After nine months of a growing belly and growing anticipation, our second little guy is here! The final days of a pregnancy I can only describe as bittersweet. On one hand, I was growing impatient to meet our baby. On the other hand, I knew the experience of pregnancy and feeling baby's movement on the inside was special. A pregnancy really is unique in many ways, including how quickly one goes from pregnant to not pregnant. It's hard to imagine that just ten days ago, our little guy was still in my belly!
So, here is my final belly picture at 39 weeks. As I reminded my students that it was my last day, several asked when Baby would arrive. Each time I replied with, "Tomorrow" they would ask in shocked tones, what I was doing at work. As one class period ended, a student said, "Have a nice...baby!". It was pretty entertaining but so surreal.
We celebrated Jennifer's 33rd birthday by checking out a local pub style restaurant. We had a good laugh as our server came to the table apologizing for only bringing two adult waters. As she explained, she thought it was a family with two kids sitting there. Even at 33, Jennifer is our "grown up big kid" as one of her younger cousins once described.
And while my bare belly is something I didn't imagine I would include on this blog, I decided at the last minute that I needed a picture given it will likely be the last time it would ever look like this.
The Date: October 2, 2013
Early in my pregnancy, we knew the actual due date was October 8, 2013. Before even getting pregnant again, I was confident that I would have a c-section with any future pregnancy. There is a growing trend for women to attempt a VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean, but I have never felt a need to go that route. I was pleasantly surprised by the recovery from the first cesarean that I knew I wanted to stick with what I did know rather than venture into what I didn't.
From everything I've read, it's common to schedule a repeat c-section at 39 weeks. That day would have been October 1st which, as mentioned, is Jennifer's birthday as well as Jesse & Jessica's anniversary. Jeff and I hoped Dr. Williams would be agreeable to choosing a different day. And the prospect of having both boys with birthdays on the second day of a month was just what Jeff likes. So when Dr. Williams proposed October 1st, I countered with the 2nd and it was decided. It's a strange thing to schedule a baby's arrival like one might make an appointment to have your hair done or get an oil change. The days and weeks leading up to the arrival date were like counting down until Christmas.
From everything I've read, it's common to schedule a repeat c-section at 39 weeks. That day would have been October 1st which, as mentioned, is Jennifer's birthday as well as Jesse & Jessica's anniversary. Jeff and I hoped Dr. Williams would be agreeable to choosing a different day. And the prospect of having both boys with birthdays on the second day of a month was just what Jeff likes. So when Dr. Williams proposed October 1st, I countered with the 2nd and it was decided. It's a strange thing to schedule a baby's arrival like one might make an appointment to have your hair done or get an oil change. The days and weeks leading up to the arrival date were like counting down until Christmas.
When my alarm went off at 5am on Wednesday, October 2nd, I had already been awake since 3am. In the final hours before my 7:30am surgery, I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that we were going to go and meet our baby. Jennifer was generous enough to stay the night in our playroom and to care for Nathan in the morning while Jeff and I quietly dressed and prepared to leave for the hospital. After one final kiss on Nathan's cheek while he slept soundly, we got into the car. At which point I broke down into tears. I think I was just overwhelmed with the sense of love for our first born as well as the plans for the morning and meeting our next little boy.
Labor & Delivery: The C-Section
We arrived at the hospital, parked at the ER entrance and made our way up to Labor & Delivery by our 5:30am time. The nurse showed us to our room, I dressed in stylish hospital fashion and was strapped into the NST to monitor baby's heart rate for a time. Just as I recall from Nathan's delivery, the IV insertion was the worst pain ever. The nurse blew through one vein and needed assistance from a colleague to try again. I used to hate shots as a kid, but have overcome that fear as an adult. Letting someone ram plastic into my veins is something I can't imagine without significant pain.
Most of the morning went by uneventfully and I even took a short nap. Before we knew it, Dr. Williams came in to say hello, the anesthesiologist Dr. Walker, walked me through his role and a number of nurses began to prep me for surgery. Then, it was time for me to walk over to the OR leashed to my nurse via the IV bag.
Entering the OR, I first noticed it seemed smaller than the one from Nathan's delivery. Then, I couldn't help but notice the number of people in the room. While inserting my spinal, Dr. Walker noticed that I have a slight case of scoliosis, a diagnosis I first learned of when I was 12 or so. Once the medication was inserted, I laid down on the table and waited for it to kick in (wiggling my toes just like with my first cesarean). The doctors and nurses all had to introduce themselves and I had to do the same, stating our names and our roles in the procedures. I should have asked but I guess the room must be recorded or monitored.
Shortly thereafter, Jeff was walked into the room and Dr. Walker asked if I was ready, which I affirmed. Then, he said, "good, because they've already started." Dr. Walker was very entertaining during the surgery and could rival Dr. Williams with the rate of conversation. The two of them were clearly good friends and kept pace with each other on a range of random topics.
There were two students in the OR and Dr. Williams was narrating the procedure more than either Jeff or I really wanted to hear ("now pull the muscles apart..."). It's strange to have my body pulled from one side to the other and back again as they cut and pulled and pulled some more. Thankfully, all without a second of pain! Once Dr. Williams cut into the uterus, she said I would have had a very difficult vaginal delivery had I opted for that. Evidently, baby was in an occiput posterior position, more commonly referred to as "sunny-side up". Then, she asked if we were ready to meet our little guy. For the second time that morning, I broke into tears.
I looked at Jeff through tears as we could hear the cries of our second little guy, Andrew James Davolt, born at 8:26am. Dr. Williams laughed as she said he had peed on her three times while she was dealing with the umbilical cord. She said he seemed like a stocky baby. Then, as with Nathan, the blue curtain was dropped and I was able to see and touch our newest boy. My first reaction was, "He's so tiny!" Andrew was taken for just a moment of cleaning and then returned to my chest while the surgery continued. Jeff was the first to hold Nathan, which I loved seeing. I was surprised that I was able to hold Andrew even earlier, cuddling skin to skin while he continued to cry, causing Jeff and I to just laugh and enjoy those moments. Most striking about Andrew was his hair, which is darker than Nathan's. Maybe he'll take after me. In nearly every other way, he looks exactly like Nathan did at birth. Even their sizes are nearly identical: Andrew was born at 7 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long.
There were two students in the OR and Dr. Williams was narrating the procedure more than either Jeff or I really wanted to hear ("now pull the muscles apart..."). It's strange to have my body pulled from one side to the other and back again as they cut and pulled and pulled some more. Thankfully, all without a second of pain! Once Dr. Williams cut into the uterus, she said I would have had a very difficult vaginal delivery had I opted for that. Evidently, baby was in an occiput posterior position, more commonly referred to as "sunny-side up". Then, she asked if we were ready to meet our little guy. For the second time that morning, I broke into tears.
I looked at Jeff through tears as we could hear the cries of our second little guy, Andrew James Davolt, born at 8:26am. Dr. Williams laughed as she said he had peed on her three times while she was dealing with the umbilical cord. She said he seemed like a stocky baby. Then, as with Nathan, the blue curtain was dropped and I was able to see and touch our newest boy. My first reaction was, "He's so tiny!" Andrew was taken for just a moment of cleaning and then returned to my chest while the surgery continued. Jeff was the first to hold Nathan, which I loved seeing. I was surprised that I was able to hold Andrew even earlier, cuddling skin to skin while he continued to cry, causing Jeff and I to just laugh and enjoy those moments. Most striking about Andrew was his hair, which is darker than Nathan's. Maybe he'll take after me. In nearly every other way, he looks exactly like Nathan did at birth. Even their sizes are nearly identical: Andrew was born at 7 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long.
Recovery & Reflection
I feel very fortunate that the c-section went exactly as planned, including a recovery that matched my expectations. Aside from whatever pain relief the anesthesiologist might have used, I didn't take anything additional for the first 24 hours. Honestly, each time a nurse or doctor came to check on my pain level, I never felt more pain than a 1 or 2 on a scale of 10. And each time, he or she would ask if I was certain and comment on my pain tolerance (obviously they didn't see me when the IV was going in). But really, I was lying in a bed, bound by wires and tubes of all kinds, so pain was low. On the second day, I gave in and accepted some Ibuprofen as I knew there would be some measure of pain as I started to leave the bed. My recovery went so smoothly, we were able to leave the hospital a day early, after plenty of reminders from the doctors about taking care of myself. Since returning home, I take one pain reliever in the morning and one in the evening, which seems to be managing the small amount of pain I do have.
After several hours of quiet bonding time for the three of us, Jennifer brought Nathan by the hospital to meet his little brother. Although it took a little time for Nathan to warm up to the hospital room, to Baby Andrew and to his mama strapped with tubes, he soon began giving Andrew plenty of kisses, while also poking and giggling at Andrew.
I feel very fortunate that the c-section went exactly as planned, including a recovery that matched my expectations. Aside from whatever pain relief the anesthesiologist might have used, I didn't take anything additional for the first 24 hours. Honestly, each time a nurse or doctor came to check on my pain level, I never felt more pain than a 1 or 2 on a scale of 10. And each time, he or she would ask if I was certain and comment on my pain tolerance (obviously they didn't see me when the IV was going in). But really, I was lying in a bed, bound by wires and tubes of all kinds, so pain was low. On the second day, I gave in and accepted some Ibuprofen as I knew there would be some measure of pain as I started to leave the bed. My recovery went so smoothly, we were able to leave the hospital a day early, after plenty of reminders from the doctors about taking care of myself. Since returning home, I take one pain reliever in the morning and one in the evening, which seems to be managing the small amount of pain I do have.
Andrew's weight did drop, but only 7% by the time we left the hospital (he was 6 pounds 10.5 ounces). Thankfully, nursing has been a much smoother adjustment this time, for several reasons. Andrew did not have the tongue tie that Nathan did, I know what I'm doing now and my milk came in sooner. We had a quick follow up appointment with the pediatrician on Monday and he had already gained back some weight, coming in at 6 pounds 14 ounces. In every way, he is perfectly healthy and I feel blessed to have my two boys.
After several hours of quiet bonding time for the three of us, Jennifer brought Nathan by the hospital to meet his little brother. Although it took a little time for Nathan to warm up to the hospital room, to Baby Andrew and to his mama strapped with tubes, he soon began giving Andrew plenty of kisses, while also poking and giggling at Andrew.
Jeff and I have always hoped to have our children about two years apart which doesn't seem all that significant. To see Nathan and Andrew together, however, it feels like they are a million years apart!
The Name: Andrew James Davolt
Andrew is a name we have both loved for a long time. Perhaps it's a positive association with a friend named Andrew, who stood by Jeff's side at our wedding. Perhaps it's the classic quality that seems timeless. At any rate, we liked Andrew but hesitated as Jeff's cousin has a son with the name. After learning our second child would be a boy, we soon found ourselves leaning toward Andrew despite the original hesitation. Jeff, Nathan and I all have family names for middle names and I was set on continuing that trend, no matter how much Jeff pushed for the name Washington. We settled on James, my dad's middle name and a name that Jeff really liked. So, Andrew James Davolt it is.
Life at Home
Coming home to my house of boys has been such a comfort. I'm still getting used to the idea that we have two kids, but feeling ever blessed. I'll admit that the all night wake ups are a challenge, even a week later. Nathan is back at school each day allowing Andrew, Jeff and I to relax and get to know each other. Nathan really benefits from the opportunities at school, especially as I'm bound to Andrew's feeding needs. Jeff has really gone out of his way to provide Nathan with extra attention, even taking him for a father-son trip to the pumpkin patch. Nathan continues to shower Andrew with kisses and loves to be apart of diaper changes. I think he's also feeling some sense of this great change, as we have noticed him to be more stubborn than usual, and crying more than usual. This will be apart of our on-going adjustment in the coming days and weeks. After 8 days off, Jeff returns to work on Monday, leaving Andrew and I truly on our own. I will stay home until after the New Year.
Comments
Post a Comment