Meeting Layla

My doctor called me on the morning of Monday, October 8 and wanted me to come in.  I found out we would be having a baby on Wednesday, October 10!  It was a very emotional and scary two days but Robert and I knew it was best to get our sweet girl here.  We arrived at the hospital at 6:00 am on 10/10/12.  My doctor gave me the option of induction or c-section and I opted for the induction.  I was already 2 cm dilated and halfway thinned.  Layla was monitored the whole time to make sure she tolerated delivery well.  Everything went great - the worst part was almost passing out (even though I was lying down) while getting my IV and the catheter (most annoying thing ever) after the epidural.  The pitocin was started at 8:00 and she went ahead and broke my water.  The contractions started right away, but I handled them fine until a little after 11:00.  I requested the epidural and received it a little after lunchtime.  By then, there was lots of pressure "down there" and I went from 4 cm to 9 cm quickly.  Once my nurse realized I was at 9 cm, it was like the room filled up with hospital people.  It was time to have a baby!  I slightly freaked out but Robert was amazing and never left my side.  I don't even know how long I had to push but I know I gave it all I had.  I didn't want Layla to be stuck in the birth canal long - yes, that was my thoughts as I was having a baby!  Then, there she was - 4 lb 1 oz of the most perfect little girl!

Last pregnant picture 

Perfect little angel 

Mom's first hold 

First family photo

Layla Grace Lee

October 10, 2012  2:24 p.m.

4 lb. 1 oz.  16 inches

Once she was born, they performed all the checks on her and cleaned her up.  She had a renal ultrasound and echocardiogram right after birth too.  Once all that was done (about two hours later), Robert dressed her and we got to hold our sweet girl.  The pediatrician came to visit and everything looked good.  She never had to leave our room!  About 9:00, a nurse from the NICU came in to get another blood sample.  Her first CBC showed very low platelet levels and the doctor wanted someone from the NICU to take another sample.  Those results came back as very low as well.  That's when the night went downhill.  The nenonatologist came to the room and said they would be taking her to the NICU and performing a blood transfusion.  He also said he wanted to transfer (via helicopter) her to UMC so she would have access to a pediatric urologist, cardiologist and hematologist all at one location.  Close to midnight, they took Layla away to the NICU.  Robert and I went to visit and then were sentenced (that's what it felt like) back to our hospital room for sleep.  I have no idea how anyone thought we could sleep.  I opted for no sleep aid medicine because I wanted to be alert the next morning.  Early the next morning we found out that she would be transported via ground instead of helicopter.  Thankfully, my doctor released me to allow me to go to Jackson.  She gave Robert strict orders to make me rest and use a wheelchair.  We went to visit Layla again and the UMC transport team was there.  The transport nurse was wonderful and promised to call as soon as they arrived - which she did.  They took Layla away (seriously, one of the hardest things for a mom to go through) and Robert and I packed up the hospital room and went home to pack for Jackson.