Harper Hospital Stay

 After Harper came into the world we began the hospital stay.  I knew I would be in the hospital for at least three days, which ended up being 5.  Luckily, Brent was able to stay with me the vast majority of the time only leaving a few times for work and to get showered.  

 Overall it was an easy stay.  I don't think I ever slept for more than 2 hours but at that point it didn't seem to bother me.

 Harper had plenty of guest who brought her adorabel little headbands.  Thanks Sarah!

 Brent was such a champ.  He slept and worked all from that little couch, although he demonstrated his true fatherhood, when he didn't wake up when she cried.

I have to admit, I didn't mind being in the hospital.  After the first day Harper had lost more than 10% of her body weight (which is a big no no) so I made it my mission to make sure she ate.  Finally, a nurse came in and burped Harper harder than I had ever seen until she spit up a ton of amniotic fluid. She ate like a champ and made up all the weight loss before we left the hospital.

 I feel like I learned a lot about new babies.  For the most part Harper slept on my stomach, which the nurse said was because she could feel my heartbeat and it smelled like amniotic fluid, which simulated being in the womb.  

 Every now and then I would make Brent switch me places because I was a little stir crazy.  I was able to get me IV out on the second day, which was by far the worst part of sitting in the hospital room.

One irritation Brent had was with the lactation staff.  The hospital stated they were a "Baby First" Hospital (meaning they promoted ONLY breast feeding, so basically if you choose to not breast feed you are probably going to hell, don't love your child and are obviously a terrible mother).  Not only did they encourage breast feeding but they also believed the use of a binki was a forbidden sin.  Many times we were caught with one in our room (not even in her mouth) and got disgusted looks and comments from the staff.  Luckily Toren, to proclaimed Binki King, basically told use to ignore them.  I am all for breast feeding and pump to get Harper those nutrients but I don't need random Nurse No-Name to make me feel worse for making my own decisions, that are best for mine and Harper's well being and relationship.  I guess we will know in 30 years if I have scarred her with the use of the binki or bottle. 

This was probably my favorite view of the whole stay.  

Harper Anne Birth Story

So the day came... It was time for our little girl to make her appearance.  I had a few contractions the week before but they were only Braxton Hicks so I was sent home, and made it to Tuesday June 4th without incident.  My mom flew in the night before to look for houses.  We stayed up way to late chatting, so I was happy that our appointment got pushed back from 5:30 am to 8:00 am. 

We got there at 8:00 am and met our nurse: Delany.  She was really nice.  Of course the first thing they do it stick an IV in you and get extra fluids running.  I asked if she could hold off on that part but the answer was no.  

I was doing pretty well until about 20 minutes before the procedure and then I FREAKED OUT (mainly on the inside). One of my biggest fears associated with having a c-section is that I would be awake as the doctor did the operation, my hands would be strapped down and the doctor would be CUTTING me open.    While we were in the prep room I was trying to think of ANY excuse to not have the procedure done, but in the end Harper had to come out and this was the only way to do it.

Delany took me into the operating room, Brent had to wait outside until it was time. She could tell I was not okay, so while the doctor was performing the spinal tap.  Getting the spinal tap was less painful than the IV and had I known the c-section would have been without incident I would have been way more relaxed. 

My main concern was that I would be able to feel anything.  Luckily, they didn't ask me if I was willing to go along with this idea anymore.  After I was laid down and in position they hung the curtain and Brent entered and sat down next to me. 

 I was still freaking out, but Brent was FASCINATED!  He would look around the curtain and take pictures of the procedure.  I did not post any of those pictures because they are REALLY REALLY graphic. Brent asked if I wanted to know what was happening, I said no.  After about ten minutes we heard crying. the doctor asked "Do we have a name for her?"   Well Brent and I had been debating between two names for about a month and I told Brent my feelings and then told him he would be choosing.  His answer to the doctor "Uh... I don't know..."

 After getting her cleaned up a bit they asked if Brent wanted to cut the umbilical cord, which he declined.  When we was cleaned, they brought her over so I could say hello.  After just a moment or two Brent and Baby Huntley left to get cleaned up. 

 While I was being sewed up, Brent was in with Baby.  This is when he named her Harper Anne (which is the name I preferred).  He told me that he just couldn't remember the other name so he knew she was meant to be Harper.

 As soon as I got back into recovery with Brent and Harper it was time to be mommy.  She was ready to cuddle and eat.

Overall the c-section was no big deal.  I could feel that I was being touched but that was it.  Harper entered the world at 10:35 am on June 4th 2013.  She weighed 7 lbs 2 ounces, was 20 inches long and  was absolutely perfect!

More about our stay in the hospital to come!