Hi friends! I’ve been missing you!
OKAY, maybe not missing you per se, but missing writing and documenting our little lives. The whole reason I started my blog in the first place was to share all the new and exciting adventures that were going on in my life as a newly wed and a brand new homeowner. And having a new baby in the house is definitely an adventure.
Sharing a birth story seems like so deeply personal. I wanted to wait till I had a couple hours of uninterrupted time to really sit down and beautifully recollect those first moments with my babe… complete with a cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, and my computer. But the past week has taught me that I might never have uninterrupted time everrrr again.
So I’m here today, with chaos all around me, to share Cypress Jean’s birth story! (pardon me while I go pump real quick)
I should start with a confession… I had a scheduled c-section. And I didn’t share the exact date because I still wanted there to be an element of anticipation and excitement that would normally come with spontaneous labor/delivery. Having been SO OPEN about the whole process of becoming pregnant, and every little aspect of my pregnancy, I felt that I could keep this one little thing to myself and my immediate family.
We were scheduled to be at the hospital to be prepped for surgery at 6am on Monday morning. My parents and sister had come the night before to stay and watch the girls, so in the early hours of the morning, we snuck out into the darkness to meet our newest daughter. So many emotions on that cold drive to town.
I was so swollen and uncomfortable and READY for this. They monitored the baby and took my labs while Nick got scrubbed up and ready.
It seemed like an uncomfortable eternity before it was finally time. They had me waddle down the hallway to the operating room to get prepped for my spinal. My anesthesiologist was awesome and walked me through each step. I like to know what’s going on… even if it’s behind me.
As my legs started feeling heavy and tingly, they laid me back on the table and put up the curtain. This is happening!
Nick, being a 6’8” giant, towered over the curtain and got a birds-eye view as they sliced and diced. He doesn’t get queasy with these types of things, and was just happily snapping pictures.
It’s such a bizarre feeling to have half your body numb. I could feel pressure and tugging, but no pain whatsoever. Just patiently waiting for a baby to cry. The culmination of not only 9 months of anticipation (and discomfort), but also the struggle we went through to conceive in the first place.
But… my baby didn’t cry when they pulled her out.
I just heard the concerned murmurs of the doctors and nurses. I had lobbied for skin-to skin with my girl in the OR, but they took her tiny purple body to a small table about 5 feet from my face. All I could do was lay there and watch the horrifying view of doctors hovering over my lifeless purple child. A child I had felt moving inside me just minutes before.
The doctor kept saying ‘stay with me little baby’
I was in my own personal hell. Nobody was telling us anything. Nick and I just helplessly watched, hand-in-hand.
Finally, we were told that she had inhaled a big gulp of amniotic fluid on the way out, and was aspirating. After what felt like a meeellion years, she was still not crying but taking shallow labored breaths, and was stable enough to move from the OR to the high risk nursery for further testing and examination. On their way out, they brought her over to me for a tiny second.
I savored this moment with my little one. I was so scared and didn’t know if this would be the only time I would ever have with her. And then they took her away, along with my husband/support.
I was in a room full of people and sounds and bright lights, but I was utterly ALONE. The anesthesiologist was my new best friend, and he stayed with me and encouraged me. I felt so sick.
Finally, the gaping hole in my abdomen had been stitched and stapled, and I was ready to be transferred to recovery. It was a long couple of hours before the doctor came in to let us know that she would likely be ok. They had done chest x-rays and labs, and had found that the fluid in her lungs had initiated an infection and she would need to start a 48 hour regimen of antibiotics.
But our girl was going to be ok, and it was like a 3 ton load being lifted from my chest. Her oxygen and heart rate would need to be monitored in the nursery until further notice, but after some convincing on Nick’s part, they brought her in to me that afternoon. I was finally holding my girl.
My parents brought the girls to meet their new sister, and it was the most precious thing to see them lay eyes on her for the first time. They had been anticipating this moment for so long. 9 months is an eternity for a 3-year-old!
After 48 hours, Cypress’s labs came back clear, and she was released to us! It felt so good to have a cordless baby, and a clean bill of health!
What a scary and emotional couple days we had. It never felt so good to drive home… even if it was a downright blizzard.
We’ve been treasuring every moment of being home together as a family. The girls are such good big sisters and love Cypress so much!
We were surprised by how much hair she has! And that she looks nothing like Paisley or Adelyn. She does however look a lot like my baby pictures… so we know she’s ours.
So that’s the story of Cypress’s scary introduction to the world. We know how lucky we are… not only with our positive fertility treatments, but that we have a healthy and happy baby to show for it. Things could have gone so much worse. But let’s not speak of those things.
Welcome home Cypress Jean!
PS! To read Paisley and Dell’s birth story, click here! If you have a weak stomach or are eating lunch, feel free to skip.
Cypress Tucker says
Belated congratulations! Question: How did you pick her name? (You can see why I am curious 😉 )
Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says
Awww thank you! And I LOVE that you’re name is Cypress (obviously). We do a lot of woodworking, and loved that Cypress is a tree… as well as just the most beautiful name. I love her name more everyday. 🙂 How did you get your name? There are not many Cypress’!
fightyoctopus says
Bah, NICU time – I went through that too. So scary, and makes you want to just squish them close forever, doesn’t it? That’s so wonderful that your husband pushed for some time for you with her!
Nicole Goodwin says
I love the story. I’m soooooooooooooooooooooo glad she’s ok and I can’t wait to see her again!
Kelley says
Congrats! I recently had my third, and except for a few panic attacks in the beginning sleepless weeks, I am so glad to have her. Each life is so precious. If you find the time with a newb at home (I know, what time?), I posted my birth story here, http://www.trekkiemom.com/2014/10/my-vbac-story.html.
All the best!
Hannah Reid says
So glad you’ve got your three girls home with you to enjoy! Glad we aren’t the only ones who referred to the baby as “cordless” when all the monitors were taken off! So portable!
Kenz says
First of all, I LOVE that you and Del have matching manicures 🙂 Steal my heart.
Also, I cannot fathom all the emotions you must have been feeling throughout it all. I cried pretty hard when I read this post the first time. Then I made Aaron read it later. That is so so scary. I’m so happy that she is okay and well. Babies really are such precious miracles and anything can happen in a split second. She is such a beautiful girl, just like the rest of you! She fits right in 🙂 Nick sure it lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful women! I hope your feeling better and healing quickly. <3 you all!
Lainy says
Congratulations! Will you be telling us how you chose her name? I’d love to hear that story if you’re willing to share!
Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says
Lainy, there isn’t really a story to her name… we just loved the name Cypress! I know, that’s boring. Haha! Her middle name ‘Jean’ is my Grandmother’s name. 🙂
Renee says
I am so very happy that everything turned perfect for Miss Cypress. I can not even imagine how you both felt when you heard the doctor say that! Your family is so very beautiful – what a blessing to have 3 happy and healthy little girls! I do, however, feel for you and Nick when prom time and weddings come around! Better work really, really hard on your sewing skills!
Haylie says
Congratulations! your three little girls are absolutely Beautiful:)
Jess says
Oh girl, I nearly cried reading that! I had my third baby last May and she came out quiet and purple too, and I know how very, very scary that is. Also, that next to last photo, of Cyprus in the boppy and one of the big girls facing her, that is just darling. I gasped at how tiny miss Cyprus is in comparison. Mine are 9mos, 4 and 7 now and it’s amazing how fast you forget how very tiny they all start out! Reading your blog always brings such joy to my heart. I hope you know how much love you are sharing with the rest of us, and how much we appreciate it!
Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says
You’re super sweet Jess! And yes it was very scary. I’m glad your little purple baby pulled through too. 🙂
Lori says
I am Brooke’s Mom with All Things Thrifty. Congrats on this beautiful new little addition to your family. Brooke loves you both.
Wolfewerks says
I love a story with a happy ending…and this is a VERY happy ending..and a beautiful one. Congratulations to you. Many blessings to your family.
Kelly Klinge says
I had NO idea!!! I hate being so far away! I love seeing the PURE JOY on sweet Dell’s face. I’ve never seen her glow like that! I’m glad that you’re all settled into the newest version on your lives. I cannot wait hold onto lil Cypress!!! Congrats again!
VikkiB says
Whew—you obviously were so scared. Our grandson had lung issues at birth and turned blue. He was rushed to the local children’s hospital and stayed in the NICU for 7 days. Today he is a strapping, healthy 10year old. Thank God Cypress Jean is just fine! She is a beauty for sure. Vikki in VA
Ali says
Congrats again! Such a scary thing for you to experience. She is a cutie!! I so look forward to watching and hearing about the girls in the years to come.
Mailyn Wolske Mendoza says
Congrats! She is a beautiful little girl!
Lucrecia Gray says
She is so beautiful!! Congrats again!
Courtney says
Wow! She is so sweet. I can’t imagine how scary that must have been but I’m so thankful and thrilled for you all that she is home. My husband and I struggled with unexplained infertility for two years and were starting to discuss treatments with our physician when out of the blue I got a positive pregnancy test (we are one of the lucky ones too)! We’re expecting a little boy in early June. Congrats to your family. Cypress is beautiful. I look forward to watching her grow.
Kristy says
oh my lord, the doctor saying “stay with me little baby”? like i’m crying, at my desk at work. stop! i’m so glad she’s doing so well – she’s ADORABLE!
bethannchiles says
Oh my goodness. I had no idea you had that scary part and I am so thankful that sweet girl is home and healthy and growing and doing all the perfect baby things that she is doing. The girls look adorable with her and I am sure they are going to be the best big sisters ever. So happy for your growing family and grateful for the happy ending to the scary story.
Mindy Friedlander-Schaper says
Wow, that must have been horrifyingly scary. She looks great now! And yes, nothing like your other two. And with a ton of hair!
Amanda says
Such a beautiful family! Pumping *sucks*!!! Literally. I have been exclusively pumping for my son for 9 months. I don’t know if you did it with the twins, but there are a few apps that track time, amount out, and how much you feed the baby. The one I use is Baby Feed, can be used for nursing too. There’s another one called Pump Log. There is also a huge support group on Facebook called “exclusively pumping moms private group.” They have all sorts of tips, motivation, and distraction for the lonely times you’re up pumping every 3 hours.
L Ketchum says
Congratulations! I so wish you hadnt had such a scary time, my second son did much of the same thing when he was born… scariest couple days of my life! I pray that she continues to thrive and bless you with her sweet smile.
Julie@followyourheart says
I actually teared up reading that your baby was purple and you were not sure what was going on. How scary is that? She is just beautiful, and the photos with the three all together are priceless. You are so blessed!
Mary says
I have been waiting to hear this story! Thank you so much for sharing, and congratulations to you and your family on a very beautiful baby!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says
I love reading birth stories, especially from people I know! She is gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Will I get to meet her in June when we all travel to your homestead?
Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says
Most definitely!!
Trisha F says
Sounds very similar to mine- not fun for a newborn on IV’s. She’s adorable, congrats!
dana dashoop says
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!
Christy Minafri says
Oh dear lord look at that perfect little schmushy bubby face! So happy for you 🙂