The Carey Family: Family

Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Isla's birth story!

Upon finding out we were expecting, I had a tough decision to make. Since I had a c-section with Sadie, I had to decide if I wanted to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or to opt for a repeat c-section. I went back and forth for a good 8 months before finally deciding that I was more comfortable with a repeat c-section. Yes, it is major surgery, but I liked knowing there would be less variables and I could have a little more control. (Can you say type A???) This turned out to be a good decision because my blood pressure started to creep up around the 35-36 week mark. We knew going into it that this would be a possibility, as I had severe pregnancy induced hypertension with Sadie.

We had originally scheduled a repeat c-section for my EDD, which was 11-25. When the blood pressure started rising we moved it to 11-18. This was not good as Adam was in the midst of a crazy school schedule. We tried to move it to Friday the 20^th, but the Dr could not find anyone to operate with her. We wound up moving it to Tuesday the 24^th and agreed to keep a very close eye on my blood pressure. The 16^th the Dr went ahead and put me off work to keep me lying around the house. Thursday my friend Dory came in to hang out for a couple days before the baby would arrive. Well, my blood pressure started getting really high on my readings at home and the Dr had said I needed to call her if it was not going down. Friday morning the 20^th I went in for them to check it. I was 39 weeks and 2 days at this point, so already 9 days further than when I delivered Sadie. The Dr decided that based on the reading we would be moving the delivery to the following day, Saturday, November 21^st. It was a very surreal feeling being told that the next day I would be having a baby. We knew all along that was a very real possibility, but hearing the words made it that much more real. It took me right back to the moment when my Dr with Sadie told us we would be having a baby later that day. My Dr told me to be at the hospital at 7am and we would plan on going into the OR at 9:15. I left and called Adam to let him know that the next day we would have a baby.

The rest of Friday I had to lay low to keep my blood pressure from skyrocketing so Dory and I watched movies until it was time to get Sadie from school. I had promised Sadie that before her sister arrived we would go get a pedicure, so when Dory and I picked her up from school we went straight to do that. She was so excited that she would be meeting her sister the next day! That night I finished packing our bags and went to bed around 10. I slept well, surprisingly. We got up and got everything loaded in the car. It worked out so well that Dory wound up being there still since she was able to watch Sadie while we had the baby. Dory and Sadie followed to the hospital so they could see where to go and get the stickers that would allow them in the room to visit me later on. I had asked my photographer friend, Cally, to be there to photograph the birth. She met us in the lobby and took some very sweet photos of Sadie hugging on my belly and kissing me goodbye. I should have them from her in the next few days. What sweet moments to have captured! We said bye to Dory and Sadie and headed up to labor and delivery. EEK!

We got to labor and delivery and I changed into my hospital gown. They then allowed Adam and Cally to come in. They went through 50 million questions and started my I.V. The I.V. was probably the worst part, as the first attempt did not take and she kept digging around. It was awful. The other nurse came and got one started in my other arm. I had a couple bags of fluid, which made me sooo cold! They gave me some blankets and I tried to just relax. The Dr came in and said hello and we calmly chatted. She has the most relaxed personality ever, which is nice when you are about to be cut open! Soon after, the anesthesiologist came in to chat as well. I was very hopeful that they would allow me to have my husband AND Cally in the OR, but that was a no go. They did however agree to allow them to swap places halfway through-yay! Cally set my camera up for a nurse and showed her how to use it so that we could have some photos before they allowed her in. The photos actually came out great!

Anyways, right around 9:15 they had me climb in a wheelchair and we made our way to the OR. Let me tell you, it is the most surreal feeling walking into a freezing cold operating room knowing you are about to have surgery, let alone have a BABY! It really hit me that we were having a baby when I walked in there and saw all the equipment to take care of her. I told the CRNA that I wanted to change my mind and not do it! Ha! He was very sweet and reassuring that all would be ok.

I got situated on the table and the CRNA had me lean over a pillow into a nurse while he started my spinal block. It did not hurt when I had it with Sadie, but this time it hurt for a few seconds on the right side of my back, but went away pretty quickly. They got me situated on the table and then the rest of the surgery team started coming in. Luckily there is something in the spinal that relaxes you and warms you up, because I began to feel a little calmer. Everyone got prepped and they did a little test to make sure I was numb. I was, so they got started. It seemed like it took FOREVER for them to get to the baby. I kept asking Adam if they were close. Finally they said it was time and I would feel a lot of pulling and pressure. Boy did I! It was intense. It was not long and she was out! At 10:00am on the dot she was here! She cried right away, which is the best feeling ever. The Dr lifted her up over the curtain for me to see and the nurse captured some great photos of that moment! I feel like the image shows that a c-section is just as beautiful as a natural birth. The smile on my face is priceless.

They started getting Isla all cleaned up and Adam swapped places with Cally. They brought Isla over to me to see and cuddle, but it is hard to hold a baby when you are laying down flat, even with a nurse helping. I told them to go ahead and take her out to my husband. Cally followed them out and I am sure got some great photos of that time. The CRNA told me he was giving me something in my IV to relax me and that it might make me sleepy. It did relax me and I was a tad sleepy, but too excited to go to sleep. I talked to the Dr while she put me back together. It was a very relaxed environment.

Once they finished stitching me up, they wheeled me into the recovery room where I immediately got to do skin to skin and start nursing Isla. This was SUCH a different experience from Sadie, as I was not stable enough to be with her in recovery. Isla took to nursing right away and it made being in the recovery room so great. I shook quite a bit in recovery, but I don’t think nearly as much as with Sadie. The spinal started to wear off so I asked for some pain meds. Whatever they gave me did not work great, but I was ok since I had the distraction of a new baby! After about an hour or so they cleared us to go to my room. We called Dory and told her to head on up to the hospital with Sadie.

We got to the room, which was so pretty and spa like for a hospital! Sadie and Dory arrived right after we got settled. It was so sweet introducing Sadie to her new sister. She did not want to hold her right away, but was certainly in awe. I think it was an hour or so later that she asked to hold her. They hung out for a bit and then Dory took Sadie home. Adam and I relaxed with Isla for an hour or two and then Adam headed home to get Sadie ready to spend the night at her friend Molly’s house. Isla and I enjoyed skin to skin for the rest of the day. It was the sweetest time ever. Adam got Sadie situated at Molly’s house and then came back so he could spend the first night with me. Isla and I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights. It was the best time, believe it or not. I never once turned the tv on. I just enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was such special bonding time with my baby. It was also very healing for me to have a better recovery this go round.

I finally was discharged Tuesday and sent home on blood pressure medicine. It seemed like I would escape the post partum hypertension this time, but it started going up while I was still in the hospital. I was glad we caught it before going home, and am confident that it will correct itself in time.

The time at home has been tiring, but wonderful. We kindly asked for some time before we were ready for visitors and I am thankful for that. It has been the most wonderful time to bond and establish nursing privately. I can honestly say that this time has been the best experience. We are so in love with sweet Isla and cannot imagine our family without her.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

I recently prayed....

That God would put something in my life to put more trust in Him.

Well, He is answering pretty loud and clear. I see some big changes coming soon. Trusting Him to provide.

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Sara and Avery visit Texas!

Gosh, I haven't blogged in a while! I have been busy blogging my photography and have been lax on posting here. I have a lot to catch up on.
My sister and niece flew home today after spending 5 days here. Sara was kind enough to come help while I had another surgery. Yes, you read that right. I had a diagnostic endometriosis laparoscopy on Thursday morning. I have been having ongoing pain for years, and it worsened after having Sadie. While trying not to be too graphic, about 3 days each month I feel like I am in labor. It's excruciating. The only true way to diagnose someone with endometriosis is by having a laparoscopy done. Not great, but not the worst thing either. I fully expected to come out of surgery and learn that I had it everywhere. Well, Adam briefly spoke with the Dr following the procedure and she said there was no endometriosis. I am still in shock. Part of me is relieved, but the other part of me is left feeling very confused and with less answers than before. Why so much pain if there was nothing there? Did she miss it somehow? Do I get a second opinion? Do I just suffer? So many questions.......
I did recently test positive for Celiac (gluten intolerance) and there is a huge link between gluten/endo and pain. I have an appointment on July 21st for another blood test after a month of eating more gluten than I had been) and then another appointment that Friday for them to look down my throat with a camera. I hope that maybe that will give me some answers and that maybe it is all intertwined. I am looking forward to after those dates later this month when I can stop eating gluten again, as I do think it has a major link to everything.
Anyways, in spite of the reason for Sara and Avery's visit, we really enjoyed having them here. Sadie LOVES being a big cousin to Avery. The way Avery looks at Sadie is just precious, as well! For living so far away, I am thankful that the girls have already seen one another twice this year, and will see one another at least one more time, if not two. I know how hard it can be to fly with a toddler so I really appreciate my sister's willingness to come.
My surgery was originally scheduled for Wednesday morning, but the Dr moved it to Thursday, giving us a day where I felt well for their visit. We had fun playing with the girls together. Thursday morning, Adam took me to the hospital while Sara stayed and took care of the girls. Adam also had a final exam to get to (I know, worst timing ever) so she continued to entertain them while he was away, even so much as taking them to Target. I am still feeling kind of crummy post surgery, but nothing compared to my shoulder. I'm not in a lot of pain, mostly just very uncomfortable, as they fill your abdomen with gas in order to best see your organs. I have been trying to get up and walk around the house as much as I can, and we even wandered around the university yesterday a tad. Anyways, I will leave you with a few photos of the girls in their 4th of July outfits.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Florida trip

My grandpa had back surgery and also wound up having a mini stroke following the surgery. He has subsequently developed several infections and just today was transported back to the regular hospital from the rehab hospital. He is still having a very hard time and has a long road ahead of him. Well, I felt like it was important that I go see him. I talked to Adam and luckily had enough air miles that I was able to get a ticket that worked that dates that I needed. I flew out bright and early on Friday, March 7th, and got into Ft Meyers just before noon. My Aunt Eileen was there from Colorado as is my Aunt Sue Ann from California (Aunt Sue Ann has been there for about 2 months now I believe, and is there for a while longer, so it is good when the other sisters can come in to help). My Aunt Eileen picked me up from the airport and we went straight the hospital and basically spent all day there. I met my grandpa's girlfriend, Ruthie. So funny to say that! She was a friend of my grandma's and is a very sweet lady. My grandpa was in good spirits and happy to see me. We left shortly before sunset and headed to my grandpa's condo.

We headed out to the pool, where his friends gather for cocktails every evening. We said hello for just a few minutes and then headed to dinner. The sunset was stunning.

At dinner I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open! It was a long day of travel and being at the hospital. As soon as we got back and my head hit the pillow, I was out!

The next morning, Aunt Sue Ann got up early and headed to the hospital, while my Aunt Eileen and I slept till maybe 8 or so, had breakfast, and then went for a walk around the neighborhood before heading to see my grandpa.

We quickly headed back and got ready to head to the hospital. We got up there and Aunt Sue Ann got to head out and have a little time to herself and go get her hair cut and a pedicure. We then made her stay home and take a much needed rest. We had a good afternoon with my grandpa, and went to therapy with him and tried to encourage him as much as we could. Before too long, it was time for me to take my Aunt Eileen back to the airport for her to fly home. We were silly and took pictures of us in grandpa's Porsche, because it is a little funny that we are all getting to drive his cars. :)

I took her to the airport and then was starving, so ran into Panera on the way back to the hospital and grabbed a quick 1/2 salad. I got back and visited with my grandpa some more and then we all headed back for the night. My Aunt Sue Ann, Ruthie, and myself all went to dinner, then headed home. I could not sleep that night to save my life, and to make it worse it was daylight savings spring forward AND we needed to be up early to be able to spend time with my grandpa before I had to head back to the airport to fly home. That night though, my grandpa called my Aunt's phone at 10 something saying he couldn't get the nurse to come in and he was in a lot of pain. It was good that I was there because I was able to keep him on the phone while we called the nurses station for him. He also did a good job knowing earlier in the night to tell them what medication he could not have. I felt so awful for him knowing he was hurting and that the nurses were trying to get ahold of the on call Dr to get another medication. It was a long/short night and early morning. We stopped at Starbucks on the way to the hospital, visited with him for about an hour, and then it was time for me to go. He thanked me so much for coming to see him, which for him is a lot. I am really glad I went.

He's got a long ways to go, so please keep him in your prayers!

Embracing Spring Break! Our trip to the castle!

For the first time in 15 years, I felt like it was finally ok for me to go on vacation for spring break. It really was more happenstance than anything else, I guess you could say. Adam and I were supposed to go to the castle for our 7th anniversary back in November, and it didn't work with his class schedule. We were so bummed that we couldn't go, but if you remember, we got to go to our Aunt's house in Granbury and had a blast. The castle was nice enough to let us reschedule our visit (huge sigh of relief since we'd already paid!). When we rescheduled we didn't do a set date necessarily, and then Adam and I realized that with him being in school full time now, we would really only be able to go when he had a break from school, so spring break it was. I have to admit, there was a big part of me that felt guilt, as since Dalton passed away that Saturday morning of spring break, it has always had a bad connotation to it. But, the other part of me said, you know what, it's time...he would be ok with it. The castle also agreed to let us bring Sadie along, so we had our first "real" family vacation where it was just the 3 of us without any family or friends to visit. The morning of March 10th, off we went to Greystone Castle. It was about a 3 hour drive from Tyler, so it was not too bad. Sadie got antsy about the last 45 minutes or so, and just kept asking if we were at the castle yet. When we got there, we learned that we would be the ONLY guests! How awesome is that?! They showed us to our area and said to just pick whatever room we wanted. We normally would have had to share the living room and bar area with the other guests in that area, but we had the whole thing to ourselves, so it was like having a giant private suite! We also had the chef come meet with us to make sure the menu he had sent over was good, etc. So, not only did we wind up with an entire castle to ourselves, we also basically had a private chef for 3 days. BEST TRIP-EVER. Enjoy these pics!

THE DRIVE INTO THE CASTLE!!!!