It’s hard to believe that a little over a week ago we were beginning to adjust to life as a family of four. Lydia was born on Monday, April 4th at 8:13AM. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30AM in preparation for a repeat c-section. I was amazingly surprised at how emotionally stable I was that morning. I remember crying all the way to the hospital with Mackaylan, but with Lydia I was just anxious that all would go well, and Lydia would arrive safe and healthy. The nurses on duty that morning were wonderful and of course Mickey kept the mood light with his jokes and wonderful sense of humor. Just another reason why I love that man! After answering lots of questions, getting geared up in my luxurious hospital gown, and getting poked and prepped for my IVs, the anesthesiologist came in. He was very nice and we discussed my back surgery and the possibility that I might have to be put to sleep if the spinal wouldn’t work due to my missing disk. However, I am happy to report that that did not have to happen. Thank you, Jesus! My mom and dad, Mackaylan, and Mickey’s parents arrived around 7:00AM and we were able to visit for a few brief minutes before they took me back to the operating room. Mackaylan was a little apprehensive about what was about to happen as we did not prepare her that mommy would be hooked up to machines and look like a “scary hospital monster.” She did give me a kiss and sat with me for a few pictures before they took me back to the OR.
Speaking of the OR… that was a different experience this time around. The nurse just escorted me back to the OR and I hopped up on the table and followed all directions given. The anesthesiologist in the OR with me was wonderful. He explained exactly what he was doing every step of the way and kept me informed of everything I would and should not be feeling. After they had me prepped, Mickey arrived. I will never forget those next few minutes. The anticipation. Love. Concern. Hope. The look in his eyes as we held hands awaiting the birth of our next precious princess. We held hands and we waited…. Within just a few minutes Lydia Avanelle entered our world.
Over the course of the next few days the hospital was our home. We enjoyed every moment getting to know our new daughter and spending the time with our family and friends who all came by for a sneak peek! We are so blessed to be surrounded by people who love us so much during this time. The hospital staff was wonderful and we received the best care imaginable. Everyone who entered the room acted as if we were the only patients on the floor. We were even able to reconnect with a lady we used to go to church with when Mickey and I were in the youth group as she was Lydia’s nurse on Wednesday morning before we were discharged.
Since I was feeling pretty good on Wednesday morning and Lydia’s bilirubin levels had decreased, the doctor’s felt good about sending us on home…
Once we arrived home we were greeted by family and anxiously waited for Mackaylan to return home from school. In the meantime, Grams began to put together the Pack-n-Play which I told her would just “pop right up!” Wow, that was an understatement. However, after much perseverance she had it all put together and ready for use.
Grams stayed with us on Wednesday night and on Thursday we were both running on little sleep. We were up almost every hour on the hour and Lydia was not wanting to nurse at all. By Thursday morning when my mom arrived emotions were high and I was continuously fighting back tears. Thankfully, Lydia decided she was ready to eat around 11:00AM and it was a big relief for everybody. If at any time I wanted to give up and give her a bottle it was that morning. However, I am proud to report that has not happened. We are both on a learning curve, but each day is getting a little better. My mom stayed for the day on Thursday and then promised to return at the end of the week when she had planned to start her vacation.
Grams stayed with us until Sunday morning, and now we have my mom here until this Friday. I cannot imagine these past few days without the help of family and friends. Every piece of laundry in the house is clean along with baseboards, windows, and bathmats. Amazing!
Moving from one to two has been tough. It has been very nice having extra bodies around to help out with Lydia, but especially with Mackaylan. She has been loving all of the attention and I am sure next week will be another period of adjustment as we begin trying to settle into some type of a normal routine as life as a family of four. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Well, I just wanted to post a little about life around the O’Shields’ household and how things were going.
Emotions are high. Hearts are full. Love abounds.
