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October 8, 2003
10-8-03
Wow, what a week it has been for us.
Owen Thomas Offutt
Born on September 30, 2003 - 9:16 am (7 days early)
8 pounds 8 ounces
20 inches long
This is the story (fairly uneventful)...we arrive at the hospital at 6:15 am on Tuesday the 30th. I put on the lovely hospital gown and the nurse strapped me up to some monitors. One showed any contractions (I was having some) and the other monitored the baby's heartbeat. Ron and I chatted alone for a while. Then the nurse came to give me an IV in my right arm. She dug around for a vein for about 3 or 4 minutes. It hurt alot. She couldn't get it so she had to go to the hand. It took another 3 or 4 minutes and that hurt a whole lot too. When she finally had the vein she taped it like I've never seen anyone tape something. This thing was not going to move or come out under any circumstances. I told her to make sure it didn't slep because she seemed unsure that it was going to work. Hmmm, it made me wonder how long she'd been a nurse. But, she was really nice. 7:30 am - I was supposed to have the surgery. They finally wheeled me down to the pre-op room about 8:15 or 8:30. I waited in there with Ron and my sister for a while. Then they took me in the OR. I was asked to sit up for the spinal and when I did I noticed it was 8:45. I told the guy, "Oh gosh, everyone is expecting a call around 9 am for the good news." He put in the needle for the local anesthetic which burned, but not nearly as bad as the IV. Then I could barely feel the spinal needle - WALK IN THE PARK! This was easy! By the time I laid back down, my toes were getting numb. They did a few tests of poking me and finally they were ready to go. They had the blue sheet in front of me and I couldn't see anything. I smelled burning and realized the doc had already started and was cauterizing. I thought, "this is too easy." Then I head the woosh of water splashing all over the floor. Then I heard Ron say, "I see his head, he has long eyelashes." When the doc then pulled him out, I felt a relief like no other. The pressure released from my lungs and body made me feel new again. I could breathe like a human being again - wow! I then heard my sister say "He's so big. He's beautiful." I looked to my left and I could see them lay him down. I think I cried a few tears. Owen was covered in Vernix (I think that's what it is called). I didn't get to touch him. His APGARS were 8 and 9. The doc did a few things and said they had to take him upstairs and warm him up. So, Ron went with them and MJ stayed with me, but only for a minute. Someone told me at some point that he was 8 lbs 8 oz. I don't remember who or when. But, I kept asking if anyone knew how big he was.
When done, I was taken to the recovery room. I got the shakes real bad. All I wanted to do was go upstairs to see Ron and my son. Then the nurse in recovery looked at my chart and said " so you had your tubes tied too?" She was the 3rd or 4th person to say that. Apparently it was on my chart and I don't know why. But, when I was in the OR, I asked my doc to make sure he knew NOT to tie my tubes. He knew not to but mysteriously it was on my charts. I can't imagine what I would've done. But, I knew the doctor knew what I wanted. It was just strange. I think around 11 or 11:30 I was wheeled back up to my room. It was about another 15 minutes and the shakes finally stopped. I begged for food but they wouldn't give me any. I think that whole day I had a cup of apple juice and two popsicles and lots of ice water. Anyway, Owen was in the room under a warmer. What a cutie. The first thing I noticed was how big his chest was. I don't know if it's bigger than any other, but I remember noticing that. He was real pale, but still had some vernix on him. I finally got to hold him.
My mom and SIL showed up bearing gifts. They held him and ooohed and ahhhed. Life was good. The drugs they gave me via IV were doing a good job and I liked them. I felt real great for the most part. Ron came back later in the day with G. G brought a gift and Owen gave G a gift. G even brought a clean goochy for Owen. He was a very proud big brother. At one point Ron went to pick Owen up and G said "That's Mommy's baby." I told G it was OK and he then turned to Ron and said "be careful daddy."
Wednesday, I was able to eat starting at breakfast. They had taken the IV out at 4 am. I ordered a ton of food. It was delivered at 6:30 am and it couldn't have been soon enough. Ron came over for lunch. Ron also brought me a blizzard from DQ around 4 - mmmmm! It was a long day. All Owen wanted to do was sleep all day and night at this point. The nurses kept telling me to wake him up to eat. Of course, I had no milk and after attempting the breast, I'd give him a bottle. He'd fall asleep as soon as he had some nip. He still does.
I was released Thursday morning at 10 am. I was so ready to come home. Ron brought G with him.
Things have gone perfect. I feel great. Saturday, we went to see a parade that my brother was in. He's the one running for mayor. They were surprised to see us there. But, I felt good. We ate dinner at my mom's and headed back after a day of "fun." Sunday, some of my family came down and picked up KFC. It was a nice visit and no cooking.
Surprisingly, I've gotten tons of little outfits as gifts. I'm surprised that so many people gave gifts for a second child, especially a second boy.
Sleeping has been tough but it's still more sleep than I was getting the last month I was pg. Owen is getting breast and bottle adn doing great with them. But, I think the formula has made him a gas bomb. This kid passes some nasty gas. We are changing bottle types and trying gas drops to see if that helps.
We are so happy to have our little boy and are glad to see that G loves him so much. He's a great big brother. He's so proud to show him off like we do. Ron has been taking G to daycare which I know now was a great idea. Not only can I watch him at this point alone but it's best for him to be back on his familiar schedule. He is excited to see I am home when he gets home from school.
I am able to drive now and feeling great. I am very happy with everything. Now, the in-laws arrive tonight. ;)
Anne, G and Owen
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