While each of you has your own unique birth story to tell, yours comes at a time like no other. Someday you will hear all about the pandemic of 2020. You will always know how strong you are because you joined this world during unprecedented times. It was mid-March before you were born when it really all started in this part of the world. On March 17, Daddy and I were on our way home from work together. I received a text on our way home that said there were news crews all over campus. Later that evening, we found out that UWM had made the decision to close campus early and extend spring break a week due to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. It was days later that the governor made the decision to close all schools and issued a stay at home order. At the time, we thought it would equate to just an extended spring break. But the closures became 'indefinite' and eventually school was closed for the rest of the school year. Extreme social distancing measures were put into place as the virus was spreading rapidly. We were told the elderly and expecting mothers were high risk if they were to contract the virus. At the time, very little was known about the virus and being pregnant at this time was incredibly frightening as we didn't know how it would affect me or you if I were to ever get the virus. I lived in fear day in and day out.
On March 17, our family went into a strict self quarantine. I didn't go anywhere, other than a couple of prenatal appointments. We ordered everything online. If there was an errand to run, like a Target drive up, we wore masks and gloves. I worked from home for six weeks and home schooled Ari and Elle along the way. Nonee and Papou also went into quarantine with us as they had offered to care for Ari, Elle and Leo looking ahead when it would be time to deliver. They understood in order to do so, they also needed to quarantine themselves so they would not contract the virus and possibly pass it on to one of us.
Protocols and preventative measures were changing by the day. On Thursday (4/23) morning I had a virtual visit with Dr. Powell. She asked how I was doing and I said I was ready and finally had allowed myself to let go of the covid fear (day before your scheduled c-section). She then informed me that one of the hospital's procedures had changed. Upon arrival at the hospital for my c-section, I would need to be tested for the virus. She went over all the 'what if's' with me, specifically what would happen if I did have the virus (asymptomatic), which meant I would need to be isolated from you. The thought of being separated from you was more than I could handle. Thinking about being apart from you was just too much to bear, even though I knew it would be best measure to protect you.
I didn't sleep an ounce the night before my c-section. I laid in bed just so anxious waiting for the alarm to sound at 2:45 a.m. Finally it went off! I got out of bed, made sure everything was prepped for the kids' online school that day, stripped the sheets, curled my hair, took a belly shot, and added some last minute things to my overnight bag. Daddy got up at 3:45 to shower. We were out of the house just after 4 a.m. We arrived at the hospital and had front row parking in the parking garage across the street.
3:30 a.m.
Parking garage
On the way in, Daddy and I made sure to stop to follow our tradition and stop at our usual spot to take one last belly picture.
Last ever belly shot
At this time, Dr. Powell spent a few more minutes working on me to remove my tubes. We knew you would be our last baby, the miraculous one to complete our family. About 15 minutes later, I was all sewed up and we were wheeled to the recovery room. Daddy was now holding you. I wanted to very badly, but I was still too dizzy and light headed from all the anesthesia. Since the anesthesiologist knew they would be working on me a bit longer, due to it being my 4th c-section in addition to have my tubes removed, she had doubled the dose of anesthesia and I was feeling it. I eventually started feeling better and Daddy handed you over to me. I immediately put you on the breast to nurse and what a champ at nursing you were. You instantly had such a strong latch and again I felt relief. Our nursing chapter was off to an amazing start.
We checked in at the main entrance of the hospital. Both Daddy and I had our initial screenings where a nurse asked us a series of questions related to covid and took our temperatures. From there, we went up to the 2nd floor to check in at Labor & Delivery. I was taken into a post operating recovery room where I would stay until the actual surgery. Two nurses came in and asked me a series of questions and prepped me for the surgery. At this time, I was tested for the virus. The test itself was a nose swab, which the nurse inserted up both of my nostrils. I don't mean to be over dramatic here, but this test was the most painful part of the day. Physically painful and then emotionally painful as we waited for about an hour for the results. While waiting, the nurse that would remain with me during the surgery arrived. Her name was also Christie, even spelled the same way. The results from the test came back through the online portal. When the nurse announced it had came back negative, all the nurses celebrated. Of course they were relieved I didn't have covid, but even more so they were excited that they did not have to wear their full gear (extra protective clothing and N95 masks) for the surgery.
It wasn't much longer before Dr. Powell and the anesthesiologist arrived. They went over the details of the surgery with me. Since this was my 4th c-section, I had grown accustomed to the protocols in place for the surgery and knew what to expect. It was now time. I was wheeled back to the operating room. I was holding back the tears, holding in so many different emotions. I was scared as this was the only part of the day I had to be alone. When they first took me back to administer the spinal, Daddy couldn't be with me. He had to wait in the holding room until I was all prepped and the surgery was ready to begin. The nurses transferred me to the operating table and attempted to distract me while the anesthesiologist administered the spinal. The spinal went smoothly and it seemed as though it was just a matter of minutes before my whole lower body went numb. It became difficult to breathe, which heightened my anxiety. Dr. Powell stood by my side and explained to me what I was feeling was normal after the spinal and that it would just take some time for my body to adjust. She reassured me all my vitals were normal and that everything was okay. At this point, Daddy was allowed to come in. Dr. Powell did a final skin test to make sure I wasn't able to feel anything and it was time.
The surgery started. It seemed like maybe three to four minutes went by and Dr. Powell said, "Okay Christie, we're getting close here." I couldn't believe it. I had anticipated this moment for so long and now here it was...happening real time. Dr. Powell pulled you out and held you right in front of the transparent shade for us to marvel over you. You were beautiful. Dr. Powell spoke of your dark hair and your curiosity trying to figure things out. They took you over to a nurses station, which was parallel to where I was laying. I was able to watch the nurses clean you up and help clear out your lungs. You had such a healthy cry, soothing music to my ears, bringing me such immense feelings of relief. You were here. You were safe. You were healthy. You were born Friday, April 24th, 2020 at 8:14 a.m. You were 8 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches long. We Facetimed your siblings from the operating room. They were so excited to meet you (virtually) for the first time!
The surgery started. It seemed like maybe three to four minutes went by and Dr. Powell said, "Okay Christie, we're getting close here." I couldn't believe it. I had anticipated this moment for so long and now here it was...happening real time. Dr. Powell pulled you out and held you right in front of the transparent shade for us to marvel over you. You were beautiful. Dr. Powell spoke of your dark hair and your curiosity trying to figure things out. They took you over to a nurses station, which was parallel to where I was laying. I was able to watch the nurses clean you up and help clear out your lungs. You had such a healthy cry, soothing music to my ears, bringing me such immense feelings of relief. You were here. You were safe. You were healthy. You were born Friday, April 24th, 2020 at 8:14 a.m. You were 8 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches long. We Facetimed your siblings from the operating room. They were so excited to meet you (virtually) for the first time!
We called each family member to share your name, Andromeda Jude. We knew we wanted a strong name for you, since you were completing our family. Early on in the pregnancy, we found Andromeda and after that point no other name seemed to fit you. There are a handful of meanings for this name including: to be mindful of, advising like a man, and ruler of men. My heart connects with the meaning "to be mindful of". I see you always being mindful of others feelings and having an innate ability to connect with others. We also personally liked the names connection to Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Andromeda was a princess rescued from sacrifice. A constellation in the northern sky was named for her. I see the constellation tied to your grandfather, Bruce, as he watches over you from heaven. We chose your middle name "Jude" to not only honor your grandmother, Judith, but also to remember your Grandpa Bruce as that is what he always called your grandma.
Sunday morning arrived and we were still undecided if we were going to go home or stay another night. We waited for your bilirubin results to come back and they indicated you were in the low at risk range. The pediatrician stopped to visit and said she would feel comfortable with you going home, if that is what we decided. Gosh, we went back and forth so many times. We looked out the window and it was such a gorgeous day outside. We looked at each other and said, "Let's go home." We called Nonee, Papou and your siblings to tell them the news and they were ecstatic that we would be home later that day. Ari, Elle and Leo were so incredibly excited to meet you!
We packed up and our favorite nurse (Kim) came in to go over the discharge paperwork. Since this was #4, she went through everything pretty quickly, as in a matter of minutes. We waited a few minutes for another nurse to come and wheel us out. Daddy pulled up and we were on our way home!
As we pulled into the cul du sac, we saw Nonee, Papou, Ari Elle, Leo and Buckwheat standing at the end of the driveway holding signs. There were balloons tied to our light posts at the end of the driveway. Our neighbors were also outside holding balloons and signs that read, "Welcome Home Meda". The sun was shining. The green grass was illuminated. Our house looked perfect. This was the homecoming we had always dreamt of as this is our forever home. We pulled in and your siblings immediately crawled in the vehicle to hover over you and say hello. We all came inside. Daddy took you out of your car seat and all your siblings took turns holding you. It was now time to nurse. Papou went outside and started a bonfire. When I was done nursing you, we all went outside and sat around the fire. I pulled out my chair a bit further from the fire, in the sunshine. I was so content snuggling you, just so happy to be home.
Your birth story is incredibly unique. When I first became pregnant with you, I never could have predicted what the world would look like by the time you were born. We did it! You and I, sweet girl. We did it.
Love you always,
Mommy
