Your birth day came on a beautiful Friday the 13th in the afternoon.
Your daddy was at work and I was at home with Grandpa and your brother
Lucas. We spent the morning watching Lucas play outside. Then, I came in
to watch tv while Grandpa and Lucas were fixing the bathroom sink. When
I sat down on the couch, I felt a gush. I had felt that same "gush"
when my water broke with Lucas so I knew what it was. However, it was
not a lot, so I did have my doubts. When I got up to take a shower, a
lot more water came out so I had a pretty good idea that it was my water
then. I called your Daddy first and he asked if he had time to get a
hair cut and of course I said no : ). Then, I told Grandpa and he
panicked : ). I called the doctor and I thought they were going to tell
me to come to the office and they would check, but they sent me to the
hospital. On the way up to the hospital, it still did not hit me that
you were coming soon! I took nothing..no bag, no coming home outfit...I
knew that you would probably come fast like your brother, so I just took
a shower and left quickly. Lucas stayed with Grandma and Grandpa. Nona
and Papa were in Florida when we called them. When I got to the
hospital, they confirmed that it was my water and said I was 3
centimeters dilated. I had just went to the doctor the day before and I
was 0 cm dilated and scheduled my induction for December 8th. Then, they
put me in a room and tried to quickly get me an epidural since I had a
history of a quick labor. The anesthesiologist came in and gave me my
epidural. However, labor had progressed quickly and you were already
ready to come so the epidural did not have time to kick in. I kept
telling the nurse that I felt like your head was really low, but she did
not take me serious until I said, "I think I need to push." Dr. Benson
then came in and said that I was 9 cm and that she could see your head!
Grandma and Daddy told me that you had really dark hair and lots of it! I
was in pain because the epidural did not have time to work, but it only
took a few pushes and you were out! The most beautiful 4 lb 4 oz girl
came at 7:30 that night. The NICU team came in since you were under 5
lbs. At first they said that you were doing fine, but they needed to
take you back since with you under 5 lbs. Then, they came back and said
you were breathing a little fast and were going to watch you for a
little while. My heart sank because I did not want to be separated from
you. Your Daddy and I were so excited to meet you and did not want you
to be taken away. We were thankful that you were able to stay back with
us a little while and do skin to skin with me and meet your brother. He
was not to sure what to think about you at first, but he really enjoyed
pushing the "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" button to announce to everyone
that you were here! They put me in a wheel chair to go see you and I
got a little overwhelmed seeing you with a feeding tube and a nasal
cannula and almost passed out, so they had to wheel me back out which
devastated me. I ate a little something, and then went back immediately
to see you and only slept for probably an hour because I did not want to
leave your side! We were really blessed that you did so well and only
had to stay 6 days in the NICU. It would not have even been that long,
but the last 2 days you had jaundice so they wanted to get rid of that
first. However, it was the most exhausting 6 days that I had ever
experienced. I had to go home and leave you in the hospital, which was
extremely hard. It was hard being there for you, and leaving your
brother at home. I wanted to be at as many feedings as possible and I
wanted to bond and hold you as much as possible. God really taught me a
lot during those first few days and I am so thankful that you are a
healthy, beautiful little girl. There were so many babies around us that
were very sick.
When you came home, we gave your brother a gift
from you and he was so happy! Your Daddy and I were very thankful to be
at home as a family of 4! We are so blessed and you are such a
beautiful, sweet baby. My heart expanded to love 2 wonderful children
and my cup really overflows from the blessings of God!
Right after you were born! I was amazed how much you looked like Lucas!
When
they took you to the NICU. Although I knew what all of the wire/tubes
meant, it is so much harder seeing them on your child.
Uncle
Colby and Aunt Ashley were supposed to go on a trip to Charleston, but
they stayed at home to be with you. They were so excited to meet you.
Lucas
was not able to go back in the NICU to see you, but he came to the
waiting room. He loves to drink anything that mama has!
After you got both the feeding tube and nasal cannula out! I was one happy mama!
After everything came off, you were able to have your first bath! You were not a big fan : )
Look at that beautiful dark hair!
Your brother had to spend a lot of time with Grandpa and Grandma. I think he had fun though : ) and didn't mind too much. lol
Grandma getting some loving in the NICU.
I was so excited to start using bows and all things pink!
You
had to pass a car seat test before we left the NICU. You did great, but
then the next day we found out that you had jaundice. Your skin looks a
little yellow in this picture.
Getting
to come home. Although your coming home outfit that I ordered did not
come in yet, I was really glad because Grandma had a better idea. You
wore my coming home outfit from ~29 years ago because I was a premie
too!
Meeting your brother for the first time. He was excited about his gifts!
He loved you from day 1 and has not stopped!
Of course Ma and Pa and Grandpa came to see you that day too!
Sweet brother/sister loving.
Looking cute in your clothes.
Your first real bow that you could wear!
It
was crazy that you came when Aunt Courtney, Aunt Kacie, Uncle Lee,
Levi, Nona, and Papa were about to leave for Disney World. They came to
see you the day they got back to get some loving!
Sadie,
you are the perfect addition to our family. We love you so much and I
cannot wait to see what plans God has for you! You are one miracle baby
and I am thankful God gave you to us!