Growing Babies

Zachary, 5 years old

Caleb, 8 months old

Ayla, 7 years old

 

My babies are growing up.

 

So, the last time I posted I shared maternity photos. Obviously, I'm not pregnant anymore. Caleb Anthony was born in May. It's been a rough road though. Here is a little about the last few months...

 

I ended up in the hospital again between my post April 19th and Caleb's birth on May 18th. I kept having contractions, but never dilated. We went in on the 18th as planned. Everything was okay until they tried to place the spinal. I had expressed my concern about the return of a spinal headache, so the anaesthesiologist was very careful as he prepared. I was very swollen from the pregnancy. So swollen, he had to massage my back to push away some of the 'water' from the area of the injection. Then he made a comment about the previous spinal headache that I had with Zachary. He said he was shocked that I hadn't had a worse problem because I have a 'signifcant curve' in my spine. He tried 3 times, but was finally able to apply the spinal.

 

Bryan was brought in and in just a few minutes, Caleb Anthony was born. He was 9 pounds 1 ounce and 20.5 inches long. Bryan went to be with the baby. The Drs proceeded with tying my tubes and removing some of the scar tissue from the previous 2 c-sections. Apparently, there was quite a bit of scarring and it took them longer than anticipated. They were concerned about the anesthesia and the amount of blood that I lost during the procedure. I was sent to post op/recovery and got to see Caleb. We were then taken to our room and everyone got to visit.

 

I was only kept a couple days, during which I had a painful scare. They said it was just normal bowel problems and nothing to worry about. I was sent home, still swollen and in pain, but alright according to the Dr.

 

The pain  grew worse over the next few days. The swelling didn't go away like it did with the other two deliveries. I eventually grew delirious and Bryan took me to the hospital. I was so scared.

 

They said it was a blockage in my urinary system. I had over 8 liters of fluid backed up in my system. The toxins caused infection and acute kidney failure. My bladder was stretched and I might have permanent damage. It was a miracle that I was still alive. While being treated for these problems, I developed an intestinal infection, c-diff. I was kept in the hospital for 6 days. I missed the first week of Caleb's life.

 

Bryan stepped up and took care of everything. The older kids visited with family while Bryan kept the baby himself. It has had such an impact on him. It also had an impact on Ayla, who won't go anywhere without me now...

 

I spent the rest of May, June, and July visiting Drs and having tests done to determine the damage. I was still in a lot of pain. I struggled with daily tasks, just carrying the baby. It took almost 7 months for most of the problems to mend. I still struggle with pain, but it seems to be unrelated (although we have not been able to afford for me to have the problem examined).

 

That's another part of the past few months. Bryan was managing a title loan store and making good money when Caleb was born. Then, they fired him. He was unemployed for almost two months before finding his current job. He is not making much. We have been blessed by the generosity of family and friends who have helped us to get by the past few months. He is now waiting on a promotion!

 

I look back at the past year and wonder why. I am amazed at all the little ways that God provided. I am thankful that he allowed me to be a 'miracle'. I cannot begin to tell you all of the little things that have happened - but you get the basics. I plan on taking the next few posts to cover a variety of topics - pictures of my kids, an update on my business, plans for our upcoming year...

 

I don't know if anyone actually ever reads this blog, but I thought it might give me a place to vent and share...