Meeting Ella and Sadie

What I knew but never could have been prepared for is the first 24 hours after a c-section, specifically after one occurring as a result of preeclampsia.  I knew that after a c-section, the babies were almost immediately removed to a different room and that rarely did mom get any real time to see or hold the baby/ies.  What I did not know before being prepped for surgery is that when you have preeclampsia, you are put on a magnesium drip which requires hourly monitoring for 24 hours, prevents you from getting out of bed, and prevents you from being able to visit your babies until the magnesium is discontinued.

[The magnesium drip prevents the risks of preeclampsia/eclampsia such as stroke, seizures, etc. I was told that in the dose I would be receiving, I would likely experience side effects that would surpass my worst hangover... clearly they don't know pre-pregnancy Paige very well; the symptoms of a post-Thursday night Dos Rios margarita(s) are far worse.]

Fortunately, Ryan was able to be with the girls soon after delivery.  He took pictures and videos and sent them to me while I was in recovery (the photos in my first posting, "Introducing...").  Before taking me to my room, they wheeled me into the girls' NICU room.  Because they wheeled me in on a bed and I could not sit up, I could really only see their feet.  This makes sense because their feet are HUGE.  I mean.. they are small - but given the girls' size, they are HUGE.  I suppose I should not be entirely surprised given my and Ryan's height and shoe size...

Check it!!! Miss Ella on top and Miss Sadie on the bottom.  Even these photos really don't do justice.  I'll work on finding/taking better pictures!

Friday afternoon was probably one of the longest!  Fortunately, my mom was with me to hang out and keep me calm as the hours wore on and I still hadn't had a chance to see and meet my little girls.  Of course Ryan continued to send pictures, but pictures are not quite the same. FINALLY, at about 6:00 that night, I was allowed to spend about an hour in the girls' room - looking - not touching.  I was allowed to go back again at 9:00 and Ryan and I were able to hold them for the very first time; they were about 30 hours old.

Mommy and Ella

 Mommy and Sadie

Daddy and Ella

Daddy and Sadie

We do have one family photo - but my vanity prevents me from sharing.  I am sleep deprived, red, puffy, and wearing a hospital gown. I am doing you all a favor. :)