[It only took me to her first month birthday, but I finally finished Meli’s birth story. It’s long and rambling and I don’t care because I needed to get it out of my head. Feel free to skip it, or just peruse the pictures that start about half way down. Thanks, Meli, for sleeping so I could get this out! Happy One Month baby girl!]
When Georgie and I took Meli to her first doctor’s appointment, our pediatrician came into the room, oohed and ahhed over our baby and said, “So? Tell me the whole story!”
We both looked at each other a little dumbfounded, then cracked a couple of jokes. “Well, nine months ago….” G said. I answered, “We met over 20 years ago….”
I don’t know where to start the story of the three of us. Do I begin with our falling in love? Do I start with that long ago summer when we decided to try to start a family? Do I begin with the trouble? That day – the day before Thanksgiving (a day that treats us so poorly!) – when we found out that our journey to parenthood would be harder than most? Can I leave all the heartache out? I don’t know.
I do know that we love our daughter more than we could ever have imagined. That our struggles were so worth the pain. And that we know just how exceedingly fortunate we are. A few days before Meli was born we were in full blown nesting panic and I was filing away papers like a mad woman. I found the pile of notes and forms and receipts from the fertility clinic and I just cried and cried. It was relief – the worst part of our journey was over and a new part was beginning – the BEST part. It was from the pain of all those years – watching friends and family get pregnant – wondering if we ever would. Questioning my own desire to become a mother – my ability to handle all of it – mentally, physically, emotionally. The reality that it might not work and how we’d handle that disappointment. All of it came flooding back to me. I have to say, a lot of the pain of infertility has lessened for me. Not disappeared, but it all feels so right – that Meli is here – that she’s here NOW – that it’s hard to reconcile the guilt and pain and sadness that infertility delivers with the joy she has brought us. She wouldn’t be who she is – we wouldn’t be the parents we are – without our infertility. Is it crazy to be grateful for infertility? Yes. Yes it is. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. But at the same time I wouldn’t change any of it. I am the mother I am because of what I’ve been through. And I do believe I’m a better mother for it.
Nothing was particularly easy. I was sick most of my pregnancy – not deathly ill – I’m sure there have been sicker – but sick enough. Towards the end it was hard to eat anything at all and I dreaded sleeping because of the indigestion and nausea almost as much as I dreaded being awake. Still and all we prepared for our baby’s birth with high hopes. We wanted things to be as natural as could be without closing ourselves off to all the options. I was looking forward to laboring with G by my side. No one has ever made me feel safer and had more confidence in me and I knew we would be great together!
So when I went to the doctor for my 36 week appointment and my OB did an exam, I was devastated to hear the baby was breech and our baby would most likely be born by c-section. It made a lot of sense though – the fact that I had HORRIBLE indigestion. Also the fact that I rarely ever got up in the middle of the night to pee (no pressure on my bladder). And the fact that all of the kicks and movement were on one side of my belly.
After our diagnosis, Georgie and I discussed all of our options with our OB – and anyone else we trusted. We called our Lamaze coach and asked her opinion. I spoke to everyone I knew who’d had a c-section or a breech baby. I read The Essential C-Section Guide (which I highly recommend). I searched the Internet. I’d like to think we did what any parent would do – we researched our options, weighed the risks and made the best, informed decision for our family.
We decided a planned c-section would be the best option for our family. Suddenly we had less than two weeks until our baby was born. We knew the date! This was really hard for me because I have a thing about numbers and I’m a big believer in fate. Also, how weird is it to just know – THIS day is the day your life will change forever. The weekend before Meli’s birthday was a crazy mix of busy and reflection. We were still getting things done around the house, but oftentimes we’d stop and just look at each other and realize all that would be happening. Those moments were fleeting though and the desire to get everything organized took precedence.
I was afraid Monday would be the longest day of my life, but we managed to pack so much into it that I’m surprised we survived. I had a therapy appointment early in the morning, and at the same time, back at the house, G was supervising a cleaning crew, the cable company, and the handyman while simultaneously taking back to back conference calls for work. By the time I got home to relieve him, everyone was almost gone. I, not wanting to give myself anytime to think, got together some last minute work stuff and made a quick trip to the post office. The day was flying by! It just so happened that we had tickets that night to a major tennis match at Madison Square Garden. It was the perfect antidote to sitting home and panicking, so we went! It was lots of fun and I’m so glad we had the distraction. By the time we got home, I had some last minute vanilla ice cream (my indigestion remedy of choice) and finally finished packing my bag. I was in bed by 1AM and actually fell asleep. I thought I’d be up all night. Around 3AM, G woke me up and I was restless for about an hour, but managed to sleep pretty well the rest of the night.
I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be when we woke up Tuesday morning. We were supposed to be at the hospital around 9:30 – 9:45, so we took our time. I talked to my sister and my mom who were on their way up from Philly. My sister was really concerned that they would call and ask me to come in early – which I thought was kind of weird – but they wanted to see me before I went in and were afraid they’d be late. Wouldn’t you know it? While we were on the phone, I got a call from the hospital asking me if I could be there in an hour! So funny! I rushed around like an idiot and we left as fast as we could. I did manage to shower and shave my legs and throw up (and I did actually get my pedicure on Sunday) so I was all ready for my surgery. 😉
When we got to the hospital we had to check in and then they sent us up to labor and delivery. L&D was PACKED that day. So much so that they set us up in recovery for our pre-op.
Before!
I changed into my beautiful hospital gown and they got me hooked up to all the monitors. The best was having the baby monitor on and watching contractions. I actually had a couple of big ones – although I didn’t feel them all. The closest I would get to actual labor. And I loved hearing her heartbeat the whole time. G has it on video and it’s one of my favorite moments. We settled in for our wait. I was feeling pretty good – not too nervous. We were chatting away with my nurse when she mentioned that she was KNITTING a blanket. I swear my head never spun around so fast. You KNIT?! I practically YELLED at the poor woman. You know where this is
going – I talked nonstop about my knitting and her knitting and everyone else’s knitting for the rest of our time together. And the best part? She told me that my OB was a FABULOUS knitter! I never knew!! Suddenly I was feeling so much better about everything. How could anything go wrong when there were knitters involved? It did a lot to calm my nerves.
One thing I want to remember is this woman they brought into recovery. She was making lots of noise and was obviously in excruciating pain. Georgie looked relieved that I wouldn’t need to go through that and we both were seeing some of the virtues of anesthesia and planned births. Turns out, the woman wasn’t in labor at all! She had a KIDNEY STONE! This woman was in AGONY. The only thing I could say positive about her situation was that labor would be a breeze for her. I was very glad when she finally got a room because she was making me a bit crazy. It’s hard to hear someone in that much pain.
My mom and sister showed up and came to visit with us. I told them about my dr and nurse – the knitters. My dad showed up too. It was a regular party before the surgery. My dr came in and we started talking knitting! Of course I had G getting all the knitting I brought with me so I could show it off. We talked so much the anesthesiology nurse had to interrupt. And oh my god do I love that guy! During our anesthesiology interview he asked if we had a video camera to take into the OR. G had brought ours, but I said no video during surgery – only still pictures. The nurse said NO – take the video and told us this story about his son being born and how he peed all over his hand and the kid loves the tape and I was like okay – take the video in. I AM SO HAPPY THAT HE DID! The video of her birth (just the baby – nothing of the surgery) is precious to me. I am so glad we have it. I didn’t know how important it would be to me. So thanks anesthesiology nurse! (I’m sorry I don’t remember your name!)
Then it was time. I said goodbye to my family and to G and I walked into the OR with the nurse. The most important thing I remember about the OR is that it was amazingly bright inside. There seemed like there were these really big windows and the sunlight was just streaming in and I remember thinking that G would be SO HAPPY that his baby would be born with the sun shining in on us. Everyone was really nice and wonderful in the OR and it was my OB, the knitter, who held me while they did the spinal. First they gave me some Versed and I remember feeling pretty stoned. There are a lot of things I don’t remember, but I do remember the really important things.
Daddy McDreamy!
So I’m on the table and it looks like they’re getting ready to start – from what I could tell – and I’m like don’t start until my husband gets here and someone was like get the husband! Very dramatic. G came in and before he could even get settled they were like get your cameras ready! This I remember very clearly: they told me I would feel a lot of pressure while they got the baby out and MAN did I feel pressure. My whole body was rocking and rolling while they got her out. And then they said it!
“IT’S A GIRL!”
I’ll never forget that either. Georgie and I were so surprised. Georgie says it was the best moment ever. We both were pretty sure we were having a boy. Everyone told us we were having a boy. In fact – when we had our 20 wk ultrasound the doctor said “he looks great” and I left the appt in tears because I thought they had screwed up and told us the sex, G was the one who told me oh no – they just have to pick one or the other because they can’t call the baby “it” and I was convinced, but it turns out he WASN’T. He really did think the doctor screwed up and was sure it was a boy! Let me tell you – best decision ever not finding out the sex. What a wonderful surprise!
My favorite picture of the day – can you see her little foot? (Click for big!)
Detail! Look at her toes!
She cried and cried and Georgie went around to check on her. Her little legs were splayed open from the breech, but other than that she was great. Her apgars were 9 and 9. She was PERFECT!
While they’re sewing me up!
I have to say, my OB practice and my hospital do planned c-sections EXTREMELY well! We all stayed together in the OR and then G wheeled Meli to recovery right behind me. We were not separated at all!
My first time holding her!
So proud – daddy’s little girl already!
And I got to nurse her right away! She latched on like a CHAMP! (And hasn’t let go since….)
Mmmmmm…delicious!
My family came into recovery as well.
Mom-Mom holds Meli
Mom-Mom and Pop – grandparents AGAIN!
It was such a great scene – everyone was there and probably not much different than it would’ve been if she had been born vaginally. We were all together for a little while and then, honestly, I was TIRED. I had to stay in recovery until I could move my legs (which was REALLY weird, because I could see that I was moving them, but couldn’t feel them.) I sent Georgie off with the baby to the nursery and I kind of slept there for a bit. That whole first day I was pretty out of it mostly. Dozing off and on and not really in any pain. When they gave me the spinal they also injected me with a long lasting (18-24 hrs) morphine
type thing so I was pretty pain free the entire day. And I was getting intravenous Motrin. Honestly, my c-section recovery has been EASY. I never took anything more than Motrin. By the following morning after the surgery I was catheter, IV and leg cuff free – which means I was up and walking around. And my incision is beautiful – at least that’s what every nurse who checked me said and my husband, who has had A LOT of surgery says – and I tell them all it’s because I had a knitter for an OB! I mean C’MON people – Mattress stitch is the invisible seam!!!
The end of the first day – all blissed out!
It may not have started out as my ideal birth plan, but in the end it was PERFECT. And I have Miss Meli to prove it. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! Mommy loves you the most!
PS – Funny story I can’t leave out – whether you’ve given birth vaginally or by c-section – you’ll all appreciate. But it’s a bit TMI so it’s after the jump.
So I’m going to the bathroom for the first time and my sister is helping me. I’m getting ready to clean myself and I take a nice wad of toilet paper and I’m already to wipe and my sister starts screaming NO! I swear she practically grabbed the paper out of my hand. “What are you doing?!?!” she screamed. Then I smiled. She was freaked out because when she had her babies it was a 20 minute proposition to go to the bathroom. Squirt bottles and Tucks Pads and extreme pain – NEVER toilet paper. I said, “Remember? My stitches are just a bit higher than yours?” And I wiped and I was done. 😉
TMI… LOL.
Thanks for sharing your story. What a great story indeed.
That was a beautiful story and she is a beautiful baby! I have to tell you that you looked great in those pictures for just giving birth!
The story at last! Loved the pics.
Now I get to see a one-month old baby!
xo Kay
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing such a lovely story.
What a wonderful journey! And it’s really only just beginning! Soon you’ll be teaching her to knit!
IT’s a lovely story, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
I almost couldn’t bare to read that beautiful, amazing story. Sitting here at work with tears in my eyes, wishing I could re-live all those precious, precious moments you just reminded me of (I’m suffering from empty nest and empty womb syndrome right now!). Honestly though, I’m so happy you appreciate how great giving birth is – a special miracle that you and your husband get to share! I love that my dear husband and I always cherished those moments, even in the middle of labor, or when we were getting pooped or peed on, or when we were bone-tired from being wakened too many times in the middle of the night – we were always really truly in LOVE with it all! I’m so glad to see that you are too! Like I said, I have tears in my eyes sitting here at work reading about the start of a wonderful new life for your family! Bless You All!
How beautiful and your little one is very blessed that her mother wrote this out … i’m still waiting for my mum to write what happened that day. i have received snippets of it and have a cherished log of the next 98 days… but this, this is absolutely beautiful, as is meli. thank you for sharing it. 🙂
happy one-month birthday miss meli!!
I have 3 girls,all of whom we kept a “surpirse” and I agree, it it TOTALLY the way to go! And when I read your “it’s a girl!” my own memories flooded back and I just bawled-thanks for that. I love your sweet story and your baby is just absolutely precious-cherish EVERY SINGLE BIT of it, it is the best and toughest and most amazing journey ever. Congrats again-it’s just so awesome!!!!!
LOL that is so funny (the after part of course) Very nice story
I’m all crying and shit. What a great story. I hope I get the chance to share a similar story in December. Things are still looking good on my end.
Your daughter is just perfect. Perfect.
How Wonderful!! Many Blessings to you and your lovely family!
What a wonderful story. My delivery didn’t go as planned at all, but I wouldn’t change it. I guess it was just preparation for the rest of motherhood 🙂
They wouldn’t let us take still shots or video during delivery or c-section. Lucky!!
Beautifully written, beautifully photographed, beautiful baby, mom & dad. I love this blog post so much, Cara. I, too, got all teary. It’s just so beautiful. Oh, yeah, I already said that!!
Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m 5 months pregnant now and can’t wait for the day I get to hold my little one. And how nice to be surrounded by knitters! That always seem to relax me, I may have to send my husband out to find all the knitters in the hospital when I deliver!
What a great story, and what a perfect daughter you have! One month!!!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad everything worked out so well for you and your family. Your TMI bit was too funny!
The last pic of you and Meli…It is a taste of heaven isn’t it! Mine are 29, 26, and 23 and their “birthdays” are still so precious to me. The moment my second child was born, a boy :), he peed a perfect arc onto the OB! He yells “his kidneys work!” Hey…what’s her full name?
The last pic of you and Meli…It is a taste of heaven isn’t it! Mine are 29, 26, and 23 and their “birthdays” are still so precious to me. The moment my second child was born, a boy :), he peed a perfect arc onto the OB! He yells “his kidneys work!” Hey…what’s Meli’s full name?
OK, first off, you need to give a big tissue alert at the top of the page!
What a beautiful birth story. I laughed, I cried, I ate reduced fat Wheat Thins.
You are so nice to share this with all your blog/knitting people out here in internetland. But really, now, a knitter nurse AND OB? That’s not a coincedince. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Well, holding your dear sweet baby. Yeah, that’s better.
Congrats again, and thanks for sharing. I loved the bathroom story. Have to admit, I never thought of that.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. I am an L&D nurse (and a knitter :-), which I decided to become after the birth of my daughter, 26 years ago. Being present at a birth is always a thrill, and it was so nice to read the recount of your experience. Congratulations to you and happy one month birthday Miss Meli!
I *LOVE* birth stories and yours is a really good one. Congratulation!
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m not yet a mother, but your story has tears rolling down my cheeks in happiness for you and your family. Hopefully the officemates won’t notice!
Now that I have my own daughter, I love the birth stories and really understand why they are important and so special. Thank you for sharing Meli’s. Your “end of the first day” picture brings back so many sweet memories. There really is nothing like those moments with a tiny newborn.
My c-section was virtually pain free…isn’t it wonderful? So many people share horror stories about it and mine was SOOOOO not that way at all. And today, a little over six years later, I have virtually NO SCAR at all. The boy looks almost exactly like his father so I keep joking that once that scar is completely gone I won’t have any proof that he came from me at all. I’m so glad that everything went well for your family!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story. I love that you weren’t separated after the birth. I wish my husband could have stayed with me the whole time. Congratulations again to you all.
Oh, Cara! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. I am so glad Meli’s birth went well for all of you; what a wonderful day to share with her when she is older. Your joy and your happiness are inspirational. Best wishes to G, M and you too, Mama!
I was gasping at your ending as well…..glad you stitches were higher and you were pain free in that dept.
Wonderful story, beautiful baby. Hurray for happy endings and exciting beginnings!
Wonderful story. Meli, the future knitter, will love that her DR and Nurse were knitters.
Wonderful story. Meli, the future knitter, will love that her DR and Nurse were knitters.
About TMI,
When I had twins, I had one vaginally and one by emergency C-section (in that order). That was a dam*ed if I do, no matter I what I did in the bathroom.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. And the final picture of you and Meli is so sweet. Brings back memories. My daughter was born 27 years ago (where DOES the time go??). Back then the babies spent the night in the nursery so mom could get some sleep…but not my baby. I remember the nurses coming to wake me up in the middle of the night, seems my daughter was crying and waking all the other babies, so they brought her to me. What could I do except hold her on my chest all night. She was as quiet as a churchmouse. She still loves hearing that story!!
Cara – I want to thank you for such a great story. My first child was an un-planned c-section and I was a little disappointed that I didn’t go through the “traditional” childbirth experience. Now my doctor is suggesting a planned C-section for my second and it’s so nice to see a birth story involving a planned c-section that is just as nice and happy (if not more so) than the other birth stories I’ve seen floating around.
Ha Ha!! Nice side-story! Thank you so much for sharing your special day. The pics are wonderful; my favorite is you asleep with Meli on your chest. It’s precious!! I’m so glad everything worked out so well.
Any birth that results in a healthy baby and mommy is a great birth! You are lucky re: the video and photos. I think now so many are not allowing them because of lawsuits.
My grandmother was Mom-Mom. I hope to be Mum-Mum. I know, the same, but different. 😉
That was a wonderfully told story. Meli will love to hear it over and over. They always do. It will become a story in your repetoire for bedtime. My girls love to hear “how I was born” and they’re all grown.
See, I told you everything would be fine. And that is the world’s cutest foot!
You look so relaxed in the sewing picture. My epidural wore off both times during the sewing — with my son they had to boost it so I was pretty out of it for an hour or two afterward. With my daughter I told them not to bother, I could deal with it, and it felt much better to be wide awake with her right away.
(Aren’t you glad I didn’t tell you that until now?)
Happy one month, Meli! And C, thank you for sharing your heartwarming story – how wonderful. And for the TMI, what a hoot!
Thank you so much for sharing you story, the knitter part kicks a–! We also didn’t know the sex and we had a fantastic US tech who took a picture of the ultrasound and sealed it in an envelope for us just in case we ever changed our mind. I could have sworn it would be a girl–NOT!! Anyway, everyone looks fabulous and happy.
I cried from the first word. That was one of the most beautiful birth stories I ever read – and not just because there were so many knitters involved. Congratulations again and thank you so much for sharing that with us.
What a beautiful story, Cara! I am so happy for you and Georgie and Meli. Happy one month to sweet Meli! You are a lucky schmoo!
It is a wonderful story! I am really happy for you and your sweet family.
A lovely story, and made me very nostalgic–15 1/2 years ago I had a scheduled C-section because my daughter was breach. Like you, my husband and I were sure we were having a boy and were delighted with a girl. So many memories…drink them all in, and how wonderful that you are documenting everything. It goes by so quickly and some of the history gets blurry, believe it or not.
Enjoy your beautiful daughter.
hahah, about the additional story 🙂 yes, that is a lot of pain going to the bathroom afterward. i can see where a c-section would be nice in THAT regard.
your story had me in tears 🙂 how very nice! the perfect birth!
Beautiful! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing!
My favorite picture is by far the one of you two all blissed out.
wonderful lovely story – even enjoyed by those of us who haven’t been through it! Cutest foot ever!!
A beautiful story, and a beautiful baby. Blessings to all of you. And happy b-day to Meli!
This is such a great story! We are trying to get pregnant now and I had only heard bad things about c-sections before. But I love that you have such a sweet story. And how awesome you got to have your new little love with you so much.
Cara, this is beautiful. You are beautiful. Meli is beautiful. It’s so funny – I’ve been so busy for like…. A YEAR. Last September I learned about your pregnancy from a blogging friend that was visiting me (KnitKnacks Sharon from Michigan). Margene told me of Meli’s birth when I phoned her on her birthday. I was like “So how’s Cara?” As if I had to call Margene to find out. lol
So I’ve been reading lately and staying caught up and now I just have to comment. Your story is beautiful beautiful beautiful. As someone who had 4 vaginal deliveries (and freagin easy ones at that) then a surprise C-section for #5 (because her arm was over her head!), I’m so happy that you were so prepared and mentally at peace with your planned C-section. I wish it had been that way with mine.
I’m hoping to be at Rhinebeck this fall – I hope you can be there with sweet Meli! XOXOXOX
What a great story!! Thank you for sharing it.
What a wonderful story – thank you for sharing! It’s so refreshing how you look at everything as a stepping stone to Meli’s beautiful life instead of a stumbling block to yours! Your family is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to watch her change and grow. Take advantage of every single moment you have, it’s such a cliche, but they really do grow up so fast – mine is 6 months old now and while it’s amazing to watch her discover news things, it’s so sad to realize how fast she’s growing up. Time doesn’t stop, not even for the sweet moments!
Thanks for ending with something funny – it made me feel less silly for crying over someon’e birth story that I had never “met”. Very sweet.
Wonderful story Cara. Happy one month Meli!
awww 🙂
Girl, you look so pretty and at peace in that blissed out pic 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELI!
Thanks for sharing your story…. your baby is beautiful and the experience sounds lovely…. Love the TMI part…very funny 🙂
Congratulations on the one month. I am happy to read about your wonderful birth experience. I didn’t write down my birth story and now that my daughter is almost two is almost forgotten. Reading yours brought back memories. I gave birth vaginally, but you are right, the love the feelings of accomplishment, the bonding are all the same.
Thanks for sharing the story of Meli’s birth.
Good for you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.
Your story is beautiful!
she’s perfect
That is a wonderful story!
Dude, you look GREAT in all of these pictures.
Thanks for sharing Meli’s birth story! I agree you look awesome after having a baby! 🙂 As for the TMI part..lucky you..well you know not having that problem 🙂
Thanks for sharing the birth story, it’s so interesting (and touching) to read about others’ experiences! Melli is such a cutie; it’s astonishing how fast they grow — you brought back memories of my son’s birth, which I can’t believe was almost a year ago now! I won’t tell you to treasure this time, because I know you already do. 🙂
Congratulations! And you DO look fabulous for somebody who is having a baby and who just had a baby! I’ve found that each stage (each day?) makes you realize something you thought you knew, but you really didn’t (like how much you love Meli is a surprise)… there are loads more surprises, enjoy them all!
Thank you for taking the time to write that.
What a perfect story.
You are both so beautiful.
And the TMI story?? LOL. I know exactly what you are saying! 🙂
When a friend delivered her twins by c-section I visited her at the hospital and got a totally bogus ticket while parked out on a street nearby. She had been complaining that her doctors wouldn’t discharge her until she could claim she had discharged some methane. So when I contested the ticket by mail I wrote that I exceeded the deadline to do so because I had been “visiting a friend who was passing” — and left out the word “gas.” I got off!
And I’m glad you don’t have the whole sitz bath, cold pad thing to do and do have lots of cuddling going on.
Oooh man.. no freaking long bathroom routine! I sure could get into that! hehehe
There is a plus I hadn’t thought of! dang!
I think I proposed to my Anastesiologist the second time around.. heheh had the same guy for last two kids! Nice guy..
Every year on my birthday my mom tells me the story of my birth. I’m 26 and know it all by heart but I still look forward to it. I know Meli will love hearing her special story each year.
What a wonderful birth — to be surrounded by knitters is surely very auspicious for dear Meli! And clearly was a good sign for the birth! Congratulations to you all!
Congratulations Cara! Ann(purlingswine) sent me here to see your beautiful baby! Your story is wonderful and so is Meli. Wishing all of you a VERY happily ever after ♥
What an amazing story! Congratulations to the whole family!
congratulations. you look far too lovely in those pictures to have just given birth. your family is so sweet.
I have been blog stalking since the mention of your story. I am so glad to be able to read it. What a BEAUTIFUL story!…for such a beautiful family.
Congratulations!
Thank you for sharing your story. And really, from what I understand (and from my own experience) these things never go as planned.
Great story! Brought tears and memories to my eyes! And about the TMI portion – my girlfriends talk about that ‘difference’ quite a bit!! MY c-section friends had easy recoveries ‘all around’.
Thank you for sharing your family’s story. Very touching.
Thanks so much for the moving story. It helps me remember the birth of my daughter and how precious she was before she turned into a teenager. The upside is that she can cook (and knit).
Thank you so much for sharing your story…it was amazing and wonderful, and you must be so happy! I love birth stories!
I remember being in your husband’s place when our twins were born…they left me out in the hall for *so* long in those hot scrubs (not nice ones like your husband got!) and it was my partner, getting prepped for her C-section, who had to say, don’t start without my partner!! And it *was* very dramatic, it was all rush-rush then to get me in and start the surgery.
This is the start of a most wonderful ride. Sounds like you are enjoying every minute so far! Congratulations again!
FINALLY! I finally had some time to read your wonderful story — uninterrupted. The best part of your story, Cara? The love. Start to finish.
XO
Wonderful! So fitting that your nurse and the Dr. were knitters!
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your birth story – and enjoy your little one. They grow soooooo fast (my little one is almost 15 months: time is just flashing past). Enjoy these first few weeks, the smallness, the newness, the loveliness and the wonder of a new small person. Babies are great.
Being born in the company of knitters – an auspicious beginning for anyone.
What a gift you’ve given us all by sharing your birth story. Thank you so much.
Meli’s destined to be a knitter with her birthing team!
What a beautiful story! If you end up with a healthy, happy baby…you’ve done it right:)
What a beautiful story! I am so glad things turned out so well for you! I was terrified to have to have a C-section, but you sound like you had a great experience! And that picture of the two of you sleeping is just wonderful! Continue to enjoy your new bundle. She is extremely beautiful.
:O)
yay!
The TMI is so funny…what a great sister, she was just looking out for you. Trust me she is right that part does suck.
Your story is beautiful. I am so happy for you all. Congratulations again and happy 1 month birthday little Meli you are one lucky girl to have such loving parents. 🙂
Oh Cara, I’ve been out of the loop for so long! Your daughter is exquisite! And I believe I said in a comment long ago that I thought it was a girl, so I’m going to feel quite proud of myself for that one. Congratulations! I’m so glad everything went well and you’re enjoying your little bambina! I’m so happy for all of you!
So delightful to hear the whole story… I can’t view the photos, as I am not at home but on a school district computer, so will have to come back later to see them. Happy 1 month birthday, Meli! The TMI brought back distinct memories; all three of my children were born at home and I can say you are missing that pain.
So delightful to hear the whole story… I can’t view the photos, as I am not at home but on a school district computer, so will have to come back later to see them. Happy 1 month birthday, Meli! The TMI brought back distinct memories; all three of my children were born at home and I can say you are missing that pain.
I love birth stories! Thanks for sharing your wonderful one. Such a precious picture of you and Meli.
Thanks for sharing! It was fun to get the completeness after the pregnancy.
Thank you for sharing that great story. It is really nice to hear a c-section story in which everyone is happy! I have loved your wonderful pictures of your baby. Congratulations to you all!
Beautiful story, Cara — thank you so much for sharing.
Such a beautiful and touching story. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Such an amazing story! She is so beautiful, and I’m so happy you had such a great birth. The power of knitters strikes again! On the TMI subject, after I delivered the nurses told me I had to go or I would need a catheter. I was sure I’d be fine, so I walked into the bathroom with the nurse and actually asked if I could get into the shower to make it easier. She looked at me as I sat there for a minute, then said okay, and went out of the room and sent Liam in instead. The next thing I remember is waking up back in bed, I passed out on the toilet! I did manage to pee the next time, though, so no catheter at least!
I love a good birth story.
Just a heads up. Bruse endorsed Obama in a quite erudite letter to his website. I thought you might miss it in the commotion.
Congrats on a beautiful baby girl Cara, and for such an honest, emotional birth story. I gave birth vaginally to my 2 kids but in the end its all the same when you end up with a healthy & beautiful baby. God Bless you and your gorgeous family.
What a great story. I had to laugh at the TMI part that was good. I remember my sister telling me that too when I had mine. I have had three c-sections that were planned but only one decided to cooperate. The other two came a week earlier. I am glad you are enjoying your little girl.
It is a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations!