This morning Chris and I anxiously arrived at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, MD with my mom at about 5:00am. I was admitted and taken to the Family Birthing Center. I was prepared for surgery and Chris was given scrubs to change into. We were all so excited but also nervous.
I have no words for the anticipation of seeing my girls. Chris and I left my room at about 7:00am and were taken down to pre-op. My mom returned to my house to wait with my friend Kym. Everyone was asked to wait there while I was in surgery and recovery. I was introduced to Jim, my anesthesiologist, who was absolutely wonderful! Dr. Bella Andele met us around 7:15 to answer questions and let us know how excited she was to deliver the girls.
At about 7:30, I was taken back to the OR for my Spinal Block and Chris went to the waiting room while I was getting ready. I was so excited at how easy the spinal went despite my earlier fears. Donna, a nurse, held my hand until Chris came into the OR. She was so wonderful to me and kept me easily distracted talking about her children and her job at the hospital. When Chris came in, he took video while Jim continued to check in and make sure I was doing ok. This c-section was the most surreal experience of my life. I simply cannot describe the sensation of knowing you are being operated on and being awake for the process. I was jolted back into reality when Dr. Andele said "I can see the head" at about 8:00am. My beautiful baby Lauren Elizabeth was then born at 8:03am. She came out screaming and everyone remarked at how big she was! I felt lots of pressure while watching Lauren be cleaned and then my darling Alivia Carmen was born at 8:05am. She even came out peeing! Both girls are beautiful and went with Daddy down to the nursery to be cleaned, weighed and measured by a nurse named Danielle.
Donna returned to my side after Chris left and was truely my saving grace while I finished surgery. I had a little trouble breathing after Chris left but she helped me remain calm thorughout. I was taken to recovery around 8:45am and remained there until about 10:30am. Chris visited with me shortly to show me some video of the girls from the nursery!
I was taken to my room and passed all of the anxious grandparents as well as Katie and Kym. In my room, I was introduced to my beautiful girls and was given the opportunity to nurse them.
At about 11:00am, after hours of anticipation, the twins were finally introduced to our families.
During the afternoon, I had a little more trouble breathing and the nurses gave me oxygen while everyone gave me some privacy. Everything ended up working out just fine. Later this evening, we were visited by the Kolb family! They nicknamed Lauren "Mu" after Mulan and Alivia as "Peanut" which is the same affectinate name I'd been calling her!
This evening the new Mommy and Daddy remained at the hospital to stay with the girls. What an absolutely miraculous day. God has been so good to us!
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