Three Years Postpartum

It was Sunday, September 6th (My due date was October 13th): My contractions started at 11:15am. They were 10min apart to start. I had been experiencing pre-term labor since 23 weeks, so I wasn’t terribly alarmed. I chugged water, which had always stopped contractions in the past. Before I knew it, they were 5min apart. By 2:00pm they were 2 min apart and strong. I didn’t want to go back to the hospital and be sent home again so I resisted the idea. I had done everything I could think of and it wasn’t stopping. Mike donned his “World’s Best Dad” shirt with a picture of Darth Vader and double checked our bags.

When we got to labor and delivery they gave me IV fluids in an attempt to stop the contractions and said I was still "only a fingertip" dilated. My OB was down the hall, so she stopped in. She said she may have to do a Magnesium Salifate IV, but wanted to hold off for a bit (Thank God). Instead they kept giving me Procardia (my regular anti-contraction medicine), 3 doses on top of what I'd already had. By 4:30pm the OB said it was clear the labor was not stopping and we were going to have a baby today. Of course this occurred in the five minute window in which Mike was getting a soda so he thought I was kidding when he came back.

I had to get in line behind the other 34wk mom delivering down the hall so the NICU team would be ready and then the OB ran to another hospital to deliver a baby. It was about 6:30pm when they started prepping me for surgery. As they were wheeling me in I could feel tiny fists slamming against my belly. “Knock, knock Mommy! Let me out.” When I laid down on the operating table my water broke, it was time. Riley was born via C-section at 7:26pm she was 5lbs 6oz. She came out screaming! I knew she would.

The trio of new babies in my life inspired me to read over some of my pregnancy blog. I can't believe how long it's been! Here's Miss Roo fom birth to 3yrs:

Photo on the top right by Rebecca Brittain Photography

I truly have trouble grasping how much time has gone by. Since pregnancy, so much changed for me physically. I was tighter (who knew that was possible). So tight that my taut muscle began to bend my spine. The answer: Fusing the bones of my spine together with metal rods. No more scoliosis. However, I used to be able to comfortably put on and tie my own shoes. I used to walk without assistive devices. I used to carry my baby. Now? I have to wear shoes with no laces, use crutches and never lift anything or get down on the floor without careful consideration. It's not entirely fair to blame the back (although mostly it's the back) I also have fused ankles (from childhood and a bum hip (since collage). Things were easier with a bendy back just more painful, maybe?

Is it worth it? I hope that things improve physically, but I wasn't willing to risk being in too much pain to take care of my baby. I knew pregnancy was a one shot deal for me. I also knew there would be a price. I'm so grateful that I made it through with a healthy, beautiful, smart girl. I wouldn't do much differently if given the chance. I have certainly never regretted Riley.