Rivers is here- Part 5

We finally were able to leave the hospital on Friday, December 16.  We were so ready to be home. We snuggled Rivers in his gown and blanket to make the 5 minute drive to our house.  As we pulled up to the house, Lucy was at the door screaming and waving.  We were so nervous about how she was going to react.  As we walked in she immediately hugged us but she wanted Rivers out of his seat so she could hold him.  In that moment, many days and months of worrying about what it would be like to adopt and then 4 months later give birth seemed to fade away.  This was our new normal and it was going to be just fine.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

Rivers is here - Part 4

We finally arrive in our room around 3:30 am.  The nurses from the nursery were supposed to bring Rivers to us.  Russ and I both laid down to rest when the phone rang.  It was a nurse from the nursery telling us Rivers has choked on what looked like dried blood, had turned blue, and had taken a bit to get him over it.  SCARED us so much!! The next 24 hours involved us meeting with neonatologists and pediatricians, Rivers getting several ultrasounds done, and us walking back and forth to the nursery every 3 hours to feed and spend time with him.  Not ideal, but we were so glad he was doing okay and being monitored.  They eventually felt like he just swallowed a lot of blood during birth so they suctioned his stomach and wanted to keep him with them for at least 24 hours.

We went to bed that night for the first time without him since he was conceived.  It was so hard not being able to bring him to our room after giving birth to him but I know it was for his benefit. Finally, on Thursday afternoon, they wheeled him into our room.  That moment was almost as emotional as his birth.  We were so ready to have him with us!

Russ and his sister Leigh Ann showing Rivers to Lucy since he couldn't leave the nursery.

Soon after Rivers got to come to the room, Lucy came to visit.  We gave her a book about being a big sister and a tea pot.  She noticed Rivers and loved on him some but the majority of her time was spent running around the room touching everything she could. We could not wait to go home the next day and be a family of four!

Rivers is Here- Part 3

My epidural had worn off some.  I was feeling every contraction but still being guided by Melinda on when to push.  My nurse told me I would be probably be pushing for at least an hour and a half.  After pushing 5 minutes I knew this was going to be difficult. Not to mention the vomiting I was doing! Poor Russ held the pan and would empty it each time.  I have never been that sick.  I think it was just a combination of the drugs, the epidural, and the intense heartburn I was having.  I vomited from that point on and was even still going once we got our alone time with Rivers. I was feeling a little sorry for myself until she told me the vomiting was pushing him down more than my pushes were doing.  I truly believe that is how Rivers came out so quick.  At some point, my body took over and I was so determined to get him out.  I could feel the contractions, therefore I knew when I needed to push.  About 35 minutes later, he was almost ready to make his debut.  As I am pushing, in walks Bernese, the lady who had told me that morning that I would still be there when she came back on shift.  Unfortunately, she was correct but having her in the room was a trip!  She had someone take her place in a c-section just so she could be there with me.  She cheered me on as Dr. Young did his thing.  A few minutes later, our sweet precious gift was laid on my chest.  Russ leaned down and whispered how much he loved us and we sat staring at him, with tears in our eyes.  Rivers was so wide-eyed and taking in the sights and sounds of his new home. We were allowed over an hour to spend with him. I held him in my arms, skin-to-skin, and let him get comfortable with his mommy. He tried to nurse but mostly just stared at our faces. I could tell he recognized our voices. Of course, sweet Russ was still holding the pan for me as I constantly got sick.  But it didn't matter.  Our sweet boy was here. At around 1:45 am, our family who had been waiting ALL DAY got to meet him.  They were in love as much as we were.

Dr. Young and Rivers

Melinda - who stayed until 3 AM (should have gotten off at 7 pm) to help me deliver.

William Rivers Polsgrove

December 14, 2011  12:35 am     7 pounds 12 ounces     20 inches

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, RIVERS of living water will flow from within them.  -  John 7:37-38