The Elliott's Slice of Life: birthday

My last belly shot...

A little background...

Addison was born 09/02/07. At my 35 week doctor appointment I was informed that her fluid was low, the NST was non-reactive, as well as her bio-physical profile ultrasound. It was in her best interest to induce labor.

I was admitted to the hospital at 6:30pm on Labor Day weekend - Friday, 08/31/07. They attempted several induction methods - none of which worked.

I labored for 52 hours and she finally arrived via c-section Sunday evening - 09/02/07 at 10:10pm. She weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces and was 18 inches long.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD ADDISON KAY!!!

She spent her first 11 days in the Special Care Nursery at the hospital.

What an amazing place...

Our first family meeting

I love you more than words can say...

Nothing compares to the love a father has for his daughter...

She was treated for an unknown infection, pneumonia, reflux, apnea and jaundice.

Addison getting jaundice light therapy

Addison's hospital picture... so precious!

The great escape!

She came home on 09/13/07 on an apnea monitor and medications for breathing and reflux.

My heart melts once again...

She remained on the meds and apnea monitor until she was approximately 6 months old. When she came home she kept having non-breathing episodes frequently - so we took her back in and she was in the pediatric unit.

She wanted to come home as much as we wanted her there...

She came home for good two days later and that was the last of our overnight hospital stays! Thank the Lord!

This pregnancy I decided from the start that I wanted to attempt VBAC (vaginal birth after
cesarean). This pregnancy was, by far, so much different than the last. Since then I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 160 pounds, got rid of my diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that I had prior to Addison's pregnancy and throughout.

08/11/07 - 8 months pregnant with Addison

Down 160 pounds!

Both pregnancies were fairly easy and uncomplicated even though all the health issues. I did have a blood clotting disorder that I had to treat with blood thinners with both pregnancies. It was easily treated with daily injections.

At my 35 week appointment I was offered a lung maturity amniocentesis and a scheduled c-section from my doctors physician's assistant. However at my 36 week appointment I talked things over with my doctor and he convinced me that I am such a healthier person and should attempt the VBAC if I truly wanted to. He said that if the lungs came back mature he would start the induction within a few days of that.

I went in for the amnio on Monday, 02/08/10; results were in within a couple hours - his lungs are MATURE!!! They only needed a level of 55 and his were 66!
I was then scheduled to be induced on Thursday 02/11/10!!!

02/11/10:
I was admitted at 4pm, the doctor came in to start the EASI balloon catheter for cervical
dilation around 6pm.

I couldn't have done it without my best friend! I love you more than you will ever know Jennifer!

02/12/10
6am - the Pitocin to strengthen contractions was started.

Funny thing... labor wasn't bad at all. The contractions were tolerable up until close to the end. The epidural surely helped with that! My family and friends were amazed with how easy I made labor look LOL!

9am - the doctor removed the catheter and checked me and I was at 5cm!

2pm - I was checked again and I was at 7cm

4pm - I was checked again and I was 8cm

5pm - The contractions and pain were starting to get quite unbearable- I KNEW I was ready to birth! I told my family to call the doctor in ASAP!!! Dr.r Mason came in, checked me and said "You're ready girl! Lets have a birthday party!!!

Before I knew it I was pushing!!! It was THE MOST intense situation I have ever been in in my ENTIRE life!!!

The nurse, whom I wasn't having a pleasant experience with in the first place, came in just as my aunt, best friend and husband had my legs propped in the air and I was doing my first small pushes. She said "thanks for letting me know!" Just then - the doctor walked in, irritated with her as well and told her pretty sternly - "We've got this covered!!!"

Next thing I know I have nearly 10 of the most amazing medical staff I had the pleasure of dealing with - assisting me bring my bundle of joy into the world.
The doctor and his student are gowning up, they are prepping the warmer, my family is getting ready to coach me on the wildest ride I will soon find out - compares to no other!! All while my contractions are hitting me like a freight train! They were coming one on top of another.

I started shaking uncontrollably to the point that my aunt said "I thought that bed was going to shake right out of the room!!" So they cover me with a blanket to help. Within seconds I started flailing and trying to throw the blanket off of me because I was instantly SO hot! Just then I yelled "cold rag" pointed at my head and my aunt ran off to grab that for me. My friend then took her spot for a moment to hold up my left leg while my husband held up my right.

The entire time I thought (and screamed) I couldn't do it. If it wasn't for the support of my aunt Debbie, best friend Jennifer and my amazing husband there by my side - I am not sure I could have.

Just as the mirror was placed, I knew that I wouldn't have to push too long and I felt that "ring of fire" I had heard about. I put myself into a zone, thought of "Ring of Fire" Johnny Cash -
and thought of mom.

I knew she was there with me and at that instant I gave my final push and he entered the world! Perfect in every way!!!

I had a total of maybe 4 contractions and pushed three times with each contraction!! I never, in my wildest dreams, would have thought it would happen that quickly!

Alex was placed on my chest, I couldn't believe this was happening, it was so surreal - almost like I was in a dream!

Doug grabbed the scissors and cut the cord - what an amazing moment to witness!!

I started noticing that Alex was starting to turn purple and asked them to get him off me and take him over to the warmer.

They reassured me he was fine - grabbed the oxygen mask off my head and used it for him. A couple more minutes bonding - they took him over and started working on him while the doctor was sewing me up.

Alexander Christian, 6 pounds, 12 ounces, 19 3/4 inches. Born 02/12/10 at
5:42pm

The staff checked him over, cleaned him up, and did all the other things that are necessary

I did manage to get a second degree tear that Dr. Mason spent a great deal of time repairing.

This was an ABSOLUTELY hysterical time! They were all joking around about
how funny it looked from my point of view to be sewn up. Laughing and joking
about partying at the "Y", nothing better to do on a Friday night! Just need
a couple drinks and we'll be all set!! HAHAHA!!!

Precious!

That's my boy!

Being handed my son to hold for the first time

It was INSTANT love, compares to no other!

Three of the top men in my life!!!

Big sister spots little brother!!

Their first meeting

Addy kisses baby Alex

Life doesn't get any better than this!!!

Daddy's first time holding his son

Aunt Debbie's first time holding her great nephew

Jennifer's first time holding Alex (seems to be something missing LOL Aunt Debbie wasn't looking through the viewfinder on the camera LOL)

The room was FULL of some of my favorite people on the planet! I feel so blessed that they were all here to share our special day with us. Thank you again Amanda and Wendi for watching Addy for us during the birth!!!

Amanda's first time holding Alex

Wendi's first time holding Alex

Alex after his first sponge bath

Breastfeeding already! I am sooo happy!
Look at that BLONDE hair! I am still in shock!

Big sissy is starting to get a lil tired! I cannot believe how well-behaved she has been!! I couldn't be more proud!

Me and my best friend, Jennifer with baby Alex

That's a wrap!
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