Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Welcome to the World...

Details about yesterday...

Soon after I got to the hospital yesterday morning, Sara's contractions started getting very uncomfortable. The doctor did an exam and she was not dilated. After continuous bleeding for hours yesterday, we had another discussion with the MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) Doctor. Basically, MFMs are the OBs for Complicated Pregnancies. He told us that if the pain got unbearable, or her bleeding got worse (i.e. Sara needing transfusions) they would induce labor. Sara was passing golf ball sized clots every 45-60 minutes throughout the day. I kept asking, "How do you determine when there has been too much blood?" I thought there had been enough!

Around 8:00pm, Sara opted for the epidural. After the needle was in her back, they administered a "test dose" to make sure the needle was placed correctly. All of a sudden, Sara's neck started hurting and they put her on oxygen. Then, Chloe's heart rate plummeted to 60 beats/minute (baseline was 140 beats/minute). The nurse looked at me and in a concerned, elevated voice, said, "Go get a doctor!" Moments later, we were ripping Sara's leads from the wall and RUNNING her bed down the hall to the Operating Room for an emergency C-section. As I was getting dressed in my scrubs, from the other side of the OR door, I heard them say, "Her heartrate is back to 130 and she is stable." Huge sigh of relief...

About this time, another Emergency C-Section tore into the OR with doctors and nurses huffing and puffing from running the hospital bed down the hall. The other lady was more critical and there was some controlled chaos going on as the doctors went back and forth between the 2 operating rooms.

As soon as Sara was prepped and numb, the docs let me come back and watch the C-section. I saw them pull her uterus out and set it on her stomach. Then, there was one more slice and I saw our baby girl. She was blue and not moving or crying. Sara said, "How does she look?" I took a big gulp, and in my most reassuring voice I said, "She looks good." The OB passed her off to the pediatricians from the NICU and they were gone with Chloe. The next few moments were fairly tense as we waited for any news. I asked to go to the NICU, but they told me I had to wait for them to come get me. Within 3 minutes, our nurse came out and said, "She is 4 lbs. 7 oz and has pinked up and is coughing and sneezing." She then took our camera and got some pics of Chloe for us. As they were sewing Sara up, I went and shared the news with our family at the hospital.

Within 30 minutes, I was meeting our baby girl in the NICU.

Meeting Chloe

One of the pediatricians came over and told me that she was doing great and that she was not breathing when they got her out (thus her blue tint). I learned about the APGAR Score last night. Basically, the APGAR test is a test on newborns to see how prepared they are for entry into the world. It is scored on a 1 to 10 scale and the first test is done at 1 minute and the next at 5 minutes after birth. The test checks the baby's Activity, Pulse, Grimace (Reflex), Appearance, and Respiration. At the 1 minute check, Chloe scored a 2 (not good). By the 5 minute check, she was at an 8 (very good). She was on a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine until around 4:00am (to keep her lungs inflated) and was off of all oxygen by 7:15am this morning. She's a fighter!

Soon after Sara was wheeled back upstairs from Surgery Recovery, she got to see Chloe for the first time. Talk about an incredible moment. Our family of 3 was all together...AND HEALTHY!!!

Sara meets Chloe

(Mask on face is CPAP device, IV in right hand, blood pressure cuff on right leg, PulseOx on left foot, Heart Rate cords on belly)

First Family Photo

We got to hold her for the first time this morning. Another incredible moment! We cannot thank you enough for your prayers for us at this special time in our lives. We are forever grateful!

Day 1 - No more oxygen

First time holding Chloe

Chloe Grace...Welcome to the World!

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. --1 Samuel 1:27

22 comments:

Jennifer said...

Such wonderful pictures! Chloe is blessed to have parents like you two! Congrats!

Unknown said...

oh my goodness! I am so happy for you guys. She looks amazing and so do you. What an entrance!! Love you guys, and i can't wait to meet my newest little niece!

D M Dunn said...

She's beautiful and I'm crying and I'm so happy for you both.

Jennifer said...

Praise the Lord! God is SO good!

UNKYBUNCH said...

BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us!! We are so happy for you guys!

Melanie said...

What a beautiful daughter. Life is so good.

Denise said...

Congratulations!!!

jenn rodriguez said...

Congratulations on your newest member...I am so happy that everyone is safe and healthy...continued prayers for the family!
Always,
Jenn (haskins) rodriguez...

Beth said...

I've never posted on your blog before but I have tried to keep up with all your news over the last year or so. I have been praying for you and so thankful that your little miracle baby is here. I met Sara's sister Angie when she lived in CA, that is how I heard about your blog. God is so good! I am amazed at what He continues to do for your family. Sara you are such a stong woman of faith. I'm sure an inspiration to so many people, I know you are to me. What a beautiful testimony He is weaving for all of you. Welcome to Chloe Grace and may the Lord continue to bless you all! There is so much JOY that awaits you as you embark on this new journey as parents. Congratulations!

King Family said...

God is good!

Lisa said...

Praise God! We are rejoicing with you!! She's BEAUTIFUL-just like her mama!

tracy said...

Praise God!! We love you guys!

Tam said...

What a story! Congrats. Your family of 3 looks very happy! Tell Sarah she looks fantastic after having that c-section! I'm sure seeing and holding your baby the first time was amazing! Glad that everyone is healthy! We'll keep praying for you guys!

Soli Deo Gloria said...

What an amazing story. Congratulations and we thank God for such a wonderful baby girl. Your family is an encouragement. May God bless you with rich and fruitful childraising years. Ben and Joy B.

Joel and Angela said...

She's beautiful! All of you are beautiful! Can't wait to meet her and see you!
Angela

Unknown said...

Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! Chloe looks perfect in every way...a special gift from God for you and Sara. Will continue to pray that you all get to go home soon and start your new life together as a family!

Chris Spiker said...

I witnessed Jessica's & Chris' excitement for you all when they happened to check your blog Tuesday night. What wonderful, wonderful news that everyone is doing so well. Life begins anew. I am so happy for you three.

Unknown said...

Dear Sullivans,
Congratulations on a healthly, beautiful little girl. I've not met either one one you, but have followed your story. Your blogs have made me smile and feel sad at times, but this is the one I was waiting for. Your love for one another shows thru your words and Chloe will always benefit from that love and commitment. I look forward to seeing many more family photos. Kelly L. Shinn

Joyce Springle said...

I just saw Kris L today and she told me the good news. I am in tears as I read your account of Chloe's birth. You guys bring out my emotions like no one else. What's the deal? I loved seeing the pictures of little Chloe with you two. Now there are 3. So cool! This is something to celebrate!!! Love to all 3 of you!
Joyce

Jules said...

Welcome to the world Chloe Grace! Congratulations to the three of you. What a blessing your faithfulness has been to so many. Congrats!

Chrissie.Lynne said...

Thank you so much for allowing me to care for you guys and be a part of Chloe's birth.

Lori said...

Bless your heart...a friend of a friend sent me your site...we certainly have different circumstances; I survived the labor process, but we lost our precious IVF miracle 8 hours after he was born (5 weeks ago) and have been grieving. Grief, especially when based in faith, bonds...sadly.

Your story is beautiful, your Sara was an amazing woman and Chloe is such a miracle. I relate to this post so much...in that the verse at the end was plastered all over my blog and at the funeral...and for which we are still grateful.
Continued prayers for your healing.