Maddilyn Monthisane Kirksey was born on Monday, October 7, 2013 at 11:54 AM. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 3 oz and was 21 inches long.
We had to schedule a C-section because Maddie was breeched and there was only a small chance that she would rotate. Adam thinks she didn't rotate because she is incredibly stubborn like her Mother and Grandmother.
At first, I was sad and scared. Like most women, I had pictured the birthing process going a certain way and had been mentally preparing myself for the last 8 months. I was also scared, aside from having a baby, this would also end up being a major stomach surgery. The anxiety of recovery and ability to do everything like skin-to-skin and feeding her right away also crossed my mind. However, after many conversations and thinking it through my anxiety eased a little bit. Everything happens for a reason right? So with that thought, we chose October 7. It was within the 39-40 week mark and also was as soon as we could schedule it ;)
We spent the evening before her arrival pretty low key; just enjoying the final hours (and calm) as a full-time family of two. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight, so we tried to go to bed semi-early. However, my anxiety level was pretty high, so I didn't actually get very much sleep.
We arrived at the hospital at 9 AM, checked in and were brought to our room to change and meet our nurse, Sarah. She was thee BEST! I honestly don't know if everything would have gone so smoothly if it weren't for her and my doctor.
About an hour before the surgery, I got my IV put in - ouch! My husband, true to form, tried to make the situation as light as possible and had all the nurses on the floor thinking that I had some Grey's Anatomy fantasy. He had them all under the impression that seeing him in scrubs was actually more exciting than the anticipation of meeting our daughter. As much as I wanted to physically hurt him, the distraction was actually nice - yes, he's pretty awesome <3
Then the time came to head to the operating room. I had a harder time trying to hold the "angry cat" pose properly to get the epidural block in place. I was numbed twice, the first one wore off before the epidural was completely given, and also bent 3 epidural needles. In total, I was poked 6 times before the anesthesiologist was able to successfully get the block completed.
However, after they were able to get that done, everything went pretty quickly. They brought Adam into the room to join me and they began the c-section. From the first incision to her arrival was only about 6 minutes. After she was born Adam was with her for her measurements and weigh-in. Since she was so breech, he said the minute they put her on the scale she instantly put her foot into her mouth. ;)
Then they brought her to me so we could do skin-to-skin and she was PERFECT. As cliche as it may sound, I now know what people say when they talk about love at first sight. Words can't describe how much I just loved her instantly.
After they "put me back together" we were brought back to our room for recovery. They gave Adam and I a little time to spend with her and then my parents joined us. It was nice to have just a little time with all four of them.
Since I had surgery my doctor kept us at the hospital until Thursday. During our stay we had all sorts of amazing family and friends come to visit and keep us company and shower us with love. We really are blessed. The only thing missing was Dillon, thank goodness for Skype. Christmas can't come soon enough so she can meet her big brother in person!
Love,
The New Mommy
Then they brought her to me so we could do skin-to-skin and she was PERFECT. As cliche as it may sound, I now know what people say when they talk about love at first sight. Words can't describe how much I just loved her instantly.
After they "put me back together" we were brought back to our room for recovery. They gave Adam and I a little time to spend with her and then my parents joined us. It was nice to have just a little time with all four of them.
Since I had surgery my doctor kept us at the hospital until Thursday. During our stay we had all sorts of amazing family and friends come to visit and keep us company and shower us with love. We really are blessed. The only thing missing was Dillon, thank goodness for Skype. Christmas can't come soon enough so she can meet her big brother in person!
Love,
The New Mommy
