I know, it's been forever. Have a mentioned that I'm not a pleasant pregnant person? I tried to sequester myself as much as possible this last month so that I'd still have friends. The international community here isn't huge and I like my friends. Anyways, I'm no longer pregnant! Makenzie Elizabeth was born last Thursday at 8:24. :-) She's absolutely perfect! As she was releasing her from the hospital yesterday, the pediatrician told us that babies like Makenzie make her job easy and very enjoyable. There were several things of note that were very different from having a baby in the states and I know I'm going to forget them, so I'm putting them here.
The view from my hospital room - much nicer than the construction I had with the boys at Carle
Things that made me go hmm....
- The anesthesiologist was awful! It took him over 30 minutes and 4-5 pricks to get my spinal in. I have a huge bruise on my back that is causing me more pain than my incision!
- The delivery was incredibly smooth. My doctor had her out in less time than getting my spinal in and then I was in recovery within 3o minutes after that.
- I was not allowed to see Makenzie or Ulysses in recovery. I was told I had to move both legs before I could go upstairs and see them. Talk about motivation! I was moving within the hour. The nurses were surprised (they had told Ulysses at least 2 hours).
- I actually stood up and walked to the bathroom Thursday evening. I was even impressed by how well I was able to move around and my nurse was shocked.
- Pain control is a joke. I'm allowed to have paracetamol (Tylenol). It's not cutting it. Pray for fast healing please.
- I was ready to go home by Saturday, but didn't get to leave until Monday afternoon.
- Everyone told me how wonderful the food and service is at the hospital ("Like staying at a 5 star hotel"). They are probably right, but I hate fancy food. I lived on the contraband my friends brought me and the bread and butter that I requested with every meal. The spaghetti and meatballs that a friend brought us for dinner last night were the best things I'd eaten in a week!
- I miss having a TV. Even though I could only understand 3 of the 40 channels, it was wonderful.
- My hospital bracelet was cut off Friday afternoon. Ulysses never had one. I cut Makenzie's off last night when I got her ready for bed.
- We just walked out of the hospital. We weren't escorted and we didn't sign anything. We just took Makenzie out of the bassinet, strapped her into her car seat and walked out the door.
- I still have all my bandages on my incision. A home nurse is coming in every day for the next 15 days to change the dressing on it. (For reference, I had nothing on my incision after each boy by the day after birth.) The stupid sticker is driving me nuts. I'm dreading the next two weeks.
- I have been getting a very painful shot every night to prevent blood clots. I was really excited to leave the hospital and be done with them. The home nurse that's coming every day is still giving me this shot for the next week. :-(
- A mid-wife is coming to check on us tonight and I'm told she's going to be coming several times for the next couple of weeks.
- I don't see the doctor for 6 weeks
- Makenzie doesn't see the doctor until she's a month old
- Makenzie was the 500th baby born at the hospital this year. They gave me flowers. :-)
Baby Updates:
- Breast-feeding is not going well. She refuses to wake up to eat until she's starving and then is in such a panic that she can't latch on. Hopefully the midwife will be able to offer suggestions tonight.
- She is VERY laid back. Even when the pediatrician was doing all of her tests, she would open her eyes and glare, but as soon as the pediatrician let go of her, she was back asleep.
- She was wearing 50cm clothes at birth. I doubt she'll fit in them by Christmas.
The boys are obsessed with their baby sister. Xavier is constantly bringing blankets and Ezekiel is bringing toys. They are both trying to entertain her constantly. They were very upset by her crying last night.
I have amazing friends. They've taken care of the boys, brought meals, and prayed for us amongst many other favors. Thank you very much!
