Birth Story

We were admitted to St. Margaret's Women's Pavilion, part of St. Elizabeth's Hospital at 7:15 a.m. on July 11 for an induction in room 1704-P. We started the Pitocin drip at a low level then gradually the amount was increased until 3 p.m. that day, then stopped at 5:30.
At the start, I was 1 cm dilated and 40% effaced. By the end of the day, little progress had been made. In fact, I only turned 60% effaced with the baby dropped to -2 (on a scale that starts from -3 to 5). Apparently, it wasn't his time to be born! Towards the end of the day, contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and lasted 50-60 seconds in duration. As Alex said to Dr. Falzon, "She is way too comfortable." And I was! I found it difficult to concentrate to read but wasn't in any real pain at all. Dr. Falzon came in and offered to perform a cesarean section *that evening*! It was a shock to me, I just wanted to 'sleep on it'. I got to bed (the uncomfortable delivery table bed) at 11 p.m. w/the help of Benadryl. I was still up every hour to go to the bathroom (nothing new there- baby takes up all that bladder space!)
The next day, Dr. advised I be ready promptly at 6 a.m. for the Pitocin. I awoke with a start at 5:38 and paged the nurse. She came in and wouldn't start the drip because baby was asleep! I was concerned Alex wasn't awake either (he wasn't answering his phone!) so I had Aunt Carol ring our super-loud doorbell to wake him up (hehehehe). The nurse gave me some cranberry juice (mind you, I was not allowed to eat while on the drip) and that got the baby going. As soon as baby was awake, so was Daddy, who called very apologetically and arrived soon thereafter. The pitocin was finally started at 6:58 (btw, I took notes, lol~). Around two hours later, Dr. came in to examine me and no progess had been made, even though the amount of Pitocin had been increased at a more rapid rate. We discussed the options and decided to proceed with a c-section. Things soon became a bit frenzied as an opening in the operating room was available and all the doctors/assistants were gathered in place. I had met with the anesthesiologist, Dr. Parent, the day before and signed consent paperwork so we were ready to go.

Exactly 1 hour before delivery! Dad suited up and ready to go.
He was giving that expression, "Nooo, don't take my picturrre."


One last look at the belly. The monitor on top detected contractions and baby movements and lower one, baby's heart beat. The nurse inserted a catheter which was not as bad as I imagined. At first afraid to "go pee" until I was comfortable knowing it wouldn't end up anywhere but down the tube. If only I had one of these the last few months of my pregnancy!
Dad had to wait outside the o.r. for a half hour while they prepped me and administered the spinal injection. I was on my side and they numbed the injection site with a Novocaine shot. Then a few moments later (performed by a resident student, Anna with Dr. Parent's guidance) the spinal shot was given. It took effect, starting with my feet all the way to under my arms almost immediately. They did sensation tests 3 minutes later to make sure it was in full swing. An anti-nausea shot was given in my left leg (I wasn't nauseous, just a precaution).
Then Alex was allowed in. His was visibly shook up; I reassured him I was fine. They put up a screen to block my and his viewing of the gore. The only gross sound effects were suctioning noises. As soon as he was "revealed" (he wasn't pulled out yet) he started crying!

He's here! Dad was brave enough to capture this shot. Dr Falzon is seen holding him. Arrived at 10:55 a.m. (there was someone "official sounding" who announced it).
As soon as I saw him, sure enough, my eyes welled up in tears so much that I couldn't see well! Figures. He was in my view as they cleaned him up but I was annoyed that my neck was getting achy from craning over to look. My main concern was getting him on the breast ASAP!
8lb 4oz :The ultrasound was quite accurate! (I'll have to collect the bet winnings from Alex;)
His Apgar score was a 9 (scale of 0-10) and bilrubin, an 8. Pediatrician Dr. James said "Adults have that score. You don't have to worry about jaundice."
He was weighed at 2 hours old, after he had his first meal (12:15-12:45, both sides).

Happy 38th Anniversary!

My parents couldn't have had a better anniversary gift (besides the pontoon boat lol~).
I called Mom at work and informed of the pending c-section...she headed home and then they made the 3hr drive down from Maine, all in the same day!

Tevukas was the first to arrive, in fact, before we were even wheeled downstairs to our room.
He visited us most often; he is a very proud grandfather!

Nana Bucell arrived with Alex's brother, Michael. She is so pleased everyone is doing well.

Michael came back again with cousin June, who was enamored (and she kept patting my now empty belly, like "good job, Auntie").

Wendy, Matt and Vivien made a day trip on Sunday, the day before we got out.

Here, Vivien checks out her future "partner-in-crime".
They are, to the day, 11 months apart.
After seeing her, I am reminded as a documenting mom, that the first year goes by fast!

Maureen was able to come visit and spend some quality time with us on our last day in the hospital. We shared Nurse Ratchet stories (a couple of the night nurses were NASTY!).

I regret not taking photos of all family and visitors who came in to see us.
In addition to family, we were visited by Rachel Jacobs, David Vaughn, Diane Sheridan, Sarah Coella, Kerri Curran and Sophia Romano, who all came bearing wonderful gifts of flowers, cookies, stuffed animals and baby clothes. Funniest was the swim diaper/sunblock gift (Sophia wants me to get him on the boat ASAP!).

All in all, the majority of nurses were excellent. Kudos to Sherry who helped with feeding guidance and also to Daphney who was so sincere and helpful. She was the one who walked us out when we left.
I will be going back in a few weeks to join a weekly mother's group led by the lactation consultant, Patty. I met with her Monday, when we left (though Friday would have been a lot better, before I got sore from improper positioning!).

Named Andrew after Grandpa (Andrew George Gockel).
Middle name Charles after Dad (Alexander Charles Bucell)
and Tevukas (Lithuanian for "Grandpa", Michael Charles Bucell).
My pain was minimal (I could press the "magic" button when it hurt).
Truly an amazing experience, to see a creature so well-developed that came from "in there"! It was such an easy birth experience (despite my original thought that having a c-section was a no-no). Now, I don't think I would've wanted it any other way!

Close-up at 2 days old.

He did this during one of his recent ultrasounds!

Too cute.

Daddy checks on him often.

Combing Andrew's strawberry-blonde hair. He has Dad's sideburns! Other inherited features are yet to be determined. Large hands & feet (Mom's?).