She's Here Which Means I'm No Longer Pregnant.

Elodie Chandler

November 4, 2013 at 2:04 pm

6 lbs 14 oz

20 2/3 in

The truth is, by the time I arrived in Johannesburg at 34 weeks, I was over being pregnant. 3 1/2 weeks later I was really over it. Uncomfortable, not sleeping, heartburn, aching in the lower half, hot, and awkward. When Elodie's time came, I was over the moon, not just because I was meeting my second, beautiful daughter, but because my pregnancy was o.v.e.r. 

I was absolutely convinced that Elodie would weight well over 8 pounds, especially since my doctor measured her at over 7 pounds at my 37 week appointment. Then, little Elodie was born; about a whole pound less than Waverly and a fraction of an inch longer.

Last photo as a family of three

The story's not that profound. I was told by my OB in the States, after Waverly was born, that I would not be able to vaginally deliver a baby over 6 pounds. I don't have those "birthin' hips" as my friend put it. So, when I arrived in South Africa, during my first appointment with my OB here, we scheduled a cesearan for November 4. I was scheduled for a 3 o' clock surgery, but ended up going in around 1:30 and Elodie was born at 2:04.

Admitted and waiting...

Except for a few minutes of high anxiety as they raised the sheet between my head and the rest of my body - the close proximity of the sheet, the smell of the sheet, and the lack of feeling in my lower half had my blood pressure on the rise - I actually enjoyed the whole experience. The anesthesiologist was of the joking sort, giving us a hard time about being from the States, except when he found out we are from Kentucky, at which time he expressed his love of bourbon to which I made sure he hadn't yet enjoyed his bourbon that day. Smoothest epidural set-up ever. During the surgery, we entertained conversations about family and the high cost of living in a particular South African province. We laughed when Chandler exclaimed, She has teeth! Which she doesn't and we were given the likelihood of children being born with teeth. It was nice to actually be present for the whole ordeal instead of hopped up on drugs and exhausted beyond all reason. I literally sobbed when I heard and saw my sweet girl when, with Waverly, I think I let out a weak, Yay. and fell straight asleep. 

I also had the glorious opportunity to hold my baby before she was wisked off to the nursery; an opportunity I was not granted with Waverly. Unfortunately, Chandler was not able to hold her at any time that day for Elodie was, as I said, wisked off to the nursery with respiratory issues. 

And the admitting nurse asked if I wanted to remove my finger nail polish... please, lady.

The whole evening kind of slid by after that. I remember being rolled down the hallway to my room, passing my big girl and crying a little more. 

Seeing Elodie for the first time

I remember a nurse bringing Elodie to my room and the doctor entering quickly on her heels telling me that Elodie couldn't stay because she desperately needed to be on oxygen. Then she was taken from me, by the confused nurse, and that was the last I saw of her for the rest of the day. I remember being told that Elodie would, more than likely, end up in the NICU, once a space opened up. I remember receiving updates from three different nurses at three different times and being so confused, texting Chandler to return quickly as he had taken Waverly, Donna, and Caroline back to the house. I needed him to be with Elodie and I needed him to be the clear head as the medicine was taking over and sending me into a deep sleep.

As it so happens, Elodie's condition was not uncommon in babies who are born via c-section without experiencing the contractions of labor first which help squeeze the fluid out of the baby. In these situations, the baby can be born with wet lungs which inhibit their ability to breathe well. So, Elodie was provided oxygen to help dry out her lungs and keep her breathing. She was admitted to the NICU at about 8:00 that night, when a spot opened up. I felt helpless and sad not being able to spend time with her. The next morning, I was able to visit with her and nurse her for the first time. Chandler was also able to hold her for the first time.

One happy daddy 

Wearing my "W" necklace for my bigger girl and cuddling my little girl.
Waverly asked every day, while touching my necklace, if I thought about her all day.

Elodie was released from the NICU at 10:00 am, after 14 hours on tubes having her breathing closely monitored. From that moment on, she stayed in my room until we were released on Thursday. But what made that day extra special was seeing my two girls together; my oldest oohing, aahing, and loving all over her baby sister.

Elodie gifted Waverly with the crochet embodiment of her imaginary friends: Eliza and Apple, the dragons.

Pleased as punch.

Ready to hold the baby

I'll admit, I expected a boy this time around. I just had that feeling. At my 37 week appointment, the ultrasound revealed without a doubt the presence of what makes a girl. I still wouldn't believe it until I held her in my arms. And the first time I held her, kissed her, told her I loved her, I was smitten and overjoyed to have another baby girl in our family. Chandler is severely outnumbered at this point, but I don't think he minds too much...

Best life ever.

First photo as a family of four