Before…
…and after.
Grace was born on Thursday, October 11th, at 2:10 PM. She weighed in at 7 lbs 1 oz and was 20 inches long.
Welcome to the world, sweetheart!
I would like to thank each and every one of you who prayed for me. I can honestly say that this was the easiest c-section BY FAR that I’ve ever had. (Do you think this is the Lord’s way of making me willing to go through it again? hmmmmm)
There was only one downer, but it was a biggie.
I had a panic attack.
If you’ve ever had one, you know how terrifying they can be. If not, you’ll just have to take my word for it.
I was completely fine until later on in the evening when they tried to put cuffs on my legs to prevent blood clots. For some reason, that was all it took. I was overwhelmed with feelings of intense (and I do mean INTENSE) claustrophobia, and it was all I could do to keep from crawling off that bed and down four flights of stairs to get to some fresh air outside. I had to fight the panic with everything I had, because my children were in the room with me at the time, and they didn’t need to see their Mommy completely lose it. I was praying out loud, begging the Lord to help me, and asking St. Therese and St. Pio to intercede for me as well. I called my friend Malia and she prayed for me over the phone as well.
The prayers helped.
I still struggled, but I was able to get control and stay sane.
Needless to say, dh stayed with me that evening (hence the lack of pictures!) and left to go home only when he was sure that I was going to be OK.
Here’s the funny part… just take a look at the room that I managed to feel claustrophobic in! Could I possibly have gotten a bigger room? I don’t think so!
While I will never know for sure why I went through that particular episode, I can say that the nurse who took care of me during my panic attack was wonderful, and we were able to have several good conversations and share a bit of our “spiritual journey” with each other. She is a devout Christian who left the Catholic Church years ago, and I am a Christian returning to the Catholic faith. May God bless us both by the conversations that we had!
Thank you again for all the prayers and sacrifices you offered up for me. This tired Mommy needed every bit of them!
Oh dear! I do know exactly what you are talking about and I am so sorry. Glad you had some help getting through it! Sometimes that makes all the difference!
She is beautiful and so are you! Can’t wait to see more pics after you have rested!
Congratulations to you, and welcome to little Grace! I’m glad your surgery went smoothly and I pray your recovery will be incredibly easy. Sorry about your panic attack – that is sad! Although it is funny about it happening in that huge room. I didn’t know hospitals even HAD rooms that big! 🙂
Hi! I recently found your blog and have enjoyed reading it. I just wanted to say Congratulations!!! Your daughter is absolutely precious and SO adorable!!! It really makes me think I may want to try for #4! Yikes!
Congratulations!!! She is so beautiful! I’m so sorry about the panic attack, I know how horrible they can be. Many prayers for your beautiful family!
Congratulations! What a beautiful babe! Yes, I do know what you mean about panic attacks. Glad things turned out okay in that direction.
Congratulations, Ouiz!
You and Grace are just beautiful!
Sorry to hear about your panic attack. I have had them and they’re no fun! Good for you for handling it so well!
Again, congrats on your dear little one!
Congratulations! Baby Grace is just beautiful.
How many c-sections have you had? I have had four and any time I even talk about another, doctors get all serious and *high-risky* with me. I would love another pregnancy, but for now my husband and I have chosen to adopt until we can find a doctor who would be supportive of another pregnancy.
BTW, I have had panic attacks after my births also and I know how scary they can be. What a blessing the nurse you had was for you and it sounds like you for her as well.
Congratulations again,
Jane
CONGRATULATIONS!!
She is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
So sorry about the panic attack – that had to be terrifying.
Thanks for the pictures – can’t wait to hear more about her!
Grace is just beautiful! I’m sure you’ve mentioned it before, but what is her middle name?
I’ve never experienced a panic attack, but Our Lady obviously took good care of you, blessing you with the most beautiful Graces! 🙂 She’s truly precious, Ouiz. Congratulations!
What a beautiful, beautiful, sweet baby Grace! Blessings and peace to all. Can’t wait to see her!
much love,
Lynn
She is just beautiful! Glad you are doing well too.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and well wishes!
Kristen, Grace is her middle name. I use their middle names when referring to them on the blog… although the name fits her quite well, actually!
Congratulations! I’m happy to read about someone’s 7th c-section as I’m preparing for my 3rd! I hope things continue to go smoothly with your new little blessing!
And what a room, wow! Gorgeous hospital!
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby. Minus the panic attack it sounds like everything went well and you are in good spirits.
I just had my first c-section in August with the birth of my 4th baby. (I birthed twins naturally, but my big Henry was 10 pounds and wanted out a different way!) It’s good to hear that you’ve had multiple c-sections. (I mean that in the inspirational sense! I know I will have c-sections from now on, so it’s good to hear that you did so well!)
Enjoy getting to know that sweet little baby.
Congratulations, Ouiz. She is beautiful. You are so blessed. 🙂
Cay at Cajun Cottage
Oh Ouiz, she’s SO BEAUTIFUL, huge congratulations coming from the Sweetness clan!!! I’m so glad for you that everything went well, despite the panic attack, I can definately relate! My prayers for you and your family continue in this precious baby moon time 🙂 Grace is a beautiful name, we share it in our family too. Hugs!
What a perfectly beautiful baby! May God bless you all!
Your new baby is absolutely beautiful! And I can relate to the c-section experience … I remember starting to shake uncontrollably as they were prepping me for Ramona. I’d thought I was quite “in control” until then …. 🙂
Prayers and all joy to you!