Dave's Mom went ahead and drove down to Jacksonville Saturday, April 2nd. We were all ready for her to be here, and boy are we SUPER thankful she came when she did! We enjoyed Sunday together with church and a slow afternoon. Monday morning, April 4th, she encouraged me to go ahead, take the time, and run the errands I needed to run...some last minute shopping. She would stay home with McKenna and I could enjoy the morning ALL. BY. MYSELF. Those words are music to ANY Mamas' ears, so off to The Town Center I went, feeling VERY good about things!
I hit up Babies R Us, Maternity Destination, DSW Shoes, and made my way to Target. While at Target, I started feeling a bit tired, thinking that I better start winding down and heading home. I even saw my girlfriend Becky and she took one look at me and said, "Are you ok? Your cheeks are red and you're lookin' a bit tired." I responded with, "Yeah, I think I've overdone it a bit. I'm headed home." But, I had ONE more stop to make to cross EVERYTHING off of my list that needed to be done, so off to The Party Shop I went. While there I started to feel worse. At one point I had a sharp pang in my tummy. Again, I made a mental note of needing to get home to put my feet up b/c surely this baby was not going to come on her own...I had convinced myself that she was going to be stubborn and need to be forced out...evicted...by our scheduled induction date of April 7th. Driving home another pang shot through my belly. This one caught my attention and I begin to wonder...
I was home by 12:30pm and explained to my mother-in-law that I was having some sharp pains in my stomach and that I think I way overdid it with my shopping marathon that morning. Dave was putting his shoes on to walk out the door to Paramedic School when another pain hit. I looked at him and said, "Yup...you're not going anywhere. I think I'm having contractions." This was a new thing for us, these contractions. We did not experience contractions with McKenna. With McKenna's delivery my water broke at home, we got to the hospital, I got an epidural, and it was smooth sailing. The pains kept coming and we got out the stopwatch. My M.I.L. started cleaning everything in sight, would sit down then stand back up...the nerves were setting in. I wasn't convinced they were true contractions...maybe false labor...still thinking I had just done too much and been on my feet too long...I just needed to rest... Well, the mysterious pains went from 10 minutes a part to 8, then to 5 in about 1.5 hours. I had been on the phone texting family in Oklahoma and finally called the OBGYN. She said come on to the hospital so we can see what's going on. Dave had our bags in the car, we said farewell to the nervous Gran, and McKenna was sound asleep for her afternoon nap.
We got to the hospital by about 3:15pm. They quickly determined we were in active labor, moved us to a room, and the real fun began! I was able to breathe through the contractions fairly well, but made it clear I was nobody's hero and wanted an epidural! The nurse took note of my face at one point and called for the anesthesiologist. The "miracle worker" walked in and took the pain away...he was my most favorite person in the world at that time! Dr. Bing came in to break my water and stayed to chat with us for a while. When she left things got ugly...
My girlfriend Kim, also known as our baby paparazzi, got to the hospital by 8:00pm. She was there with our delivery with McKenna and it wouldn't have been the same without her for Addison's! She can manhandle a video came, iPhone, and digital camera with mad skills :o) I couldn't really "welcome" her the way I wanted because my epidural stopped doing its job. I started feeling each and every contraction and could verbally tell you when the next one was coming. This should NOT be the case when you have an epidural! They were about 3 minutes a part and they were STRONG...they HURT! It was the most sharp, stabbing pain I have ever experienced in my lifetime...I'll leave it at that...won't go into the drama that ensued, but needless to say my "miracle worker" was called back into my room to "DO SOMETHING" about 3 different times until FINALLY he took the epidural out and put it higher up my back. Within minutes it started to take effect. I could hear Angels singing and birds chirping. I could open my eyes again and speak full sentences! Not 2 minutes after the anesthesiologist walked out of the door, the Dr. walked in to check my progress...I was a full 10cm dilated. She looked up at me, smiled, and said, "So how was that natural child birth?"...Har-Har-Har...
The room became busy with nurses, machines, and excitement. I gave the first push with the nurses and they hollered, "STOP!" Miss Addison was ready but the doctor still needed a minute to get prepared to catch her :o) Once everyone was in place, I pushed 2 more very small pushes and at 8:57pm we were holding our baby girl!! The Doctor had offered for Dave to assist with the delivery, with catching Addi and everything, but he chose just to be the dad/husband and settled with cutting the cord :)
Addison came out giving us the business! She cleared those lungs and before we knew it cleared the room! As fast as everyone came in, they were out and we were left with our new little addition.
Post-epidural (that worked) and pre-baby!
She's here!!!! Born Monday, April 4, 2011, 8:57pm, 8 lbs. 8 oz. 21 in. long...RED hair :o)
Dr. Bing was fabulous!
Mommy & Daddy checking out their little bundle.
Aunt Kim is a rock star! My sweet girlfriends, Lauren & Lindsey, jumped in the car and headed over to meet Addison THAT night! They brought me a strawberry shake from Sonic so I of course let them come :o)
Tired, but lovin' every minute!
We were overwhelmed with the love we felt from our church family. Our senior pastor called to check on us and 3 of the other pastors (Pastors Bruce, Scott, and Mark) on staff came to visit! Uncle Chad works at the hospital where Addi was born so he was among the first to get snuggles!
McKenna and Gran came Tuesday around lunch time to see Baby Sister. This was a moment that had me awake at night...how would McKenna do??? Dave went to pick them up and bring them to the hospital. I had Addison in her little bed and was changing her diaper when I heard McKenna's voice in the hallway. "Where is her? I wanna see her!" The door opened and McK gasped, "There she is! I wanna hold her!" WHEW! Thank you Jesus was all I could think! We set McK up right away to hold Addison and the kissing and hugging began! She would also just look at her and say, "Aww, her so cute!" The pictures and video were going and it was such a sweet sight to see the girls in their Big/Little Sister shirts and together finally!
McKenna did NOT want to share Addison. She didn't want Gran to hold Addi, b/c Addison was "her baby". Gran was patient and waited until McKenna lost a little interest :) McK did a great job and was pretty gentle. She loved to rub her head and kiss her on her cheeks, head, and mouth (sigh). I was unbelievably thankful for the sweet and memorable meeting!
Finally Gran got to have a "turn" holding "McKenna's baby" :o)
McKenna got a "Big Sister" present and wore her "fancy shoes" up and down the hallway of the hospital. She loved the way they sounded as she "clickety-clacked" the "runway". The nurses just ooohhh'ed and awwww'ed. She was one, proud Big Sister.
The new and improved Burke Family! Dave's sleeping situation was much better this go 'round. There was a couch that he fit on instead of sleeping on the floor like last time. He and McK tested in out.
More sweet visitors and friends...Pastor Mark, Christine, and Vanessa
Our girl is pretty in pink!
Dana works at the hospital and was able to visit a couple of times. Jen and Bradly came with gifts! We are so blessed by our friends that serve as family!
It was finally time to take our girl home! Dave went home, got McKenna, & drove to the airport to pick up my Mom. Gran came to the hospital to help get us girls going. It was a slow, safe, careful drive :o) We got to the house, brought Addison inside, looked at each other and said, "Now what?" :o) I said, "I guess we take her out and look at her some more!" So that's what we did :)
Finally Dave, McK, and Gigi got back from the airport and Gigi got to meet Addi. Gran passed the baton to Gigi as we had to say goodbye to Gran Thursday morning.
It was a whirlwind, but such a memorable, joyful, and treasure of an experience. Before we know it we will be celebrating her birthday again...but we are soaking up every minute and not wishing the time away at all! Happy Birthday Addi-bug. We love you oh-so-much! You have made our family complete, and we are so thankful to God that He gave us you!
1 comment:
thanks for sharing, i love reading these, sorry it was rough at points but glad everyone was healthy in the end! can't wait to see you and chat more SOON!!
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