Yesterday Elijah was officially one week old! And what a week it has been! I can honestly say that it has been the happiest, scariest, most life-changing week I’ve ever had. A lot of you have asked to hear my side of the birth story, so since my little angel is sleeping, I thought this would be a good time!
Jeremy gave you guys good background details on what led to the c-section, so I’ll skip over all that. I’ll start at the place where they first came in and told me that Eli’s heart rate was dropping. I broke down. When the slew of nurses and doctors started pouring in, I started hyperventilating. Jeremy did a good job of trying to calm me down by getting in my face and telling me to breathe, but the nurses still had to give me oxygen. I have never been so scared in my life. After giving me an IV, Eli’s heart rate went back up for a while. My OBGYN arrived, and she told me a c-section was necessary. This did not help with my nerves! I’m not a big fan of major surgery. However, I was VERY eager to do whatever it took to make sure my son was safe. They immediately started stripping my clothes and prepping me for the emergency cesarean. By the time they got me to the operating room, I was shaking uncontrollably. Unfortunately they had escorted Jeremy away for a while to change, so I really felt alone as I was surrounded by German commands and instructions. I was very happy to see his face again right before my spinal! This was something else that terrified me…a giant needle being inserted into my back. Luckily, the anesthesiologist was very good, and I only felt a small amount of pain as it was being inserted. He also asked me if I would like something to help me relax at this point. YES! After that, everything went a lot smoother for me. I stopped shaking, and I was able to just focus on being able to see my son in just a few minutes!
The actual operation was an odd sensation. There was no pain, but there was a lot of pulling and pressure. I remained completely clueless as to where they were in the surgery. That is, until I heard the most beautiful, healthy cry of my baby. Relief flooded through me and happy tears filled my eyes. He was okay! When they handed him to Jeremy, I felt that I would burst with love. God blessed us tremendously, and I was eternally grateful for bringing Eli safely into the world.
We were able to come home this past Friday, and it has been so good to be home. I’m not going to lie; it really stinks recovering from a c-section. I’m pretty helpless in some areas, and I am totally dependent on Jeremy and our parents. But each day is getting a little better, and I’m looking forward to the day when I can sit up without grunting!
As I said earlier, yesterday marked Eli’s first full week in the world. At first, it was a little rough going because his small body was trying to adjust to breast milk. He was having very bad gas pains and would be up for long stretches making these awful cries. It was obvious he was a good baby though because as soon as it was over, he would calm down and just coo at us. He is now adjusted and is nursing well. He has also started sleeping through the night several times, but I’m not counting on this being the norm! :o)
Though Jeremy and I are scared every minute that we are doing something wrong, being a parent is the most incredible thing in the world. I marvel at the unique little details of this tiny person. He has a small birthmark on his right elbow. A dimple graces his right cheek. He likes to make a scrunchy, concentration face when he’s really examining something. And he has been able to lift his head since the day after he was born. I am so excited about the upcoming days and years of seeing him develop and grow into our little man. I apologize if I haven't called or emailed some of you to let you know how we're doing. I promise once I recover more (and get more sleep) I'll be touching base. Thank you all so much for your prayers and well wishes…I hope to introduce Eli to all of you very soon!
For more pictures of us coming home and Eli at one week click here!
3 comments:
Eli is adorable and I definitely see a resemblence to Jeremy when he was that age. Did you ever think it took so many muscles in your abdomen just to sit up in bed?
Do they sell Mylecon in Vienna? If not, we'll have to send you some. That will do wonders for Eli's little gas bubbles.
It seems like 5 minutes ago that I was in this stage with Rachel, but here she is almost 2 years old. Time flies. Enjoy this time.
And try to get some sleep :)
Take care.
I LOVE your pictures and your writing, Kristi! Thanks so much for taking the time to type this out!
Congrats to both of you! He is sooo precious! My lil boy is only 4 months now and I ALREADY miss those days. Take it easy Kristi. Congrats again!
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