Meeting Family and Friends At The Hospital

Once Gabbie was here, I got to hold her as I was wheeled down to my room.  This was the first time I got to hold her and I didn't want to let go.  When we got to the room, I knew that we would have a room full of people pretty quick.  Boy was that an understatement as there were nurses in there checking on me, checking on Gabbie, and then my family started showing up.  The sad part is that most of this is just a blur to me as I was recovering from the c-section and dealing with the morphine.  The lovely morphine made me itch all over and feel like I was losing my mind. 

Here are some of the pictures from Gabbie meeting the family and some of my closest friends at the hospital.

Proud Dad

Excited Aunt and Uncle

And of course, Gabbie's Cousins

Grandparents that are over the moon happy!

Gabbie and I...I love my daughter and I love saying that!

My amazing and supportive friend Julie

My buddy Connie...I couldn't have done this without her.

My honorary little sis...  :)

My cousin Susan...

My cousin Blair

The Gouldsmiths...amazing and supportive friends

The Hardings...Heather has been there every step of the way!

Gabbie Gempeler

It is Baby Time!  Being wheeled down the hall to the delivery room, I was on edge to say the least, but so excited.  I was keeping it together until we got to the delivery room and the nurse said Chris sit here and we will come get you when we are ready.  It was at that point, that I started to panic and tear up.  They had me get off the gurney and walk into the delivery room where I swear there were 15 people if not more in there.  It is a good thing that I am not modest any more about who sees me.  :)  They had me sit on the edge of the bed for the spinal.  I remember looking at my favorite nurse Pam and saying, I need Chris.  She said I will get you through this.  I told the man I hate needles and don't let me see anything and he said I wouldn't.  Thank God!  I still don't want to know what they stuck in my spine.  My nurse sat there and held me as I held onto a pillow with tears running down my cheeks.  She just stood there and smiled at me and talking to me to keep me calm.  I really don't know what I would have done without her.  I remember feeling something cold on my back and then a huge sticker of some sort that was stuck on my back.  I think not knowing what was going on was good, but bad at this point as the anaesthesiologist had told me some of it, but I really tuned it out as I didn't want to know.  Then came the pain and weird sensations.  I remember the pain and then the stinging and then the cold sensation throughout my body.  The next thing I know people are helping me lay down and get my body situated as my body was numb from my chest down.  Then things really started rolling as I was hooked up to all kind of monitors and people were getting everything ready.  I was laying there thinking where is Chris.  Finally after what seemed like hours, I heard a nurse say can I get the husband.  I was pretty happy to hear that as I was about to lose it.  Next thing I know a curtain was hung up so I couldn't see and then Chris came in.  I felt like I was strapped down to a cross as I couldn't move.  The oxygen in my nose was about to drive me nuts.  When Chris sat down next to me, I just looked at him with tears and he looked at me with a concerned look like what is going on.  I wanted nothing more than for him to hold my hand, but he couldn't.  Pretty soon my doctor asked if I could feel something and I couldn't so they got started.  At this point I am guessing it is like 7:55am.  I have to say I felt more than I thought I would that is for sure.  You felt pulling and some of the weirdest sensations in the world.  I heard my water break and them sucking it out.  Then my doctor mentioned that when I felt like someone was sitting on my chest, Gabbie was coming.  Not too much later, I felt like someone was seriously sitting on my chest.  I looked at Chris and said she is coming, I feel it.  Then I hear my doctor say, we have a head.  Then she said, Chris do you want to look, he said no.  :)  Next thing I know, I heard the greatest noise in the world, I heard my daughter crying.  I immediately had tears running down my face as I just realized that I am a mom finally.  I knew that they were taking Gabbie to the warmer and I told Chris to go to her.  He looked at me and was like are you sure and I said yes.  I wish he could have stayed with me, but there was no way I wanted her over there by herself and I wanted pictures.  Here is our beautiful daughter.

Gabbie was born at 8:07 on February 21st.  She weighed 7lbs and 15ounces.  She was 20.25 inches long.

I remember lying there and just crying as I couldn't see her, but I knew Chris was with her.  I was feeling sick and nauseous to say the least as things continued.  My blood pressure dropped and I was wishing that someone was by my head comforting me, but before long, I heard my doctor tell me that they were putting my guts back in and finishing up.  Thank God!  I knew that Chris was probably just about to faint hearing that and I was a little sick over the news, but I knew I was closer to getting to meet my doctor.  I heard a nurse say across the room, Becky Chris is about to bring her over to you.  My emotions picked up even more as I knew I would finally get to see our miracle.  I will never forget seeing Chris walk across the room to me with Gabbie.  He was so happy.  I couldn't see his mouth, but I could see that he was just smiling in his eyes.  He laid Gabbie on my chest so I could touch her.  What an amazing feeling to finally have my daughter here with us.  Here is a few more pictures. 

It's Go Time: February 21st, Gabbie Is Coming!

The day is finally here for us to becoming parents!  7 long years of trying and fertility treatment and we are finally going to be able to hold our actual baby in our arms!  When I sit and reflect back on this journey I have done things that I never thought I could.  Who would have thought I could do multiple injections a day for months at a time.  Unreal!  This journey has been hard and emotional, but it has brought Chris and I together closer than ever.  Even the heartache along the way of losing babies has taught us to not take anything for granted.  Today we would get to meet our daughter and have the end result we had dreamed of for so long.

That morning I was in tears and honestly I don't know how we got to the hospital as I was shaking with nervousness and anxiousness.  Chris was trying to act calm, but I knew he was feeling the same way that was for sure.  The whole way to the hospital at 5am, neither of us really said anything.  Actually I think we argued some on the way, but that is normal when I am on edge.  When we got there, we had no idea what was going to happen next, but I would have rather have not known then known and worried more.

We were taken down the hall to a huge hospital room.  I had been admitted there before and thought the rooms were big, but this room was huge.  Once I got in there, a nurse came in with lots of instructions.  Before I knew it I had scrubbed up and in bed.  Chris sat on the other side of the room watching television as various people came in and started poking me.  Of course the IV was a disaster and I was so sick at my stomach and my blood pressure dropped.  Good times.  Meanwhile another nurse was doing a "fun" job, another nurse taking my blood to check my blood type in case of a transfusion, another nurse was checking my vitals, another nurse was with Chris giving him his scrubs, etc.  I was just laying there going what did I get myself into.  A little bit later my mom showed up and was excited which helped me some, but I am sure that this picture says it all on how I was feeling.

From here, more people came in including Dr. Leverett, an anaesthesiologist, and more nurses.  By this time my dad was there and it was a big party in my room.  I was so scared by this point that I just wanted her to magically get here.  I go have to say that once my nurse, Pam, got there, I was a bit better as her excitement and reassurance really helped me.  Before long, I was being wheeled down the hall to the delivery room and there was no turning back now.

Last Night of Just the Two of Us: February 20th

Wow...this was our last night just the two of us before we really become a family.  I was a ball of nerves to say the least.  I had spent the day with my mom tying up lose ends to make sure that I had everything ready for Gabbie's arrival.  There were lots of little things that I needed to buy and honestly I just needed my mom by my side reassuring me.  I remember people wanting to tell me what to expect with a c-section, but I didn't want to know.  Sometimes it is better to just go in and let it all happen.  :)  On this whole day I just kept thinking there is no way that there is really a baby inside me that is coming out.  It just didn't seem real.  That night we all went to my brother's house for dinner.  Chris had to work as he was putting in crazy hours so he didn't have to waste a bunch of vacation hours that week.  I hated that he wasn't there and we didn't get to spend some quality time together, but was glad that he would be with Gabbie and I when the time was right.  Dinner was so nice and spending time with my family is just what I needed.  My nieces were cracking me up and my little 2 year old niece just kept touching my tummy asking when Gabbie was coming out to play.  I remember back to months earlier when she would lift my shirt up and look at my belly button saying it was broken.  What a long road this was, but it was so worth the wait that was for sure. 

When I got home that night Chris and I just didn't know what to say or do as we both were getting nervous.  I was a huge ball of emotions and just kept crying.  Damn my hormones!  We just kept walking into her room and realizing that the next day she would be here.  All of the years of heartache and disappointment to finally have our miracle here.  Unreal.  We are so thankful to God for leading us on this long journey to our child.  In just a few hours, we are going to be parents!  Do you think either of us slept that night?  NOPE!  Chris got up at 2:30 in the morning to go to the gym to get a work out in.  He said that this reminded him of Christmas and he needed to get some of his excitement and nervousness out.  :)  Me on the other hand, I just tossed and turned as usual because I was nervous, anxious, and of course uncomfortable.

Here is the last picture we took at home of my huge belly.  :)

Few Weeks Leading Up To Gabbie

WOW...I haven't written in over a month...  The whole month of February is a complete blur to me as I was going to the doctor and/or hospital 6 times a week.  My doctor was very concerned about how Gabbie wasn't moving in the womb the way she should and how she wouldn't pass her breathing test when doing the BIO's Physical Profile Ultrasound.  More or less, I would go to St. Lukes East Hospital and be hooked up to monitors for an hour or longer to check her heartrate, movement, and my contractions.  One of my favorite nurses Pam finally figured out that they needed to stimulate my belly with a wand to try to wake up Gabbie and force movement.  I hated that we had to do this, but it seemed to do the trick most of the time as she would start finally moving.  Sometimes they would just have to shock my belly once, but a lot of times it would take two times to get her moving.  The nurses would look for accelerations in her movement that would count as a passing score.  I can't tell you how many times we failed this test and would be sent to another part of the hospital for an ultrasound to monitor movement.  They would look for spinal movement, actual movement of fingers and or legs, measure the amniotic fluid, and then check for breathing.  She had 30 minutes to pass all of these skills and guess what, she would never pass.  Each time I would leave, my heart would be broken to say the least.  Finally on February 10th, she passed her breathing test!  Seeing her little lungs move, brought me to tears.  Or course, this was an appointment that Chris couldn't be there for and he missed it.  I was hoping that it just wasn't a fluke and at the next BIO's Ultrasound, she would pass again.  I finally started allowing myself to get a bit excited about Gabbie's arrival!  When I went to my weekly doctor's appointment after the scan, I found out that I was going to be having a c-section on February 21st if not sooner.  :)  Little Gabbie was definitely starting to become more and more real with each hour!  Finally my mom and I were getting excited and little did we know, that we would have one more little scare that just leveled me.  I had appointments on February 14th, 16th, and 17th.  The 17th was supposed to be my last appointment before having Gabbie, but that didn't happen.  We went on the 16th to iron out all of the details for my c-section.  I had never felt so nervous and that she was really coming as I did on that day.  Chris and I just sat there as Dr. Leverett explained a few things to us.  When we left there, we both were excited and nervous.  I really felt like everything was going to be ok and we were just going to have a large baby.  When I went on the 17th to the hospital for my usual round of tests, Gabbie was moving and cooperating a lot which had me thinking I would be getting out of there quick to meet Chris for lunch just the two of us for the last time.  When one of the nurses came in she informed me that I wouldn't be going home just yet as Gabbie's heartrate was way to fast.  My heartrate was registering in the 180s with the lows in the 170s.  The dr that was at the hospital said to call me in a lunch and plan on staying for a few hours to be monitored.  I just wanted to cry.  I remember calling Chris just in tears saying seriously, when is it ok to think that everything is just fine with Gabbie.  Argh...  There hasn't been a dull moment in this pregnancy that is for sure.  Finally after a few more hours of monitoring her heartrate did come down some and out of the 180s, but there was still concern which meant another appointment the next day at the hospital to run tests.  Seriously!  I just wanted to cry and did when I got to the car.  My mom and I went the next day for tests and her heartrate was back on track.  Huge sigh of relief.  Only three more days and I am going to be a mom!

FULL TERM!

We are FULL TERM today!  I can't believe that I am 37 weeks today and that close to finally being a MOM!  Today when I woke up, I woke up with the biggest smile and tears in my eyes.  My dream that has felt just within reach for so long, is about to really and truly come true.  We are ready to meet Miss Gabbie and complete our family.  Her nursery is ready for her to come too.  Now the rest of my house is a different story, but we are slowly making a dent in the mess and projects.  Chris is a machine!

The other day I sat down and read my blog all the way back to 2009 when I first started writing about my infertility and I just sobbed.  The one thing that I have learned through this journey is that I am a far stronger woman than I ever thought I was.  I still can't believe some of the things that I have done and been through on this journey.  Who would have thought this girl could have multiple injections through out the day and even given myself a few of them!  Seriously...I did that.  Who would have thought I could have emergency surgery, egg retrieval, endless amount of blood draws, 100's of injections, etc.  WOW!  I am really proud of myself and of Chris as this road has been more than rocky, but we faced it together and made our relationship even stronger!  I am lucky to be married to my best friend!

This pregnancy has definitely not been easy and right now is no exception as I am still on bedrest and going to the doctor more than ever.  My doctor has been amazing through all of this.  We have been checking off little milestones along this journey and today is a huge milestone that we get to check off.  When I think back to the beginning when we were having twins, to triplets, to one, to twins again, to losing one of the twins, it has been nuts to say the least.  I have cried probably more than smile that is for sure.  Like I said reality hadn't hit back then and I was still waiting for someone to take it all away.  Even though we are 37 weeks, it still isn't real to be honest with you.  My doctor said she can't wait to make it really real when she puts that baby in my arms.  I can't wait!

Our plan right now is this...  I am going to the doctor or hospital at least 6 times a week right now.  The doctor is really monitoring things and making sure that we don't miss a thing.  She is concerned that Miss Gabbie hasn't passed the BIOS Physical Profile test.  She has passed almost all of it except for the 30 seconds of practice breathing.  The first time we had it done, the doctor wasn't as worried as we were barely 34 weeks, but now that we are further along she should be passing this test.  I have to go for this test at least once a week if not more.  I am still having nonstress tests two times a week to check on her movement.  Miss Gabbie is still not moving as much as she should which is concerning.  As I am writing this, I am trying to see if I feel her move for her little kick test this morning.  I have a feeling that she is asleep.  She is definitely hard headed.  When we go for these nonstress tests, if she doesn't pass them, then we will be sent down for an ultrasound immediately which will get us admitted to the hospital yet again and plans will change.  I have another ultrasound tomorrow to measure Gabbie.  The doctor is concerned about her size right now as she doesn't think she is going to be able to just come and we are really looking at a c-section.  The doctor says my pelvis is the size of a child's which is just going to complicate matters.  I guess we will see what this ultrasound shows tomorrow for a final plan.  The plan right now is that I am going to deliver at 39 weeks either by induction or c-section.  We are going to do it on a day that my doctor is on call as I really want her to deliver her as she deserves too with all of the love and support she has given us.  On top of all of these weekly tests, I still have my weekly appointment with Dr. Leverett to check on things.  She told me she isn't even going to check for dilation and effacement as I have been having contractions since November.  I have to say I was more than thrilled to hear this as I HATE being checked.  :)

Alright so ending this post with life is amazing, God is amazing, and we are so thankful for all of the love and support that we have received on our very long journey!  We couldn't have done this without you!!!     

Another Scare And In The Hospital Again! 35 Weeks!

Gabbie wasn't moving much over the weekend and I actually followed my gut instinct and called the dr. They said I needed to come immediately for a non-stress test. I was nervous as I thought things were fine as I would check her heartbeat at home with the doppler, but I guess her not moving can mean other things. Once there she didn't move much as I was hooked up to the monitors and caused my dr to worry. They watched for movement for about 2 hours or longer. I was then taken for an ultrasound for a BIOS test.  There were different criteria that she had to pass to pass the test and she had only 30 minutes to complete the test. One was three basic body movements including arching of the spine, reflex movements, measure amniotic fluid, and then 30 secs of practice breathing. We failed the movement and breathing which scored us a 6 out of 10. I was then admitted to the hospital to watch her overnight and redo the test today. In the mean time, I had lots of contractions last night to the point they gave me meds to stop them. I noticed being hooked up to all of the monitors watching her heartbeat, contractions, and movement that when I would have a harder contraction, that her heartbeat would drop. I didn't sleep at all with everything and staring at the monitors. Then on top of that my alarm went off as I moved wrong which showed her heartbeat dropping. Good times. This morning we passed the movement part of the test, but not the breathing again. I was just sick laying there watching the ultrasound screen and not seeing her diaphragm move. After we got done I just started crying as the day before my doctor said that if she didn't pass the test we would be having a baby that day and a perineatologist would be called in to assist. I also knew that meant an amniocentesis which I know is deadly in some cases. :( To our dismay when we got back up to my hospital room, the dr let me come home, but being seen daily just about for appointments more or less. I have non stress tests every other day at the hospital to watch her movement as they are still worried. If she doesn't move the way that they like, then we have the BIOS test again. They were going to call in a perin and just deliver her today, but we are going to hope that she will stay put and get a bit bigger. THANK GOD! She is about 5 1/2 lbs though. They are having me go off the contraction meds as they think Gabbie is telling us that she needs to come with all of these contractions. If I have 8 or more contractions in an hour, we are to go in immediately. I am completely and totally overwhelmed with information and not sure what to do. They are worried about her lungs too still, but no reason to do the amnio as they can't do anything really until she comes. The nurse did take us down to the NICU and showed us that area just in case. I was very impressed with what I saw and it was just opened up so everything was gorgeous, private rooms, brand new equipment, and more. We are hoping we won't need any of that, but it is nice to know that it is there in case we do. So we just sit and wait, count kick counts, count contractions, etc. Yes, I am stressed if you can't tell.... I would love for life to be easy. LOL... So, where does this leave us, who knows?  Right now we are just asking for lots of prayers for our little miracle.  I am going to end this with my favorite part of the ultrasound which was of course seeing our princess again.  She has lots of hair already which explains my indigestion.  I love her so much and I am so ready to meet her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!