By and By

Sweet baby girl

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 Well...it turns out that "normal" swelling wasn't so "normal" after all.

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Although Chase's release from the Indian's organization earlier this year was difficult and hard to understand at first, we were still able to see God's Providence at work. Here is a quote from my previous post, New Beginnings:

"...Chase and I both fully trust and believe in God's plan for our lives. Once we got past the initial shock, we can truly see all of the wonderful benefits for Chase to be home....It just makes sense. We really think that this is the best thing that could have happened...Chase will now get to be here for every moment of the pregnancy. We don't have to worry if he won't be able to make it home for the baby's birth. That is such a comfort and joy to both of us. Not only that, but Chase won't have to worry about leaving us to go back after our little girl gets here. There is so much that he won't have to miss. I definitely think God sees that it is best for Chase to be here as we start our family. And we are so grateful that he gets to be!"

As the past couple months have unfolded, our belief in God and in His plan for us has been confirmed over and over. The title of this post is derived from one of my favorite hymns-Farther Along. "We'll understand it all by and by." I know this song is primarily talking about the understanding we will gain once we are united with God in heaven and how the trials of this earth will seem petty 'as we sweep thru the beautiful gate,' but I can't help to think of it now and the understanding even these few months has brought us.

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We went into the doctor's office for my regularly scheduled 34-week appointment. Violet's due date was approaching so quickly (but still isn't here yet!) and there was so much that needed to be done before she got here.

At my previous appointment, my blood pressure had been a little higher than normal, and the doctor informed me that if it was still high, then they would do some blood work at my next appointment. So, going in, I had mentally prepared myself for that. Chase hadn't been with me to the past couple appointments since they were quick and routine-I was in and out in about 15 minutes and he didn't need to miss work or class. When I found out that I might be having blood drawn (I HATE needles) I wanted to make sure Chase would be able to go with me.

My swelling was bad. Really bad. And getting worse all the time. At first, elevating my feet would help and in the mornings my swelling would be gone, only to return over the course of the day. At the end, though, nothing seemed to help. Chase would literally massage the fluid out of my feet and ankles only to see it all return in 10 minutes while they were still elevated. The swelling was no longer limited to my feet and ankles, either; it was everywhere. And on top of that, my morning sickness had come back. I was becoming increasingly nervous about this appointment and the swelling. I thought I might end up on bed rest.

When we got to the 2 o'clock appointment on June 11th, my blood pressure was still high. But there was also a new development-there was a lot of protein in my urine. After an ultrasound to make sure the baby was okay, they decided to take me over to the hospital immediately and admit me for blood work and observation. At that time, we believe the longest we would be there would be 24 hours. It took quite a while to admit me and get into a room, but once we did, they wasted no time getting started.

My blood pressure was now dangerously high and they needed to put in an IV to give me some medicine to bring it down (NEEDLE!). They took blood right away (ANOTHER NEEDLE!) and sent that off to get the results. The blood work came back fairly quick. The nurse informed us at that time that the doctor had not made a final decision at that point, but that she was leaning toward having a baby that night.

Wait.....WHAT?! TONIGHT?!

From this point forward, my body involuntarily shook. My whole body. I was not prepared for this. A few minutes later Dr. Long came to speak to us. She said that my blood work showed that my platelets were low and I had elevated liver enzymes--I had Preeclampsia. My organs weren't functioning properly. The baby was fine now, but she would start to feel the effects soon, as well. The only cure was to get the baby and placenta out. "It's time," she said. She assured us that Violet would do really well; she would end up in the NICU because of her gestational age, but that she would be fine.

And then they began to prep me for a C-section (LOTS OF SHARP OBJECTS INCLUDING NEEDLES!) They couldn't induce me because I wasn't far enough along. In order to have the epidural (A REALLY BIG NEEDLE), I had to have a bigger IV put in my other arm (SERIOUSLY?!) There was barely time to tell our families before they were taking us back.

And then, ready or not, our tiny, precious girl was here. At 6:16 pm, Violet Lane Burnette arrived. 4 lbs, 5 oz. The NICU nurses were there to take her away but I got to see her for a minute before they left. I wouldn't get to see her again for 24 hours. Immediately following delivery, I would be susceptible to seizures and so I would have to be put on magnesium for 24 hours, not being able to eat, drink, or move. Terrible stuff, that magnesium. Chase was able to go and be with her while I was not. After 24 hours, I was able to be moved from Labor and Delivery to the High Risk Pregnancy Unit. Before making our way to the room, we went to the NICU, and I got to hold our daughter for the first time.

In the hospital they had to put me on blood pressure medication. While I was on it for a few weeks, I am off of it now. The fluids that my body was retaining came off surprisingly fast. It was wonderful to see MY hands and feet again! Violet was in the NICU for almost 2 weeks and has now been home for almost 4. She is doing really well and is gaining weight. A week ago, she weighed in at 5 lbs 9 oz. I would estimate that she is around 6 lbs now. As per the pediatrician's advice, we have kept her at home and limited visitors for these past weeks, but are anxious to have her out and about and show her off. Soon, very soon.

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I thank God from the bottom of my heart that Chase was here with me and not off playing baseball somewhere. He never would have made it in time for the birth. I don't know what I would have done without him by my side for this whole ordeal-the pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. What a wonderful Christian husband God has blessed me with. And he is such a wonderful Daddy to our little girl. I remember looking at Chase after talking with Dr. Long and saying, "I can't do this."

But we did. With God's help. 

 

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"And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are called
according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

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