Early Christmas Present...

Friday: December 12, 2008

I came home from lunch with mom and Rafe and began having some back pain. I decided to lay down for awhile and assumed I had overdone it for the day. When Wes came home the pain had gotten worse but tolerable. I attributed it to Braxton-Hicks Contractions (practice for the big day) and attempted to get some sleep.

Saturday: December 13, 2008

Wes and I spent the day hanging around the house because I was still having low back pain. As the day progressed my pain remained constant. I called my mom and sister for advice... they both felt that it was completely normal and they would let up soon. These contractions were my bodies way of preparing for York's arrival. As long as the contractions were not getting any worse and creating a pattern we were in practice mode.

Sunday: December 14, 2008

We were unable to go to church because I had begun to experience lower abdominal pain along with the back pain. The contractions at this point still had no pattern and they were somewhat bearable. I had a regular doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday morning and felt that I didn't need to run to the emergency room on the weekend for a false alarm. Ashton came up to visit and take me to the doctor the next day.

Monday: December 15 2008

Ashton and I headed to my 8:10AM doctors appointment. (By the way... the ONLY appointment that Wesley has missed because of work.) I explained the weekend to my doctor and she decided to examine me... I was admitted by 8:30AM to Labor and Delivery. I was 2 and 1/2 centimeters and 80% effaced! I was completely shocked... I thought you were supposed to KNOW when you were in labor. These contractions weren't that bad... It has only been 34 weeks... he isn't ready! I was in total shock and panic. The doctor began administering a drug called Brethine to stop the contractions. I was hooked up to an IV and began the hydration process. After 6 bags of fluid and 5 shots of Brethine the contractions were only getting worse.

Tuesday: December 16, 2008

I went from 3 to 4 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. The Brethine was obviously not working. They decided to give me Procardia to relax the uterine walls. The doctor said that this would be our last effort to stop labor. My accumulation of fluid at this point was out of control. I must have gain 20 pounds in fluid.. I was a BLOWING UP!

Wednesday: December 17, 2008

The doctor felt that I had become preeclampsic. ((Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.)) Test confirmed her suspicions. At this point, we had to make the decision to induce labor. They administered a drug to help me continue labor at a much greater pace. If we did not induce both the baby and I would be in danger. So all of this work and energy put into preventing labor took a sudden 180! We were going to have a baby... SOON! Everything was happening so fast...

After 6 hours of active labor, an epidural, and 30 minutes of pushing we had our little miracle! Wesley York Harless was born at 4:51pm, weighing 4 lbs 11 ounces, 19 inches long! He was then taken to the NICU for testing and observation. I have never seen Wes Harless so excited and so proud. We were all relieved when he scored a 8 on his APGAR test. ((that is really great for a premature baby) He came into this world at 34 weeks and 3 days and his such a little fighter! The NICU nurses said that his biggest obstacle would be learning to breathe and eat simultaneously.

York is doing fabulous! He is eating well, breathing fine on his own, and has been put into his own crib in the NICU. He is working on maintaining his body temperature on his own. If his passes this test we will be able to bring our miracle home on Monday! I can't imagine a better Christmas Present!

Wes and I appreciate all of you thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. It is only by the grace of God and your many prayers that our little man is doing so well! You all are absolutely amazing and we are so lucky to have such wonderful support.

A special thank you to my wonderful mother, incredible sister, and one of a kind HUSBAND. They have been so exhausted and have found strength and energy at their weakest. I love each one of you so much and can not express my gratitude for your endless love and continued care.