Our first day!

At 8:28pm, on Christmas Eve 2011, I became a Mom and Ryan became a Dad. 

After the birth, Ryan went off to watch our son.  At our hospital, the baby is taken from the labor and delivery wing to the nursery to be weighed and checked and taken care of.  So Ryan (after sneaking a peak around the curtain to see the big operation!) followed our baby boy out of labor and delivery and off to where our family was waiting to meet him!

Eli, fresh out of the womb!

As it was Christmas weekend, my Mom, younger brother and sister-in-law were in town to celebrate the holiday (remember, we had not planned to meet Baby Wynne for 19 more days!).  Ryan's Mom and Dad also drove in for the night.  So just after Eli was born, he was able to meet Grandma Ellen, Aunt Kelly, Nana and Pop-pop!  Ryan was very excited to show of our new son!

Ryan was a very good dad and hung out with Eli while they checked him over and made sure he was OK.  Despite being a bit early, he was 19 inches long and weighed 7lbs 1oz!  Because I had gestational diabetes, they had to test Eli's glucose levels and give him some formula because he had very low sugar levels (this happens with GD babies).  Ryan snapped some photos and started spreading the good news!

While that was happening, I was being stitched and cleaned up and then shipped to the recovery room.  I had to stay there for a few hours while the drugs wore off and they got my postpartum room ready. 

I remember trying to move my legs and not being able to.  That was weird.  Also, my face itched like crazy!!  Apparently, this is a side effect of the morphine.  It started while I was still on the operating table and kept getting worse as I recovered.  It was so hard not to itch my face!  They gave me some benadryl via IV which helped a little, but not completely!

I also really, really wanted to see Eli, but couldn't yet.  This led to crying, even though I was not sad (crying despite not being sad happened a bit over the next few days -- damn hormones!)!  Finally, Ryan came in to see me and fill me in on how awesome our new little boy was!!

We watched the end of It's a Wonderful Life and they finally wheeled me off to my room.  I was so excited to see Eli and hold him!!
 

Mommy's first snuggle!

I may be biased, but I think he is the most adorable baby ever!

We didn't get to hang out very long.  Eli had lots of mucous because he was a c-section baby and he was very cold, so they wanted to take him back to the nursery.  And I still had lots of drugs in my system and I couldn't get out of bed yet, so they weren't keen on leaving him in my room all alone all night.  But we enjoyed those few minutes together!

Eli's first little smile!!!

I have to admit, my night alone was not fun.  Ryan went home (we live 3 minutes away) and I was stuck in bed and without Eli.  The pain meds started wearing off and I definitely felt some pain.  I was itching like crazy, but didn't want any more benadryl because it had made me loopy.  I was checked on every few hours and everything was going well with me, but I definitely missed my Eli!

When Ryan arrived early the next morning, I was so happy to see him (again, more crying ... I guess it takes a while for the hormone levels to re-adjust!) and he went to go check on Eli for us (as I was still stuck in bed)!  Within minutes, Ryan brought Eli to my room and I got a few more minutes with my little man!

Christmas morning with our little miracle!

It was definitely the craziest Christmas morning of my life.  After Ryan and I spent about 20 minutes with Eli, they came in to get Eli for his circumcision (Merry Christmas, buddy!).  Then the nurse came in to get me out of bed -- which I was very happy about and practically jumped out of the hospital bed (I do not recommend this after a major abdominal surgery!).  I was still hooked up to an IV (for more pitocin and fluids) but I could move to the chair and eventually go down the hall for visiting with family!

Just before lunch, a doctor (whom I had not yet met) came in to talk to us about Eli.  Luckily, he was smart enough to start his speech with "Everything is OK with Eli now, but ..." and then mainly talked to Ryan since I was still dealing with the hormones/crying-for-no-reason thing.  Apparently, Eli choked on his superfluous mucous during the circumcision.  And turned blue.  Yes -- TURNED BLUE!  Day 1 of life and the kid is already giving Ryan and me heart attacks!  As the doctor said, Eli was fine ... but the episode led to a whole slew of tests that were then performed to be sure he didn't have pneumonia or any other respiratory issues (which he did not).  This all meant we couldn't see him again for many hours. 

Like I said, definitely the craziest Christmas morning of my life!

The Birth: Time to "C" Baby Wynne!

And so we found ourselves on the evening before Christmas, with a doctor that insisted that Baby Wynne be born soon and a Baby Wynne that was in no rush to arrive!

Logically, it made sense to agree to the C-section.  My doctor was not going to let me leave without delivering with my elevated blood pressure.  And it didn't seem that any amount of pitocin was really going to get a "natural" delivery going. 

To be honest, I was (and still am) disappointed that this was what I had to agree to.  I feel a bit cheated.  Like I missed out on the experience that I had been preparing for during the previous 8 months.  Like I missed out on this experience that so many of my woman friends and family members got to experience.  Now, most ladies I know that went through a natural, vaginal birth would probably laugh at this and tell me I was crazy.  I know that childbirth is pretty horrific ... but it was still something I had been anticipating experiencing.  And so, because I am trying to be honest here, I do feel a bit like I was cheated.

But, this was what we had to do for me and for Baby Wynne, so Ryan and I went into it with a positive attitude (as we try to do with everything!). 

We waited around a bit for the anesthesiologist, got suited up, and headed to the operating room.

I went off to the operating room first and the nurses prepared me for surgery.  This included a bit of shaving (NOTE: ladies, if you have a planned c-section, I urge you to do your own shaving at home or splurge on a waxing before you head to the hospital!), drinking some weird stuff that was supposed to neutralize my stomach acid and then getting ready for a spinal epidural. 

The epidural was the scariest part for me.  Even before we got to the hospital, I was nervous about an epidural (during vaginal birth or a c-section).  Everyone told me I would want one and that they make you feel great .. but the thought of a needle inserted into my spinal column scares the hell out of me.  Did you catch that??  A NEEDLE near my SPINE! 

Also, remember, I wasn't in pain.  My "contractions" felt like minor menstrual cramps, so I wasn't desperate for some pain relief, like many laboring mothers are.  Another reason that I was freaked out ... by a needle ... near my spine!

Yes, I realized that the anesthesiologist does this all the time.  It is routine.  It is no big deal.  It still scares me!!!  It was at this point that I started freaking out.  For the previous 30 hours, I barely shed a tear and was logical about everything.  But for the 10 minutes before the epidural and while it was happening, I was a wreck.  My doctor even commented on it and did her best to distract me!  She kept asking what the baby's name would be. 

The epidural wasn't so bad, though I had trouble breathing, which I think was more of me having a panic attack and not really a side effect of the drugs.  Within seconds, I was tingling and within a minute I could feel the drugs traveling through my body and making me numb.  They got me set-up on the table and then went to find Ryan!

During these few minutes, Ryan was waiting and came upon my favorite Christmas movie on TV: It's a Wonderful Life!  Surely, there could not be a more appropriate movie to be on during the birth of our child!  It truly is a wonderful life!!  :)

 

"I'm gonna need a great big one!"

Though still a bit freaked out about all the numbness, with Ryan by my side, I was very excited to meet Baby Wynne!  Surprisingly quickly, the doctor was lifting up a baby and announcing:

"It's Eli!"

He cried, I cried, Ryan cried ... and then Eli peed all over!  :)

Eli Hudson Wynne
December 24th, 2012, 8:28pm
7lbs 1oz, 19"

Dr appts Week 37

Obviously, Baby Wynne has arrived!

How did this happen?  It all started at my final doctor's appointment ....

Last week, I was finally done with work and Ryan and I had enjoyed one day off together!  Ryan then went with me to my now weekly doctor's appointment.

It was Friday, December 23rd and our plan was to go to the quick appointment and then do some grocery shopping, because my family was coming to visit for Christmas weekend and then Ryan's family was coming to visit!

We went to the OB, went into the office, got weighed, and got my blood pressure taken .... which is when the crazy began!

I had a high blood pressure reading, so the nurse called in the Physician's Assistance.  She basically pulled me off the examining table into a chair to test it again.  And then called in the Doctor, who got me back to the table to lie down and test my blood pressure again.  Obviously, this craze did so much to decrease my blood pressure!

Then the doctor and PA agree, I need to go across the street to hospital.  Ryan asks "Will they give her some medication?" and the PA says, "No, you're having a baby!"

WHAT?!?!?

Total shock. 

While I understand that high blood pressure (when I usually do not have high blood pressure) during pregnancy is a sign of preeclampsia (which is totally dangerous for mom and baby), I just couldn't comprehend what was happening!

"You're having a baby" was not at all what I expected to hear. 

And so .... they wanted to send us to the hospital ... but all the beds were full (why is this sounding more and more like a Nativity story?) ... so they sent us home for a bit ...

And that's how we found out Baby Wynne would be arriving soon!

MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: 0 lbs (6lbs total)

Cervix: Not dilated or effaced at all!

Baby's Heartrate: Did not check!

Baby's Estimated Weight: Did not check!

Dr appt Week 32

A surprising doctor's visit -- because I actually got in and out in less than 30 minutes!  A first!

Just the typical stuff ... questions, blood pressure, weight, baby's heart rate.  A few follow-up questions about the GD.   Nothing exciting.  They all seemed impressed with the lack of complaints and the lack of issues (no swelling, no contractions, no problems with GD). 

I will now be at the doctor's every 2 weeks  (plus all of my GD check-ups), so we're getting close to the end!

MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: -2 lbs (4 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 150bpm

Dr appts Week 31

The pregnancy has been great, so I really can't complain.  But in Week 29 I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GD).  I was not surprised, as I had a few risk factors (overweight, runs in my family), but still disappointed.  I feel totally fine, but it is a worry and I must now be monitored to make sure Baby Wynne is fine. 

This monitoring involves a lot of doctors and in the last week, I have been to two appointments: one with a diabetes nurse and one with a nutritionist.  Both are at a hospital about 25 minutes from my house (and over an hour from work). 

I met with the nurse first to get started testing the glucose level in my blood.  That whole finger pricking thing.  I was set-up with a food diary and I now write down everything I eat and test my glucose level an hour after every meal.  Easy stuff.  She explained it all to me ...very ... slowly.  Does she not realize she is asking a scientist to collect data??  Hello!  This is actually almost exciting for me!  :)

Basically, I need to avoid super sugary foods (cookies, ice cream, chocolate, candy, syrups, etc) and super refined carbs (think white bread and white pasta).  Seriously -- not a problem.  We don't really eat that stuff anyway.  I may be the only pregnant woman that does not crave ice cream. 

So all week I wrote everything down and only had one "high" glucose reading.  I then emailed my food diary to the dietitian to review before my appointment with her.

I show up for my appointment (after leaving work early and driving through NYC traffic for 1.5 hours) and meet with the dietitian for about 8 minutes.  She basically says "good job" and sends me on my way.  Sigh.

The good news is that all is well and I can just continue on my current diet and Baby Wynne should be OK.  No medications and hopefully no more appointments with the nurse or dietitian (we are going to communicate via email and phone!).

No new Baby Wynne statistics for you, but I do have yet another appointment tomorrow.  And then another one next week with the perinatalogist to have another ultrasound and check Baby Wynne's size. 
Seeing Baby Wynne will be a very nice Thanksgiving present for Ryan and me!

A note on Health Insurance, Pre-approvals, Doctor Referrals, and a complete lack of Customer Service

All things listed in the title of this post could really be on a list entitled

"The things that have annoyed me most about being pregnant"
or
"The annoying things about pregnancy that I did not anticipate"
or
"Why the Wynnes might move to Canada someday"

I could write a novel about each, but, for now, I just wanted to let you know that all is great with Baby Wynne despite the new constant run-around for Mommy!

Dr appts Week 7, Week 12 and Week 16!

I plan to share the interesting information from our doctor's visits, and we've already had quite a few, so here's a summary of those first few weeks at the doctor's!

WEEK 7
Our first visit.  A new doctor, because my old doctor was near my work, which is 35 miles away and I plan to deliver at the nearby hospital, so I needed a nearby doctor.  This place is all women doctors, nurses, PAs, etc (not that I really care either way) and, of course, they are immediately taken with Ryan.  His effect on the ladies never ceases to amaze me!  I guess it is odd (in my neighborhood?) to have a very excited and attentive (and scientifically educated?) dad at the appointment.

Basically a bunch of paperwork, some peeing in some cups and a whole lot of vials of blood are collected.  Then we finally got to see Baby Wynne for the first time!  A blurry little ultrasound, but it was so cute!  With it's little heart beating!  The sonogram doesn't do it justice (see the left sidebar and our very first post). 

Ryan and I are so excited and the conversation goes something like this (or at least this is how I remember it):
Ultrasound Tech: "That's your baby.  That flutter is the heart beat."
Ryan: "Oh, look, it is so cute.  Are those the armbuds? Are those bumps on the side the eyes? Is that the tail?"
Jen: "It looks like a chicken!"
Ultrasound Tech: [wide eyes; puzzled look]
(So sorry that, as a biology grad student TA, I have cut open a developing chicken egg and viewed a 3 day old chicken embryo!)

WEEK 7, Part 2: Nursing visit
Apparently it is standard to have a visit with just the nurse as a follow-up a few days/weeks after the initial appointment to go over blood work results and learn that drinking alcohol is bad for a developing baby.  Yet again, I think we shock the staff at the office.

(Again, all conversations are only as I remember them!)
Nurse: "Do you know your blood type?"
Jen: "AB+"
Nurse: [surprised tone] "umm, yes, you're right.  You are AB+.  Good job!"
Jen: [puzzled look]

a few minutes later ...

Nurse: "The blood work all looks good except for when it comes to german measles."
Ryan: "Oh, low antibody titers?  Can she get a booster at some point?"
Nurse: [shocked look]

After a long and tedious meeting, I get sent off for some more blood work and ultrasounds to check for genetic disorders and other not-so-good baby things.

MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy Weight Gain: 0 lbs



WEEK 12:
A very busy day.  Two doctors visits.  One to my normal doctor and one to a special place that does super good ultrasounds to check for any issues.

The morning appointment to the normal doctor goes well.  Oh, except that the PA can't get a heartbeat using the little doppler thing.  Which is annoying (and sort of painful), but also awesome, because we get to do another ultrasound!  Here are some photos from that:

Again, the photos don't do it justice, but Baby Wynne was very excited to be seen!  There was dancing and a big wave at Daddy!  (It's a side view and the baby's head is to the left, obviously!)

MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy Weight Gain: 0 lbs
Baby's Heart Beat: 150 bpm


The afternoon appointment was also fun!  Our ultrasound tech was super nice (and crazy ... glad to know her life story!)  but let us look at Baby Wynne for a long time!  And then she actually had to come back and take more pictures, so we got yet another chance to watch Baby Wynne!!  Yay! 

Like I said, she was awesome and appreciated our nerdy scienceness.  We talked about the bones being ossified and what all the structures were that we were looking at and what exactly was going on. 
I also learned 2 interesting things about this specific pregnancy:
(1) The egg came from my right ovary -- I know most mom's probably wouldn't care about this, but I thought it was cool that she could see the corpus luteum still in my ovary. 
(2) The placenta is attached to the front of my uterus. -- This is one reason why finding the heartbeat is difficult with the little doppler thing.  This also makes ultrasounds interesting, because the go all around my belly.  Really high or really low is the only good way to get a good shot! (My bit of belly chub also doesn't help the situation)

Here are the awesome pictures:

Face
(Baby Wynne is now facing sideways, with the top of the head to the right)

Another side shot.  Definitely dancing again!



Here Baby Wynne is waving at you!  See the hand up near the top?


We also got the results of the first few tests for abnormalities and all is well!




WEEK 16
A pretty uneventful visit.  Ryan had to work, so I went alone.

Got back some more blood work we had done (serious number of tests for Baby Wynne!) and, again, all markers for abnormalities are negative, so it looks like Baby Wynne is doing great!

The doctor finally managed to get the heartbeat using the doppler thing.  It took a good 15 minutes and a lot of adjusting and a bunch of listening to my heartbeat (damn you, anterior placenta!), but she found it!  I was actually happy she found it and I didn't have to have an ultrasound because Ryan would have been so sad to have missed the chance to see Baby Wynne again!

MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: +0.5lbs
Baby's Heart Rate: 150 bpm






And that sums up all the first doctor appointments!