Monday, August 27, 2007

The Journey Begins...



Our roller coaster ride...

On August 6th I was admitted to labor and delivery after a routine office visit to my doctor. Come to find out, my body was trying to go into labor. I was on strict...and I do mean STRICT bed rest in the hospital while they tried to stop whatever contractions came my way. I hardly left my bed until they wheeled me into emergency surgery 10 days later. I started having hard contractions at 2:00 AM on August 16th. The nurses would give me a shot every 2-3 hours to stop the contractions, but Emy couldn't wait. Finally at 8:40 PM, after a long hard day of contractions that couldn't be stopped, my doctor ordered an emergency c-section. Emy was breach and I had already nearly delivered her on my own. My mom was with me when they made the call to take me into surgery. As they prepped me for surgery, Dustin scrambled to make it to the hospital on time. I don't know how he made it, but he did. I was on the operating table and here comes Dustin - scrubs and all! I don't think he'd mind me saying that he was a bit emotional and I was the one trying to calm him down!

Emy Elizabeth was welcomed into the world at 9:19 PM, weighing 1 lb. 8 oz. and 12 1/2 inches long. She gave us a few quick cries before the doctors started working on her. That was a great sign...if she was crying, she was breathing.

The NICU was full, so the doctors were trying to find out where they would transfer her. They had hoped she would stay there, but they weren't sure. Well, our prayers were answered and she was able to stay in our hospital. Thank the Lord. I heard a week later that if I had delivered any later then she might have been flown out of state due to the lack of available NICU beds in Oklahoma. I due wish I could have held her in my tummy a little longer, but I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I can't imagine having to travel to Texas to see my little girl. God was truly watching out for our family.

I was soon released from the hospital, but had to leave half of my heart there. It was so hard to leave without Emy. I returned home to recover, but didn't seem to be feeling better. After having a high fever everyday (my antibiotics should have done the trick) I was rushed to the emergency room. I apologize in advance to those with a weak stomach...my c-section incision was gushing. I was re-admitted into the hospital and they prepped me for surgery once again. It wasn't a matter of "if" I would have surgery; it was a matter of "when". Calls were made and we had so many people praying for us. PRAYER WORKS. By morning, they said that no surgery was needed. Have I mentioned that prayer works? I was finally released 4 days later and am now feeling much better.

We continue to visit Emy everyday (I missed a few due to my high fever). I can't tell you how hard it is. I cry almost every time I visit her. I'm sure all of the NICU nurses know me as the "crying mom". No really, it is so hard to see your tiny baby with a tube in her nose, hooked up to a respirator and an IV in her leg. I've given birth to her but can't hold her. We can only touch her at certain times during the day. Dustin and I joke that God has made the road to our kids a rough one. We could see Mia, but couldn't touch her for 7 months. We delivered Emy but can't hold her and won't be able to take her home for 3 months. It's hard to understand, but it's very worth it.

With all of this, God is teaching us about prayer. We have so many people praying for our family. People all over the country. God is teaching us to lean on others. Our friends, family & church have helped us so much with so many things, from taking care of Mia to providing us with meals. The nurses and aides at the hospital that cared for me were true angels. One of my nurses, Linda, would read scripture to me and sit and pray with me. I can't even describe how grateful I am. God is also teaching us faith. Maybe I didn't learn my lesson with all we went through to get Mia! We find ourselves leaning more and more on God and the strength He gives us each day. Without it we would be lost.

Thank you to all who posted. Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

13 comments:

Amanda said...

Angie,
She is precious. I will keep your family and its new addition in my prayers.

Nadra said...

Angie, Dustin, Mia & Emy....

We love you guys and can't wait to meet baby Emy. She is precious. We are praying daily for you guys.

Sending our love!

Nadra, Charlie and Ian

Unknown said...

Our prayers are with you.. Emy is such a sweet little peanut. Praying for a very speedy recovery - take good care of yourselves.

Kristi W. said...

Emy is adorable. My 4 year old saw her pictures and said "Ohhh, I want her!".

We're praying for your family!

Kristi (Daya's mama)

The Labontes said...

She's gorgeous. We'll be praying for lots of eating and growing!

Kristy

Pam said...

Angie & Dustin,
We are praying hard for you and Baby Emy. What a precious little beauty she is. Isn't God's miracle of birth amazing? Praying that she amazes all her doctors and that she can come home much sooner than they think!
Pam, Joel, & Micah

Todd and Michele said...

She is so sweet. You are all in our prayers. God can work many miracles - we're praying for a quick one!

Shaunna said...

Angie,

She is so beautiful! We cannot wait until she can come home. Emy and you are both in my prayers!

Love you!!

Shaunna

Julie & Patrick said...

The miracle of life continues to astound me! Emy is truly a gift. Many prayers to you.

Julie R

Sheri said...

Angie,
Emy is so precious! I will be praying for your family!
Sheri

Melissa said...

Angie, I can't imagine what you are going through but I truly believe that God always has a plan. Emy is truly a miracle, an amgel and God has some really important plans for her, I just feel it. Tell Mia Congrats on being a big sis and hang in there, before you know it all this will be a distant memory and you will be home as a family of four. Melissa K. (home with Anela for five months)

Sheri said...

My prayers are with you and your family!
Emy is so precious!
Sheri (Maya's Mom)

Nadra said...

God works in mysterious and wonderful ways. We're praying, praying, praying for all of you. Emy is a miracle from God and He's watching over this sweet little miracle until you can hold her in your arms.

Love you guys!!!

Nadra, Charlie and Ian