After about 4 weeks of bedrest for Preeclampsia I was admitted to the hospital on July 23rd, a Monday. I was 32 weeks pregnant. After a few scares and some extensive ultrasounds it was predicted that Friday that the baby was in distress and we'd be lucky if he would be 3 1/2 pounds. We were very scared by this prospect and so many a priesthood blessing and prayer were given those next few days. On Sunday, July 29th, things took a turn for the worst and my blood pressure would not come done and other symptoms (such as a monstrous headache) presented themselves, so the decision was made to deliver. I was 2 days over 33 weeks pregnant, and scared. Having had the other two children early (34 and 33 weeks on the dot) I sort of knew the ropes, but ultrasounds had shown more distress in this case and that was scary to me. It was a relaxed C-Section as an emergency situation never presented itself and he was born at 6pm. This was the first time I hadn't had an emergency c-section and I was grateful for that experience.
We didn't know the gender yet, which did make the delivery exciting that way. The staff was wonderful and had a lot of fun with it and when they announced it's a boy, tears started to flow. Then, he started to cry. Now, Connie didn't cry when she was born and gave us a big scare. Kyler cried at first and then stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. Ethan cried and cried and cried. The more he cried the more I cried. Big tears of Joy! Then they announced his weight...4 pounds on the nose. I cried such tears of joy. I know you'd never think you'd be that happy over 4 pounds, but he's my biggest baby thus far and they were predicting 3 1/2 if I was lucky. He did great!!
A little less that 2 weeks later and we were home from the hospital with our VERY healthy preemie. He left the hospital weighing it at 4 lbs and 3 ounces. About 2 weeks later he weighed in at the doctor's office at 6 lbs and 5 ounces. At six months he weighed in at 15 lbs and 13 ounces and we have never been happier for a preemie's development. He doesn't even look like a preemie now.
As for me, I have some permanent damage from the occasion, but all worth it. He is beautiful and a wonderful finish to my baby making career. My cardiologist has strongly suggested no more pregnancies as my heart is showing the damage, and I'm taking that advice. We'll adopt someday, but for now we couldn't be happier with our three beautiful, miracle children!
