Luella Florence MacMillan - Sept 4th

Tomorrow my littlest lady, Luella Florence MacMillan, will already be 4 weeks old. I'm so happy to be able to say with all the prepping for worst case scenario which included everything from life insurance to a minimum of 6 weeks of assistance post partum to assist with Alistair if I had a c section let alone a complicated one. This included 16 days of respite, in house nursing support, lining friends up to transport and assist, having my brother and mother on standby for additional support, and the list goes on. So it was lovely to come home and be able to make phone calls to cancel everything I prepped.

So amongst all these pictures I'm going to give you the "birth story" as it is titled these days........ As planned I flew down to Vancouver and left the family at home in PG to be closer to Royal Columbian due to my hemorrhage risk. Which of course stemmed from my history of placenta accreta, which is considered a serious pregnancy condition that occurs when blood vessels and other parts of the placenta grow too deeply into the uterine wall and stay firmly attached following the delivery of a newborn which can result in hemorrhage. The condition can get worse where the placenta grows right through the uterus and into the intestine and/or bladder.

With both kidlets I had to head to the OR to have my placenta surgically removed and I incurred significant blood loss which resulted in getting a blood transfusion with Francis. So although I could have choosen to deliver in Prince George it just didn't make sense with all my risk factors.  So needless to say I was strongly encouraged to head south to Royal Columbian Hospital where they specialize in such cases and have all the bells and whistles if need be.

So on August 24th I made a teary departure south leaving my family behind. Fortunately for us my cousin Joanne and her husband Fred live only two train stops away from Royal Columbian and generously offered us a place to stay as long as we needed it. After the first couple of days of specialist appointments and an ultrasound I just had to hang out and wait to go into labor or wait to be induced on September 3rd.

I have to admit it would've been nice in some regards to finally NOT be induced for a pregnancy yet I do appreciate that I didn't as it was nice going into a controlled environment with so much to consider! In addition, I think I may start up a new business promoting "babymoons" (similar to honeymoons). I say this as at 38 weeks I moved away from the family and although it was hard being away from everyone it was quite delightful to not have to cook a meal, clean any bums, lift and transport Alistair from A to B, cook everyone meals, clean house, pay bills, do book keeping, write business Emails, and so on and so forth! I just got to hang out and take care of me and nightly solve all the worlds problems over tea with my cousin Joanne.

So on September 2nd Jason flew down to join me in our next step towards a family of five. It definitely felt odd for both of us to be away from Alistair and Francis with this pending little being ready to enter the MacMillan family. But as usual we don't do anything of the usual.

So the morning of September 3rd Jason and I jumped on the skytrain and headed to Royal Columbian Hospital to get settled and call it home until we would get the formal discharge. Once they started the induction process I wasn't going to far a field. Due to the fact I was induced in the early morning with Francis and had her close to midnight the same day I anticipated, and so did everyone else, that things would be a tad speeder as my "body would know what to do" by now. But of course this wasn't the case.

I got my first prostaglandin gel at 10am and I was completely close shut at this point and the cervix was long for you health professionals out there. Then at 6pm they gave me another gel as I was still only 1 cm with a bit of length. This was after walking up and down the residential roads all day with Jason trying to encourage things to progress. But all day until 10pm that night I just had some really annoying cramps but that was it. Then they stopped and they decided to let me snooze the night as they didn't really want me delivery in the middle of the night if things were going to go down the complicated route.

The next morning at 9am they gave me another gel as I was only 2cm dilated. This time nothing really felt like things were going to happen. Again just some annoying cramps. Luckily for me though some massage therapy students were going around looking for volunteer prego moms. So I got a full one hour body massage focusing on where ever I wanted them too. Its funny actually as every pregnancy I have thought it sure would be nice to treat oneself to a prego massage but of course I never did. Never thought it was worth dishing out the dollars for. But I'll tell you what it was AWESOME. Likely all the more so due to how long I'd been hanging out in induced mode.

 At 4pm they got me to head back to the labour and delivery unit to find out the next step. I had told myself things were going to be even more drawn out. So it was definitely a nice surprise when the OB, Dr Natsuko, came in and requested to break my water at 530pm. Again the OB really didn't want me delivery after midnight just due to the logistics of getting people to come at a drop of the hat if need be so she asked to start an Oxytocin drip which is basically IV induction which is a lot more aggressive then the gel. I agreed to it as long as I could get an epidural too.

With the way my kidlets have been I decided long ago I didn't need to be no hero and endure pain. Plus being in a large hospital like Royal Columbian I new the doc doing the epidural would be well seasoned with the process so I didn't have the concern of it having bad side effects or nerve damage etc... So at 630 I had the drip started and by 8pm I got my epidural when I was about 5cm dilated and not exactly enjoying the contractions although they were tolerable.

The epidural was instant, just like the one I got with Alistair. Love it! I could've kissed that doc. There is nothing like being in pain to the point you have to do mind over matter stuff and then have someone instantly take it away like it never existed. I could still feel all the pressure just no pain.

After awhile I suddenly thought I had to go have a bowel movement but wasn't sure how that would happen with numb legs. Actually I totally know how that would take place being a nurse and all. But suddenly it dawned on me I wasn't needing a bowel movement this was the first sign that my kidlet was starting to want to get out of there. My nurse Suzanne checked me and sure enough I was 10cm dilated. YAY

The OB was informed and came in the room for a quick check. She was obviously slammed with work. Her pager went off as she was beckoned by Emerge while she was talking to me. She told me she just had delivered a baby with forceps and needed to go back and finish giving the mom stitches. So "please don't push and just let the baby progress".

I had never heard of passive progression but basically they let me hang out at 10cm dilated with the epidural and let my bambino slowly progress down the birth canal. The whole time they monitored the babes heart beat in regards to the contractions and I was constantly told I had a "very happy baby" which was a great relief to me as I was definitely concerned about the baby hanging out like that. So for 1.5 hrs I hung out at 10cm dilated wondering when this baby would actually enter this world.

 Finally around 2215 Dr Natsuko runs in saying sorry for making you wait "lets do this". She looked exhausted and I thought if shit hits the fan in this delivery you are going to be drawing on all your reserves to get me through this. As potentially we could head down a nasty complicated road. So I said if you think babes ok why do you go and get a quick something to eat and drink and then come back. At first she said no but when I painted the possible pending picture she took me up on it. She wasn't gone long but was appreciative of the small break.

 When the OB checked me she said "the babies right there. So the next time you feel pressure you push" So literally I had a contraction. I pushed. Then she said this next contraction your having a baby! It was all very controlled and voila out came Lovely Luella all healthy and totally covered in vernix with a massive umbilical cord. Everyone seemed quite taken with the size of it.

 I loved how calm it all was. I got to hold Luella right away without her being whisked away. Jason cut the cord and said it was much tougher then the other two he cut. The next step now was the placenta. This was what we had all prepped to come to Vancouver for. After some mild encouragement from Dr Natsuko the placenta slid out into her hands.

I literally laughed out loud as Dr Natsuko was extremely happy that this potentially complicated placenta just slid out in her hands. "Its intact! Its intact! Its intact!" I'm not sure where she was at on her 24 hour shift but she was definitely delighted that she wasn't in for some long haul complicated hysterectomy as of course was I!

As soon as Luella was on the table getting measured etc. she had a good pee. Then she was back to me for a breast feed. I felt awesome. My first thought was this is how it feels to have a somewhat normal delivery! With the other two I was mentally and physically exhausted. Of course I had a good adrenalin rush after Luella but I was feeling fabulous and I continued from there on in. I literally could've gone home within 24 hrs if they had let me.

However, due to my risk factors and the oxytocin and ergot they gave me I had to hang out for 48 hours to be monitored. This of course was a nice treat too as we were able to just be with Luella. Again I had no major responsibilities except to eat and drink well and of course breast feed regularly.

Jason popped back to Joanne and Freds a couple of times to have a shower and get some clean clothes. But in usual Jason fashion he slept right there in the room with us ready to support me whenever needed.

It definitely was a huge relief for all of us that it all went so well. I really do think that my body benefited greatly from the passive decent of Luella thanks to the epidural. There was nothing rushed or drastic with this delivery which is when things can really run into problems.

It was also wonderful that we had such a beautiful view of the mountains and river during our stay and not closed in some windowless room.

But even though we were very happy with our stay at Royal Columbian we were thrilled to get out of there and start our journey home so that we could normalize as a family.

So Sunday the 6th we were discharged home in the evening on a beautiful sunny day. Luella right from the get go was mellow and easy going as we waited outside for Fred Ikeda to pick us up and take us back to their place. Joanne had made the lovely crochet car seat blanket which she snuggled into as we waited for our ride away from the hospital and one step closer to the whole family being under one roof.

As Jason threw the stuff in the trunk he noticed this little dangling pull tab. He got a kick out of the fact there was directions on how to get out of the trunk if someone locked you in it.

Can't say I've ever seen this on a vehicle before!

Before we headed home we made sure we had a good feast of Steak & King Crab to celebrate our newest addition and thank Joanne and Fred for providing an environment that made our lives uncomplicated in a time that could have been so much more!

Sometimes the smallest things take

up the most room in your heart

- Winnie the Pooh

Alls Well at 38 weeks

At 38 weeks I made the move South once again to have my bambino! I just can not imagine what "normal" is like when it comes to pregnancy and delivery. I keep saying thank goodness this mama was brought up with continuous change in her life as I believe its helped me stay grounded. I saw the OBGYN, Dr Waterman, on Sept 25th and fortunately the plan was to remain the same as the previous OBGYN, Dr Uhbi,. The only thing was that I was measuring at 35 weeks pregnant rather than 38.5 weeks. So suddenly there was a chance I'd be induced two days later rather than ten! It all depended on this ultrasound that I received the following day.

So the night prior to the ultrasound I was able to make a whole plan to get Jason down here in time for the potential birth. It isn't as easy as it sounds as Alistair wasn't set up for respite until this coming weekend. Thanks to my brother he was willing to make a quick change of plans to be in PG in 24 hours to work in tandem with Mom to make things work for our kids. Anyhow, long story short the bambino and I were able to get an ultrasound the very next day. To my delight the radiologist, Dr Farqua, was right in the room with the tech and a medical student giving me a running commentary on the whole ultrasound. Instantly I found out there was no concern with the level of amniotic fluid, the placental cord was feeding babe appropriately, and all the anatomy was reviewed including the brain, liver, kidneys and heart. I can't really explain how wonderful it was to find out so quickly that all was well and the original plan to induce September 3rd was back on track.

Anyhow, once fun benefit was I was able to see this little munchkin once again on ultrasound. The first picture is a profile picture of which you can see brain structures. The second picture is of a foot pushing up on the placenta. Then the third is a close up of its lips and nose of which I magnified for picture four. Not sure if anyone can make out any of these unless you have a chance to have the structures pointed out to you but still fun for me to have!

 

 

Mother-Daughter Photo Shoot

The days are clipping by and I thought this morning I better get these wonderful pictures of Francis and I online prior to having this bambino or I never will!

My friend Nancy Zavaglia texted me the other day and said she'd like to do a photo shoot for me. I don't tend to be one that likes to pose and the $$$ are not readily available to enjoy such a privilege especially on ones third kidlet so the offer was a real treat to say the least.

I was pleasantly surprised how natural the photos were and loved the environment she picked, as I had no idea where to go. So we went to Ginters Park in PG. She had told me about all this fireweed that had gone to seed which leant to a fabulous background.

Although the individuals of me contemplating the future are lovely my absolute favorites' are the ones that capture Francis's love for me as her mother.

 

Due to the fact I'm always behind the camera having fun catching the family in action its lovely to have some pictures of me with my little girly where the picture hasn't cut of my head or accentuated my double chin! Lets just say Jason's talent doesn't not lie behind a camera but with wood working tools in his hands. 

So if you are in Prince George and are looking for someone to capture you're family naturally definitely consider

Nancy Zavaglia Photography

 

Alistair Turns Six

July 8th Alistair turned SIX. Its bizarre to me that I have a six year old, three year old and one en route. For various reasons I decided to keep his birthday nice and mellow. I use to try and make a big fanfare for him but truthfully it was more for me than Alistair. He still loves his day just as much. He gets his helium balloons, crinkly paper, cheese cake and interactive family.

I won't lie I find the day quite a hard one....still. Francis just had a party and her excitement was beyond belief. She had smiles from ear to ear, big giggles, overstimulation, and total excitement ripping open the wrapping paper to find the gift inside. Where I'm not sure how much Alistair understands that this day if for him. It takes some self talking to be ok that I'm still going to the baby section to find toys with him and I'll be lucky if I can find one that maybe possibly will work. Then the next stop is the pet store to grab him some chew toys that are "non toxic- family safe". Then last but not least I head to the clothing store to grab him some nice clothes. That's probably my favorite b-day stop for him as I can make him look smashing in a neat outfit.

One great gift I was able to acquire for Alistair was this funky "tomato chair"  through a grant with Variety BC. It has a sleek mobile base too which comes in handy. The great thing about this chair is we can throw it in the van and head to anyone's house and have him sitting upright interacting with the rest of the world even if their home isn't accessible. He got it the day before his b-day which was ideal! He also got a new specialized gym mat covered by the At Home Program which makes his daily life all the nicer. So those were his too big bonuses. So I'm thinking from now on I should try to do more of that....ie write grants for key items to arrive around his b-day.





If I do look back over the past year though and truly consider how far this little fellow has come he makes me so proud. With all his challenges he continues to make progression at his own rate. His communication has progressed into making some more basic choices. He uses computer programs and large circular switches to tell himself stories or play games. He really enjoyed full time school hours with his classmates. He got invited to endless birthday parties and made a bunch of friends. He gained weight and started to eat some more complicated foods. Plus his affection for his family is continuing to increase and be obvious that he loves this interaction

I am so proud of my handsome man. He's come a long way and he's been strong and healthy this year. I dream that his progression will continue and I'll be able to brag again next year with all his successes!