Eden VS Elara (Coming Home)

EDEN 3/2010 7lbs 15 oz

ELARA 09/2012 6 lbs 2 oz

EDEN 03/2010

ELARA 09/2012

Elara Jane Bradley (A Birth Story)

Elara Jane Bradley

September 25, 2012

10:28 AM

6 pounds 2 ounces

19 inches

 Last pregnant photo before she came. 

36 weeks 5 days

After getting the phone call from the OB resident we decided to talk to Derek's school people and see what he would be allowed for time off. The OB doctor said she would talk to the attending doctor's and high risk doctor's and see how far back they would let us push back the c-section. Derek and I just needed more time, and we really wanted to give Elara more time to get bigger before she arrived.

We waited until 9 o'clock pm the next day and then I couldn't wait any longer and I called the OB. She was just busy and hadn't had time to call me back yet. Derek had his big surgery shelf exam on the Friday they wanted to do the surgery and then would start his psych rotation with orientation the next Monday. We just wanted to push the surgery back as far as possible. We were hoping for Wednesday the 26th.

When I talked to the doctor she said that with my water usually breaking at 38 weeks they wanted to do it soon. Also they wanted to go off my period date, which was on the first ultrasound. I knew my conception date was 5 days later, but because it was only 5 days and not 7 off they kept my due date as Oct. 13th. So... She said the attendings said absolutely not Wednesday and absolutely no later than Tue. the 25th. They really wanted to do the surgery on Monday the 24th, but Derek had orientation, so we went with Tuesday the 25th. She also kept my appointment for that Friday so we could go over last minute things and any questions we might have.

It was settled. I had 6 days. I went into crazy get things done mode. I had a lot to do before this baby arrived. Thanks to all who helped me! My friend Jane sent me an email with a groupon for a mattress store. I ended up finding a twin bed and box springs that was worth $200 and only paid $63! My Uncle David picked it up for me. My friend Jocelyn cut my hair for me on Thursday. Friday the kids went to a birthday party and I got to go to the doctor one last time. Then, Derek had Saturday and Sunday off. It was a temple dedication on Sunday, so Saturday we went to This is the Place Heritage Park and took the kids to do fun stuff, which they loved. We tried to soak up as much time together as a family of 4. Sunday we cleaned and cleaned some more. Derek scrubbed my entire kitchen and was so sweet about it. He is such an amazing hubby and I'm so grateful for him. On Monday he had to go to school for orientation and some other things. Then, we had our last supper and played with the kids together. It was such a great weekend and I'm so glad we had that time together. 

Pointless to say, but I did NOT sleep the night before the surgery. Derek's Mom came over Monday night, so we wouldn't have to stress the morning. Tuesday morning came and I called the hospital at 6 am to find out when to be there. We were told any time after 7:30 am. We got everything packed and said our good byes to the kids. We got to the hospital at 7:45 am. The "cut" time was scheduled for 9:30 am. I kept teasing them saying if we could hurry we could have the baby at 9:25 on 9-25. Didn't happen, but it was a cool thought. Derek gave me a blessing that morning before we left the house. I just wanted to be happy and excited and not nervous. Once we were in our room they started the IV. It only took 2 pokes this time around. With Eden it took about 7... Not too bad. I got hooked up to the baby heart monitor and contraction monitor. To pass the time Derek and I just kept telling funny stories from medical school and making each other laugh. It was perfect. I felt excited and happy just like I wanted to. We had so many doctor's come in to see how we were doing and explain things. As we walked into labor and delivery we of course saw about 3 other medical students from Derek's class. Everyone was so nice and understanding when we asked to not have student's there with us. It would be just a little weird saying, "Oh hey, so you are Derek's wife", while i'm lying naked on an operating table. Ya..... 

They were awesome and let Derek stay by me the entire time. He got to wear the sexy scrubs and hat. I just love seeing him in scrubs! ;) I got to walk to the operating table. It was so much smaller than I thought it would be! So, far nothing was that bad. The anesthesiologists were great! They walked me through step by step and Derek held on to me. The worst part was them making me drink this bitter drink to keep me from throwing up. I could never drink alcohol because I can't make myself drink something I don't like. Ugh. This drink was the worst especially on an empty stomach. Then came the spinal. I was nervous, but just ready to have it done. This was the "EASIEST" part! The numbing needle I barely even felt, it felt like someone touching my skin then a weird feeling. I didn't even feel the spinal needle at all or any pressure or anything. It took effect immediately! It was weird. My bottom started tingling immediately.  I then had to lay down and put on the awesome oxygen mask. Things were really picking up. There were so many people in the room at this point. Derek held my hand the entire time. They then cleaned my stomach with what looked like orange tanning lotion that stains your skin and looks awesome. My arms were spread out on these holders. One had my IV and the other arm had the blood pressure cuff. They felt to see how far the numbing was taking effect and just pricked my skin with a sharp point. The nurse inserted a catheter. Didn't hurt at all. Then, the curtain was going up. It was all happening so fast and it was a little weird lying there naked on a table with so many people in the room. Again, glad no medical students were there. The incision came fast. I didn't really have time to get my head on straight, I was just excited to meet Elara and so much was happening. Derek was still right at my side holding my hand. 

Elara came so fast! I think the surgery lasted maybe 45 minutes total! There was a lot of pushing on my stomach to get her out. I didn't think about how they would get her out, but push they did. They suctioned a lot too. I really had no idea, but the anesthesiologist talked me through any questions I had and kept me happy. He was awesome! She cried immediately when she came out and I knew she'd be ok. She was completely covered head to toe in vernix the white coating. She looked tiny the moment they showed her to me. They took her to clean her up a bit and get wrapped up. Derek went with her. They were able to stay in the operating room with me the entire time. I could hear Derek talking to her and they were maybe 5 feet away was all. It was amazing. Of course someone didn't let the pediatric team in on no med students and Derek knew the guy, but thankfully it was just for the baby and for a few seconds. They got her wrapped up. They didn't weigh her or anything. They asked if I wanted to hold her. I didn't know if I could. They just set her on my chest. They took off the oxygen mask and I just fell in love. She was here. She was perfect. She was sooo small. I still can't stop thinking about how small she is. I knew immediately she was my smallest baby yet. Her apgar score was an 8 and then a 9. They said they would have given her a 10, but they aren't allowed. Perfect! My biggest fear of the c-section was that Elara would be too early and need help. She is strong! She is healthy!

I had read a book about c-sections before the surgery, so when I started feeling like I couldn't breathe they took the baby back. I asked for an oxygen mask and to look at my oxygen levels. I knew they were normal. Again, the anesthesiologist was awesome. It just felt hard to breathe even though I knew I was just fine. Before Elara came out I got sooooo nauseous! I told them I was going to throw up. The anesthesiologist gave me medicine to help my blood pressure. It had dropped just ever so lightly. It helped. Then, after he gave me more nausea medicine for when the surgery would be over. I'm totally ok with Derek going into anesthesia after this. I might not remember the anesthiologist name, but I will forever remember how kind he was to me and how he got me through this surgery. I couldn't have done it without this guy and Derek! 

Once the surgery was done and I was all stitched up they took us to recovery. This was so hard. The surgery was nothing. Recovery was everything.

Again, Derek was by my side through this. I couldn't have done it without him. They put pressure cuffs on my legs and I was getting a lot of IV fluids. I was so so dizzy, which is an effect of the anesthesia. Because I was so dizzy I would throw up every couple of hours. I think I threw up 7 times that day. I'll spare the details of recovery, but I can come out of this delivery and say I can do hard things whether I want to or not. I feel so blessed

A Phone Call I Didn't Want

Welp.
I got a phone call last night. It was Dr. Sok the OB resident I've been seeing. I was a little surprised, but not completely because at my 32 week ultrasound when it showed the placenta didn't move, I called to ask what to do (make an appointment, what?), and she called me. This time the placenta didn't move, so it wasn't a shock to get the phone call.
She immediately went to tell me that she scheduled me for Friday morning at 9:30 am. I said, oh that's great, but I already have an appointment with you to discuss this on Friday at 8:30. She then said, "Oh no. I scheduled your c-section."
Pause...
Pause...
"Wait, what?!"
Ya. Can we say EARLY!
Still not in full comprehension mode.
She then went on to explain my placenta is 8 mm "over" my cervix. Because it is actually over the cervical os they don't want me having contractions, water breaking, "anything" to happen really. If I go into labor at all it is a huge risk of me and baby bleeding and causing bad problems. Any pressure the baby puts on the placenta can cause it to tear away from the uterus, or cause the placenta to rupture, which would be really bad for baby and me.
Ok, but my water doesn't usually "break" until about 38 weeks, so this is really so early.

Next...

Um. Friday is REALLY REALLY REALLY a bad day for us. Derek has 2 HUGE tests for the end of his surgery rotation. He is still on surgery and studying like a mad man on top of working still. Then, he starts psych next Monday and has orientation. This is NOT what we planned. Yes, we are planners! So, obviously this is a shock.

How many people in my courtyard apartment complex are due any day now? At least 4! Not including me, because I didn't think I was due any day now... So, with about 4 women wanting babies to come now, I'm begging to keep my baby in! Will she be big and strong enough to be delivered that early?! How small will she be? Can I handle a c-section with Derek starting a new rotation?

I start begging, give me the next Thursday the 27th. Just one more week. They don't want to wait longer than Monday if possible. I then tell her I really really need to talk to my husband and I'll call her back.
She was really kind and offered to talk to Derek's scheduling people and explain the situation and try for Monday. She said absolutely no later than next Wednesday Sep. 26th. She would talk to the attendings and see if they would be ok with Mon, Tue, or Wed next week and then call me back the next night.

Derek emailed the school and thankfully they have been super super kind and willing to work with us. We don't know which date it will be yet, but we are hoping for Tue or Wed of next week just so Derek can make it to orientation.

A WEEK!

I can look back and see that the sense of time running out was probably a little divine back in July and August preparing things for Elara to come. I looked at Derek last night and said, "We don't have diapers!" He just got on the computer and ordered them. I'm so glad I have been preparing early!

I am so glad I decided to get Kael and appointment with the pediatrician and flu shots scheduled for today! I wasn't going to make him an appointment, but I just did it for no reason. I decided it would be good to see the pediatrician I wanted for Elara before she came and scheduling an appointment for Kael would be good. I'm really hoping she can answer my questions about what to expect with Elara so early and have her right on board from the moment we deliver. I know this is Heavenly Father helping me because I wasn't going to make this appointment and it is just a reassurance for me to be able to talk to someone today about what to expect and to make sure she will be ok.

I feel like I'm in a tornado being blown around out of control and trying to keep my feet planted on the ground. I'm no longer worried about a c-section just kind of in shock is all. I know there is nothing I could do about where the placenta is and the risks that it entails. I am still really grateful for modern medicine. I'm grateful for Derek being by my side through all of this figuring everything out with school, family, and making sure me and Elara are 100% taken care of, and Kael and Eden as well. I can't begin to imagine what is on his plate! School, wife going to surgery, new baby coming, 2 other kids to make sure are going to be ok. It makes me glad I'm the one having surgery and not stressing all the extra stuff. He does it for me and I couldn't do this without him. He is my rock and I'm so grateful for him!

After we figured all of this out the stupid toilet broke. Really?! Really?! I even stuck my hand in that dirty thing and couldn't fix it like normal and after living in the Philippines I got good at fixing toilets.... Derek came to the rescue again and got it working.

It is my last day of waiting.

Tonight I should know.

I'm just going to end by saying, maybe just maybe Elara really wants to come early and this is her way how.
Until tonight I guess...

Hard things and a Name

One of the reason's I had for wanting to do a natural labor was to tell myself I could do hard things. Bah. What c-section isn't hard?! Crap, I'm going to do something HARD! And, I'm going to be excited about it! I had my 36 week ultrasound today and that darn placenta hasn't moved. Little Elara started sticking her tongue out at us like she was saying, "Neener neener, I'm going to be stubborn". Not that it's her fault that the placenta went where it did, but it was just too funny and cute. It was amazing to see her. She was opening her mouth and sticking her tongue out and just being a baby! She was adorable already and I'm in love. Seeing her on the ultrasound made it so real that she is coming and I will do whatever I need to get her here safe and healthy! She is so perfect.
Her official name is going to be Elara Jane Bradley.

Elara means: The Lord is my Light
Jane means: God is Gracious

God is gracious to give me Elara. I hope she can let the Lord be her light in this life like her name says, and be the amazing little girl she already is. I'm so excited to meet her and I know she is going to be a great addition to our family. My next doctor's appointment is Friday and we can hopefully pick a day for the c-section then. I'll update then.

Sippy Cups and Pillows

When Kael was 2 he used to wake up in the middle of the night and come get me because he couldn't find his sippy cup and demand that I help him find it. Sometimes it could happen 2 or 3 times a night. He'd always go right back to bed after I found it. It was like his security thing or something.

Now, Eden who is 2 comes into my room and taps me and says, "Mom, I can't find my pillow!" I then have to go into her room and put her back in bed. Her pillow is right where it always has been on the top of her bed... She just sleeps in crazy positions all the time!!! Thank goodness it is easier to find than the missing sippy cup.

These two make me laugh so hard. I'm glad I can laugh about it at 2 am. It's just funny to see their cute little personalities. Love them both so much. They are getting so big and we are loving every day!

Hold on to your bums!

We were driving in the car and Derek was making a sharp turn and to prepare us all he said, "Hold on to your bums!" Then, we hear Kael yell from his car seat, "Hold on to your private parts guys!!!"

Still laughing. Glad he knows where his private parts are at least...

Kael's 1st Day of Preschool

Excited much?! Kael will be going to preschool on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 11. He will take a bus to and from school. For his first day I of course had to drive him and see him off. He picked out a Dora book and sat down on a couch and said, "Bye Mom, have a good day". Poor Eden was so sad and wanted to stay and play with the "different toys". She got over it pretty quick when we went to the store and I got her a donut... I was proud of myself. No tears. Just a phone call to Aunt Shelly to tell her my woes and all was well. The wait wasn't bad. I think I checked my phone every 15 minutes once we got home from the store. I was so nervous about meeting the bus at the right spot at the right time. When the bus pulled up I got to go in. There was one other boy still on the bus with Kael and there was a bus driver and another man to help buckle the kids and get them on and off the bus safely. They said that Kael had to give them directions and tell them how to get to his house and that he invited them over to play and eat at his house. ;) Next week they learn the letter 10 and the letter A. He had red juice stains on his mouth from his juice and goldfish crackers. He was so funny. He did tell me at nap time that he didn't need to go back to school for a while because he missed me. Don't worry he will be so excited next week. I'm so glad it is only 2 days a week. The kid is awesome! I'm so proud of him and excited to see what this year brings! Oh wait, kindergarten next year... So glad we have a year. Love you Kael! You did awesome and I'm so proud of you!

Eden insisted on pictures of her wearing a back pack too. Really glad she has several years with me still!