Sunday, October 7, 2012

Baby GG was born today at 25 weeks, 3 days


If you've been following my hospitalization, thank you so much for your support. It has really meant a lot to us!
Yesterday my doc decided that my water did in fact break (which I basically knew since the day before) so we had to discontinue meds to stop contractions in case I developed an infection and my body tried to make me deliver.
I went off of meds around 2 pm yesterday. At 6 or 7 I started needed pain meds. At 12:45 am I was 3 cm dilated and got an epidural. I had a nice calm sleep and then when they checked me in the morning at around 8 am, I was 8 cm dilated! (And pretty shocked.)
Baby did fine the whole time so I was able to try for a vaginal delivery.
At maybe 8:45 or 9, I felt the pressure all of a sudden, almost like a "pop." We started pushing almost immediately. They decided to have me labor in the OR since they were having trouble monitoring baby's heart rate and wanted to be close for C-Section. In the OR I pushed about 3-4 separate times and he was out!
We heard a little cry and then some baby murmuring sounds while they were taking care of him. I got to see him and touch him real quick before they took him to the NICU.
I had to have a D&C for my placenta, but they gave me a C-section dose in my epidural so I slept through it.
Baby is almost 2 pounds which is great for 25 weeks, 3 days. He was able to breath on his own, but wasn't consistent, so he was put on a ventilate, but it's great that his lungs are working normally. I got to see him later in the afternoon. I'm already pumping! Things are crazy.
It's going to be a day to day process, but so far so good. We are relieved and anxious all at the same time. (And I get to walk! Which is quite nice after 18 days of bed rest.)

60 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the birth of little GG! Such a great weight and amazing news about the cry. You have a strong fighter on your hands!

    Sending you love and strength as you embark on the NICU roller coaster ride.

    If you're interested, I'm part of a preemie forum called The preemie Palace. It's a great resource of support from people who have been in your shoes. If you want more info, feel free to email me at heeeeerestorkey@gmail.com

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  2. Oh congratulations. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. Take care and much love.

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  3. Wow. I am so glad things went as well as they did. He seems strong. Those last two weeks in the hospital really did him good and I'm so glad he waited until he did. I will be waiting to hear more and hope you all continue to thrive.

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  4. Congratulations! I am glad you and baby GG are doing well. Wishing you so much support and strength during baby GG's time in the NICU.

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  5. Congratulations! Sending you and the baby lots of good vibes!

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  6. congrats on GG!! I'm sure he is in fabulous hands in the NICU! Praying for you and GG!! :)

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  7. Welcome little man! I will continue to pray for you and your family as you get used to life where the NICU plays an important role, and congratulations on the start of your life as a family of 3!

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  8. Congrats on the birth of your baby boy. I have been following along and he sounds like he is doing great. What a wonderful weight!

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  9. Welcome Baby GG!

    Thinking of you and Mr. GG during this time and hoping that your time in NICU goes smoothly with very few bumps along the way.

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  10. Congratulations! Wishing the best for all three of you.

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  11. Congratulations!!!!! So glad to hear that you and baby are doing well!

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  12. Congratulations !!!!! What an amazing fighter you have there. Big hugs to you all!

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  13. Congratulations!! You have been in my thoughts...lots of love to baby GG. Take care.

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  14. Congratulations! Glad the birth went well and that baby GG seems to be a fighter! Love and thoughts to you all xox

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  15. So happy to see this! Congratulations!! Keeping your little one in my thoughts.

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  16. Congratulations! So glad everything worked out and that you are able to get up and move around!

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  17. Congrats :) I have been thinking/praying for you and little GG! I'm so glad you both seem to be doing well. I look forward to seeing little GG grow and eventually go home with mommy and daddy :)

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  18. how does it feel to know you've killed 3 babies, and now you left this little child to fight on his own? You are a waste of a life and I wish we as a world could selectively reduce the population to rid the world of people like you.

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    1. I don't know that I'd be this harsh, but I do not agree with what you did. I have triplets, and I knew the chances of having multiples by transferring more then one embyo. Your babies deserved a right to live. You should have been their voice. I miscarried one of my babies before the triplets, and it just about killed me. Do you know how many women would have adopted your babies? I will be praying for your little Miracle and hope everything comes out okay!

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    2. Why would you come on here to say that, both you bitches. You may not agree with her choice but it was hers to make. Also you don't have to read her blog. Take your hateful shit elsewhere.

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    3. Why you people would be so hateful and cruel is beyond me. She did not leave the little child to fight on his own--- he is in the hospital in NICU where he belongs. She did not kill 3 babies, she made a difficult decision to save the child she could. If your kids were in a burning building, and you couldn't carry all 4 out would you stay there and all die? Or would you grab what you could and run out???

      Shame on you for being so harsh and unfeeling.... Praying for her? I am sure G-d does not want you saying such hurtful things to others......

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  19. Congrats and glad to hear that he is doing alright. I know its a long road ahead but I pray that its as smooth as one can be.

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  20. Sounds like you have a strong little guy!

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  21. Congratulations! Wishing you all the best!

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  22. Congrats on your baby boy!! Sending all my support that he gets stronger and stronger in the NICU. Glad to hear you're up and able to walk!

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  23. Congratulations. I hope that all is well with the sweet baby and yourself!

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  24. welcome baby boy!! sounds like he is strong :)
    sending hopes that his time in the nicu is smooth.

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  25. Congratulations! I'm so glad to see that things are going well and that you were able to have as close to a normal delivery as possible under the circumstances. He sounds like a fighter already! Take care of yourself and enjoy this time as much as you can. Will continue to pray for you all.

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  26. OMG I can't believe it. Congratulations and you and your family are in my thoughts.

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  27. Congratulations on the birth of your son. You seem so upbeat and optimistic, and I have no doubt that you're going to focus on the positives - and there really are plenty. Your weight gain had to be minimal and your tummy barely had a chance to stretch, so you'll definitely get to slip right back into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away - win! Also, 25 weekers will spend at least 9-10 weeks or so in the hospital before they come home. That will allow you plenty of time to get his room decorated, catch up on sleep, maybe even return to work, depending on how much time you feel like spending in the NICU with him. Hopefully he won't develop any long-term lung issues that would necessitate a trache. I know a couple of families who had to work through that - talk about long NICU stays and major pain in the ass when you have to hire a nurse to care for your child at home around the clock. The only thing I wonder is if you look at your son and think of his identical twin siblings whose lives you purposefully cut short? We will never know if what you did impacted this pregnancy to the point that you were forced to deliver a micropreemie - or if it would have happened just as soon had you continued with your triplet pregnancy. Sometimes no matter how hard we try to play the numbers game and err on the side of "statistic precaution", things still don't work out. It's just too bad that ending the lives of your other two innocent children didn't ensure the good health of this baby. Good luck maintaining your job and your lifestyle with this one high-maintenance child. 25 weekers will turn your world upside down for at least the first year - if not for so much longer. Doctor appts, multiple weekly therapies, early intervention, hospital admissions for simple viral infections. You didn't have time for triplets, preemies, or special needs children - I hope you make time for this little guy. He needs selfLESS parents, so it's time for you to let go of what's important to YOU and focus on what's important for HIM.

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    1. What I do think when I look at him is how lucky I am to have him. I know it's popular in the triplet communities to say I made a lifestyle choice, but the #1 thing I did was to listen to my body. There is no way to know for sure, but I firmly believe that I would not have one baby right now if I had not reduced my pregnancy.

      Having a baby is not about clothes and work and lifestyle. On the same note, I do not teach for the money. My biggest concern being hospitalized was the welfare of all 150 of my students. Obviously, now that will shift to my son who needs me the most. You may not believe me, but I do believe the readers who have followed my entire journey know the real person that I am.

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    2. I don't think it's possible to know "the real person" that you are. I've been following your entire journey and you really haven't opened up and barred your soul to your readers so how can we really know the real you? Some think that the real you is shallow and self absorbed. From what I’ve gathered, all you want is normalcy in your life. Those of us in the infertility understand this. You have left me with the impression that you are a perfectionist. As a fellow teacher and perfectionist I can only imagine how neat and tidy your classroom is and how you take great pride in everything you do. You are probably stressing over the possibility of your classroom being left in a complete mess. You must let all that go now because you are in for quite a rollercoaster ride. As a mother who delivered at 25 weeks, I speak from experience when I say that you have a very high probability of having a child that will not be normal or perfect. You've done the research and know the statistics. Your child could succumb to a pulmonary hemorrhage or NEC at any time during these next few weeks and months. If not that, he could have a brain bleed that will leave him with cerebral palsy which would mean life-long therapy. Antibiotics from sepsis could leave him deaf. ROP could lead to detached retinas or partial/ total blindness. If he makes it out alive you will not be returning to work. Your first two years will be spent taking him to get physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy; all of which is the normal protocol for a mico-preemie to help with his developmental delays; and yes he will have developmental delays. You will also have to spend the first year shielding him from others because he will catch viruses. if you think he’s going to leave the NICU and you’ll bring him home and show him off to family, friends and co-workers like normal moms; think again. You will also spend the first year from October to April getting him a monthly RSV injection to help protect him because RSV is very common in children 0 – 3 years old and is almost always deadly to a mico-preemie. From what you have given your readers, you lead us to believe that you can’t deal with having a child that would require constant care because believe me…”you will need to rely on other people constantly” during the first few years of his life to help you take care of him as well as for your own sanity. Only you know what kind of child you would be able to raise but you have left your readers with the feeling that anything other than a perfect and normal child is not acceptable in your world. Therefore, I would really encourage you to discuss all of these possibilities with the Dr.’s in the NICU as well as the possibility of taking that precious little boy that you’ve just given birth to off life support! Wouldn’t it be better to let him go now rather than spending your entire life resenting him? Moreover, when you made the decision to reduce, you stated that one of the reasons was because you didn’t want to ruin your marriage. Well…you’d better start doing your research and looking into those statistics because MOST men leave and abandon their wife and child because they cannot deal with a special needs child. Why should this kid be any different than two you disposed of earlier for the same reasons? Wouldn’t it just be better for you to wipe the slate clean and start all over? I’m not trying to be mean or crass, I’m just looking at the grim reality of what you have before you and as an insider to the “parents of special needs children” community, you have a very, very, long and challenging road ahead of you. Many parents are resentful of what their special needs child will never become and the freedom that the child had stolen from them. It takes a very loving, patient and more importantly selfless person to have a special needs child and love them for the very imperfect, yet precious person that they are. Can you honestly say that you and/or your husband do are willing to do that?

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    3. I guess it's impossible to truly reveal your "true self" over the internet, especially when what I write is more factual than emotional.

      I could write a really long response to your specifics, but to summarize, I love my baby and will support him every step of the way. Yes, I chose to reduce for my health and the health of my babies (not to live a normal life or to save my marriage - yes I mentioned these things and understand why people call them out, but I was trying to be honest about my fears. The actual decision was based on medical advice and listening to my body).

      Yes, I'm still in a risky situation. I accept that and will do everything in my power to give my child a wonderful life.

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    4. Well, as a longtime reader of this blog (I followed you over from Weddingbee and started reading your posts in fall 2010 when we both starting posting a lot on the baby/TTC boards), I have to disagree with Susie Special about baring your soul and letting people know the real you. You have been way more honest about your situation and your feelings than I would ever have the guts to be, especially given some of the nastiness I have seen on this board. You're sharing your story with a bunch of strangers and you are not obligated to share everything.

      As far as wanting a "normal" baby- well who doesn't? Does anyone really get pregnant, then think, wow I really hope I deliver at 25 weeks and have a child with potential life long health issues because damn, this pregnancy thing is a drag and I really want to be back in my skinny jeans already? Does anyone really shrug their shoulders about their babies facing life threatening issues? Of course not. Everyone wants a healthy normal child, and everyone (okay, mostly everyone) takes whatever precautions they can to ensure that happens. Some people are strong enough to take whatever life throws at them, some aren't. But I believe you, Mrs. GG, WILL take whatever happens and make the best of it- you have wanted this way too long to be like, whatever, I'll chalk this one up to a loss and give IVF another try. And there may be nothing to overcome anyways- I dated a guy who was born around 26 weeks and he has a slight wheeze and that was it. And maybe the wheeze was caused by the 10,000 hits of pot he took daily anyways.

      I was following the other commenters' lead in ignoring some of the truly awful things being said in the comments, but I just can't believe the cruelty in some people. We are all entitled to our opinions and posting on a public forum gives everyone the venue to express those opinions, but I just really can't imagine being driven to say such horrible things to a woman who has gone through what you just did.

      I hope you will continue to update this blog with your son's progress. I hope everything works out in the best possible way. I hope you and your husband have the strength to navigate this very difficult road ahead of you. It seems like you have a lot of support on your side which I am sure makes a big difference.

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  28. Congrats and Best Wishes. I know he has a long road ahead but lots of people are praying and pulling for him. It must feel so good to be able to get up and move around.

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  29. Congratulations! I am glad you made it so far, it sounds like Baby GG has a good shot at being healthy. At the same time, you're only 2 weeks ahead of me, and wow, I can't imagine giving birth 2 weeks from now! I hope everything continues to go well.

    (and ignore Tylor, please. Look how much we outnumber her by, those who wish you well)

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  30. congratulations! i hope everything goes smoothly and baby gg grows like a weed:)

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  31. Whoa!!!! I'm so glad he is okay! Congrats! This is so exciting! :)

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  32. Congratulations on your baby boy! I'm so glad you both seem to be doing well. I hope his stay in the NICU is relatively short and that he continues to thrive.

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  33. Oh my goodness...what a lot you have been through in the past several days. So glad baby GG is doing well in the NICU and you had a pretty uncomplicated birth and can be healthy and there to care for him. I am appauled that the vipers would come out at this time. My goodness....you need positive support and prayers for baby GG right now...what is done is done and it wont' help baby GG to jump on his mama. Please do keep us posted and know that there are many people rooting for baby GG. He is here, he is alive and doing well and the most important thing is for him to be surrounded by people and energy to help him grow and gain weight.
    kd

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  34. I'm so so glad to hear that he is hanging on like fighter I know he will be. You and your little family have been through so much. We are all here rooting for you and praying your baby boy continues to thrive in the NICU. Thinking of you constantly...

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  35. I am in shock after reading some of the comments. Wow. I'm a little shaken that there are people who insist on judging when they know very few details about your personal circumstances. I thought we were all here to offer support. It's not our place to judge others' decisions. Infertility is not for the faint of heart... I'm sad that some of our community members have chosen to judge rather than support, especially after all you've been through.

    Take care - I personally commend you for your selfless decisions that have allowed your son a fighting chance.

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  36. Congrats on your baby, Mrs. GG, and I'm sorry he didn't stay in longer. You put yourself through so much to give your son the best odds and this still happened...I can't even imagine what that's like. And to think people are choosing this time to be absolutely horrible to you! They're nasty people and I can't get over how patient you are with them. I'm so glad to hear baby GG is doing ok, and I wish your family my very best.

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  37. Congratulations to the GG family on your new arrival! He sounds like a little fighter, and he'll be in super hands as he continues to grow. All my love to the three of you.

    (And I am really sorry to read some of the disgusting comments that are showing up here, on a post that deserves nothing but words of congratulations and support. This is really not the time or the forum to debate the merits of selective reduction, especially when the arguments are presented in such a snide, deliberately cruel, personally attacking way. I hope you can let them roll off your back as you focus on what is most important right now.)

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  38. SO glad he's doing well! Yay for a new NICU and great doctor! Will be praying for you guys and hope the next few weeks go smoothly for you!! CONGRATS!!

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  39. Shame on those making such vile comments. Baby GG is here, GG will continue to fight for him, as she did in choosing to reduce. My guess is that he wouldn't have made it to 25 weeks without selective reduction. GG is a hero, a brave mama who faced this pregnancy with the grace that many of us have and will.
    GG, great work on keeping baby cooking as long as you could.

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  40. Congratulations Momma!! And welcome to the world Baby GG!
    Thinking of you all and wishing nothing but the best.

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  41. Congratulations!! I'm glad that Baby GG is doing as well as he can right now. That's fantastic that he is already breathing a bunch on his own!

    Try to ignore the hateful comments. This is a amazing and scary time all at once and your energy should be with your son, not worrying about stupid people on the internet making horrid comments.

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  42. Welcome, little fighter! And congratulations to the new Momma and Daddy! Wishing you all the best while you are adjusting to your new roles. Sending tons of love and positive support your way!

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  43. So, so glad that your delivery went smoothly, and that you and your son are doing well! Sure, there will be hiccups along the road to bring him home, but all things considered? You guys are amazing for making it to this point. I truly believe, as do you, that the decisions you made early on made it possible for your son to grow and thrive as long as he did, and will ensure he lives a long and healthy life. As always, I want you to know how much support you've got headed your way from me, hands down.

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  44. Congratulations and best wishes to you and baby GG! I completely ditto anAmericaninGermany's post above. Well said!

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  45. Goodluck little man you're gonna need it!!!

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  46. welcome to the world little man! and mama, ignore the asshats who are posting mean crap. They are idiots. You did what you and your doctor felt was best for YOUR life and your situation. Bottom line, their opinions and mean words don't mean crap.

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  47. "Yes, I chose to reduce for my health and the health of my babies"


    Glad to see that worked out well for you. Two of "your babies" are dead and one is critical. Congratulations.

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    1. Wow, thats ugly. Maybe if she had not reduced she would have miscarried all and no one would even have a chance now--- it could have worked that way.........

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  48. Congratulations on the birth of your little one! Much love and light to you over these next few weeks and months. You son is very lucky to have you as his mom!

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  49. I've been away from bloggyland and just heard the news and wanted to say Congratulations!!!

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  50. WOW! So glad he made it safely here. It's definitely a long road ahead of you, but he sounds like he's doing beautifully. I'm a NICU nurse and he sounds like he's doing better than most boys at his age. Keeping the little guy in my prayers! You too....and good for you for posting the nasty comments....I don't understand why people are so judgey....they don't have to agree with your choices, but they should respect them. It's nice to see for every nasty comment there are at least 2 supportive ones!! Congrats Mama!

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  51. Congratulations :) I hope the road ahead goes well, and I'm sorry that you have to deal with commenters that use the anonymous nature of the internet to be such horrid people.

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