LILA DOROTHY'S BIRTH STORY!

 SHE'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our sweet little Lila Dorothy was born on 11/15 at 8:00 a.m., weighing 7 lbs. 15 oz. (my smallest baby!) and measuring 21.5" long. As expected, she is absolutely perfect in every way, and I would love to share the details of how this little lady came into our lives and changed it forever.

Thursday evening, the night before my scheduled c-section, was a quiet night filled with lots of TV and snuggles. I knew from that week's appointment that I wasn't dilated yet, so I didn't expect much to happen before Friday. Still, I was having lots of contractions and feeling super uncomfortable. So we took it easy, and I'm glad we did! It was a perfect and special last night as a family of five.

Cuddling with my oldest and youngest all at once!

Already missing that bump, if you can believe it.

Bags packed and ready for the next day!

I didn't sleep much Thursday night...I never do the night before my c-sections. I'm nervous, excited, and generally just overwhelmed/riding an adrenaline wave all night! My awesome mama came and slept over so that we could leave first thing in the morning, and when my alarm went off at 4:15, we gathered our things and headed out the door. 

My last update on my app! So surreal!

We checked into the hospital around 5:30 (after re-routing a bit due to a downed power line blocking the entire main road into the hospital...I remember thinking, I hope this isn't a bad omen?!). I had some wonderful nurses give me great pep talks and calm my nerves significantly. Yes, even after three other c-sections, I still need pep talks! My head nurse stuck me for my IV and got it in on the first try, which was such a relief. I usually need to be stuck 3-4 times, which does not put me in the best mental state. This was much easier in that regard! I also had a great chat with my anesthesiologist, who was able to come up with a plan for me to help me not repeat certain experiences...this included boosting my blood pressure a little with medication to avoid that "passing out" feeling, as well as controlling my nausea differently. Both things were HUGE this time around and contributed to a really successful c-section with regards to me "keeping my cool"!!! I was so so glad for this! I should also mention that we were discussing the spelling of "Lila" in front of our nurse, you know, just in case...and our nurse mentioned that her mom's name was Lila. What are the odds?! I have to admit, I kind of knew it was a girl in that moment. And I was so excited!

Last bump pic!

Always such a surreal feeling!

Gown time.

My sister Claire joined us around 6:30, which was wonderful. Her presence is so calming and definitely helped to distract me from my anxiety for a bit. While I was waiting for my doctor, I also had a little time to read my Magnificat. Check out these Scripture words! I knew I was covered when I read them. Little moments of grace everywhere.

They wheeled me in alone, as usual, and I am proud to report that I held it together pretty well! I had a great epidural, and I did not not panic when my legs and lower half started to numb. I did have some nausea, but was able to deep breathe through it and not throw up, which was a relief. By the time Tim joined me, I was pretty calm and they started to operate. My special "song" that I had chosen for Lila is "How Deep is Your Love?" by the BeeGees, and when surgery began there was another BeeGees song on the radio..."Stayin' Alive"! I figured both things were good omens! It was about 3 minutes from the first cut to Lila's sweet cries, and as Tim peeked over the curtain to see our baby, he accidentally got a peek of surgery in action. His whole face dropped, and I was so worried looking at his reaction...but then he explained, and told me that we had a girl, and all was well! Poor Tim!

This sign went up back at home almost immediately...I'm sure no one who knows us was surprised to see pink!

My sweet girl, moments after birth.

Hanging out on the warmer!

First cuddles!

They took her back to clean her up, and I could hear that she was having some trouble crying/breathing strongly. Of course, I panicked, because that's what I do, but the anesthesiologist and nurses did a great job reassuring me that she was going to be fine. Unfortunately she did have to go straight to the NICU from delivery, where they determined that she swallowed quite a bit of amniotic fluid during delivery and needed a bit of help clearing that out (BTW, as they were telling me she had to go to the NICU, Toto's "Hold the Line" came on the radio...you know, "love isn't always on time..." it was so timely and a good reminder to be strong and patient!). Lila was on air-flow and an IV for about 24 hours, and then began slowly weaning off. She has been a champ the entire time, and all of the nurses have agreed that it was just a tough transition from womb-to-world...but she is well on her way now! She has even been nursing since a few hours after delivery, and maintaining her blood sugar / eating like an absolute champ!

Checking in with my sister before going back to see Lila in the NICU.

Seeing my baby in the NICU for the first time.

Our first cuddle!

So grateful for this special time!

Honestly, this whole experience has throw me for a total loop. I KNOW how much worse things could have been / frequently are for other parents, but I've never had a baby in the NICU before, and it has been really difficult, physically and emotionally. Physically because I have been in a lot of pain, and regardless of that I have had to go up to another floor to visit / feed the baby every three-ish hours since birth. Starting yesterday morning, they have been insisting that I walk, which is incredibly painful although I know it will help my overall healing. Yesterday afternoon I started to develop "trapped gas pain" in my abdomen and shoulder, which pain medication does not help at all. Thankfully that seems to be getting better, but that made the entire NICU journey ten times more difficult for much of yesterday and last night. They are currently still waiting on a few test results to come back for Lila, but she SHOULD be able to join me in my room later this morning. I am anxiously waiting!!!

Of course, we have had no shortage of visitors! Only parents and grandparents are allowed in the NICU, which has been such a bummer for the big girls. Regardless, they have been coming to see me and bringing me food/artwork, which has been so special. I miss them so much, but I know they are having a great time at home with dad and Nana.

Celebrating Lila on her birthday, even though we haven't gotten to meet her yet!

Air-flow tubes out, and admiring her sweet little face tube-free!

My sweet girl!

Special visit from Daddy and Leenie last night...Leenie face painted Daddy's face prior to the visit, and he looked AWESOME. She was pretty proud of herself.

Cuddles with my big girl.

Our first family-of-six portrait. The best thing Leenie has ever given me!!!

Sweet girl looking healthy and strong this morning!

Dad and Lila!

Drying off after her first bath!

Pop and Lila meeting.

Wide awake girl!

I know I'm biased but...look at that sweet face!

Nana and Lila!

Big yawns!

Sleepy nursing cuddles this morning. Finally got her IV out of her hand, too!

So there you have it, the story of my sweet Lila Dorothy! Lila, you are such a blessing already, and it feels like you have always been a part of our story. I can't wait until we can leave this hospital behind and start our new "normal," together. I love you TO THE MOON AND BACK, FOREVER AND EVER, little girl!!!!!

Thanks for sharing our joy!!!!!!!