Her Story

I found out a few things at the end of my pregnancy that could potentially be complications during delivery.  I tested positive for Group B Strep, which meant I needed to have antibiotics given to me during labor so that the baby would be protected from a potential infection.  I also found out my blood platelet count was low.  Not low enough that they were concerned about anything, but my doctor did say if they dropped below 100, they wouldn't be able to give an epidural for fear that my blood wouldn't clot.

My due date was Aug. 7th, and basing everything I knew about labor from Calder's  birth, I expected her to come fairly early.  Calder came 8 days early, so I was thinking it would be similar for Adelaide.  But, no. 8 days early came and went, 5 days early came and went. We were all feeling so anxious!  I was having several contractions a day (Braxton Hicks) that didn't hurt, but were getting me nowhere.  My mom was scheduled to fly in on the 7th, and I was beginning to worry that this little girl wouldn't be here when my mom arrived!  There were several nights when contractions woke me up, and so I would time them, and wait to see if they increased in intensity, but they would just stop.  Bummer.  It was always so disappointing!  But I knew the timing was in the Lord's hands, and she would come when she was ready.

Sure enough. Aug. 6th, I woke up at about 2:10 in the morning with contractions.  There wasn't really a need to time these ones or wait for them to intensify, because they were coming super frequently and were intense already!  But I did wait a little, just to be sure it wasn't a false alarm.  2:30 we started getting everything together, grabbed Calder, and were on the road by 3:00 AM.   We had talked Calder through the whole process, but I was still nervous how he would do when we woke him up and dropped him off at a friends house.  He actually did really well, which was such a relief!

On the drive over to the hospital, the contractions were coming every 2 to 3 minutes.  I was telling Craig that I was definitely ready for that epidural when we got to the hospital! We arrived at the hospital and were checked in around 3:20 AM.

They took my blood to check platelet levels, and checked me. I was already dilated to a 7 1/2!  They got the IV in to start the antibiotics for the Group B Strep.  Craig asked what the timeline was for the epidural, and the nurses glanced at each other and said "well, we've got the order in..."  At that point, I knew I was probably not going to get one. My labor was progressing too quickly.  But I kept hoping.

I heard them say my platelet levels were 97. They had dropped.  At that point, I was terrified because I knew the epidural wasn't an option.  Having a baby natural was not on my bucket list.

I was just praying my little heart out. The nurse was really good at helping me to breathe through the contractions.

The doctor came in really quickly, and I was surprised when she put on her gloves and asked if I was ready to push.  I didn't feel the urge yet, so I said no. And then the urge came!  I was ready to push!

I pushed once, not really knowing how ready or close she was.  But then a chorus of "There she is!" and "She's coming" rang out and I was so surprised! I had no idea that she was that close, but I was ready to do what it took to get her out! One contraction, and 2 or 3 more pushes and our sweet little Adelaide was born at 4:25 AM.  7 lbs, 7 oz and 19 3/4 in long.  Just an hour after we got to the hospital. I do have to say, it was probably more a feeling of relief than anything when I held her for the first time.

Healthy little girl!

Adelaide Esther Maughan

I did tear, (TMI, maybe) so aside from being tender where that happened, recovery has been really smooth.  I was amazed at how good I felt (again, relatively) so quickly after she was born.

View from the hospital room.  Isn't it gorgeous?!

They were only able to get one dose of the antibiotics in me before she was born, which wasn't as much as they wanted.  But she is healthy!  And so far has been unaffected by Group B Strep.

Calder's first time meeting his baby sister.  We all adore her!

 Just like always, timing ended up being perfect. We were released from the hospital on Wednesday, and were able to pick up my mom that night.

Going home!

She is such a sweet little girl!  We feel so blessed and are so grateful that she is part of our family!

First new family picture!