May 1:
All of the trials and tribulations of the year came to a flourishing new beginning this week. Monday morning, I went to the doctor to help get labor started. I had a scheduled c-section per my doctor's request, and I just didn't feel right with the date of the delivery. I wanted a VBAC so badly, but I knew that a c-section may be the only way to go. The doctor gave me a membrane sweep, and not too long after, I went into labor. At first, I was just having some bad cramping. I was able to go to three stores (That's Too Cute, TJ MAXX, and Walmart) and Chik Fil-A on the way home before I realized that I was actually having labor contractions! I remember standing in Wal-mart thinking, "I can't move. I can't go anywhere else."
When I got home, I told my mom that I thought I was having a baby, but I also didn't know for sure. I kept having contractions less than four minutes apart and sometimes even two minutes apart. This lasted for two hours before I decided to call Steven to come home. Excitement was in the air! The contractions felt like really, really, really bad period pains and tightening in my abdomen. I wish that I could say they weren't that bad, but for me they were really that bad.
When we arrived at the hospital, I didn't know if I was still in labor because I was afraid that the pains would just stop. They weren't going to admit me without checking me, but when they heard my labor cries, they knew I was really having a baby! We got settled into the hospital and as I continued to have contractions, they pretty much convinced me that the epidural was the way to go. I shared my concerns with them, and they were concerns to be concerned about. I really feel that the epidural stalled my labor and caused me to lose the intensity of the contractions. After my water broke, my contractions stalled, and they wanted to start me on a low dose of pitocin. My midwife seemed so sure that this was going to be ok. I trusted her because she kept telling me that she was patient, that she had three VBACS, etc. I thought she knew what she was talking about. I'm not a doctor! As soon as they started the pitocin, her heart rated started to dip. It got better, and then it started to dip. It was time to get the baby out at that point. Imagine my disappointment.
I started to shake and shiver. I was losing oxygen. I was sad, but I was also excited to meet my new baby, Violet Adele. The operating room was pleasantly amusing due to the doctors' interactions with each other. I was nervous that I would feel the pain, but of course I didn't. When I heard her squalling out of my tummy, I knew she was ok. I watched as they cleaned her up a little and Steven cut the chord. Then I got to see her on my chest, so precious. The first thing I noticed was her nose and how different it was from Victoria's. I was trying to figure out who she looked like! I still don't really know.
My nurse, Morgan, helped get me cleaned up and ready for the baby in the recovery room. She was a pleasant nurse. Another nurse came in and helped me nurse the baby, and she wasn't very pleasant. She was not outwardly unpleasant, she just didn't have that sweet, caring, feeling about her. I was able to nurse right away. What a good little Violet!
When I got back to my room, I don't even recall much of what happened. I know that we tried to sleep some, but mostly we were up through the night. I nursed her as much as I could. We missed Victoria to pieces. That was the hardest part for me. I just wanted to be home with my little angel Torty.
Violet Adele M.
7 lbs 13.8 oz
19 3/4
May 5:
Yesterday I was selected as Teacher of the Year for all of the Bay Haven Inc schools. This is certainly not an accolade I ever thought I would achieve especially so early in my career. (finishing my 7th year of teaching) I was up against so many worthy competitors. I was selected for Bay Haven Charter Academy's Elementary Teacher of the Year in January and upon selection, we had some "hoops" to jump through to be considered for the final award. Three letters of recommendation were written (Principal, Colleague, and Parent), a lesson was taught, and an interview was given. I really didn't think I aced the interview, but somehow I must have shined in a way that won me the big one! I am humbled by this award and hope to continue to show my worthiness in receiving it.
May 6:
Victoria Harper had professional dance pictures made this morning. I stayed home with Violet, but Daddy and Nana told me all about it. She fell asleep on the way which made it difficult for them to arouse her to take photos. Poor sleepy girl. They said it was stressful, and I can't imagine. I took the picture below before they left. We'll get to see the proofs on Thursday at dance class so that we can decide which ones we want to purchase. Her recital is in June.