I gave in and got my epidural. It was a little piece of heaven. Not much later I was started on pitocin. Although I could not feel the contractions, the were regular and strong. We all thought this was a great sign! Now we were just waiting for the show to really start. Addie had a different plan.
At about 4pm, the nurse noticed that although my contractions were good and strong, Addison was not doing so well. Her heart rate was up and down. The lowered the dose of pitocin I was getting but it still wasn't working. I was flipped around, switched sides I was on, and all sorts of things to see if that would help her. It didn't. At that time the nurse called my doctor in and they found that the umbilical cord was wrapped around Addison's neck. About 2 minutes later I was informed that even if they could get her untangled, she would not be able to withstand much more of the labor, thus an emergency c-section was needed. I was pretty shocked. This is not what I expected at all. The doctor gave me a few minutes with Sean and our moms before the team of people came in to wheel me to the O.R. It all happened so fast! I was being pumped with meds and fluids as I was being wheeled out. Sean followed. About 10 or 15 minutes later, we heard Addison's first cries. When they brought her around the curtain to show us, I couldn't believe she was here. She was nothing what I expected! She looked huge!! At 8lbs, 5 oz, I guess she was a pretty good size. I was also surprised at how much hair she had. Sean and I both started crying (happy tears). After doing all the tests they needed to do, Sean and Addison went back to our recovery room for her bath while I got stitched up. I was able to join them about 20 minutes later.
I still can't believe how this all turned out, but I am so happy to finally have her here. She is beautiful and doing really well now. She is a good baby. We are getting used to her and she is getting used to us. Even Mac loves this little baby!
We came home on Sunday and have now been parents for a whole week! Time is already flying by!