Introducing Meaghan Hazel !!!

[New Creation]

I'm back!
Correction- we're back!

Lloyd and I are home as of yesterday from the hospital with our little jewel- MEAGHAN HAZEL!!!!

Thanks to my little brother Keith for letting ya'll know the main details!!!

I just put Meaghan down to sleep so hopefully I'll be able to let you all know what happened before she wakes up again!

( I fed her three times while ending up writing this!)

So, as you know, I went in to St. Mary's Hospital on MOnday morning and because I live so far from the hospital, Doc wanted me to stay. I was the only one there having a baby so I got the room I wanted which was very cool. Lloyd and I began unpacking to settle in.

Even cooler was that I began having contractions on my own literally MINUTES before they put the gel inside me to begin the induction. They put the belt on me that monitors contractions and the nurse said "is something happening to you right now?"
And I could feel a contraction and got really excited because I wanted it to be on GOD's terms, not man's.
so I was thrilled about that! My doctor had a young med student practising with him during the whole time and her name was Jane. Jane was awesome- just wanted to mention her because she figures in later.

so the contractions began to pick up and I was in hard painful labour for many hours. My husband Lloyd was incredible- we were a great team, I have to admit. He was there doing everything he could for me and kept encouraging me and telling me what a champ I was. I was never so proud and happy to be his wife. He spent some time cuddling me in the bed from behind, other times he massaged me, fed me water or ice chips and always he was there by my side. At one point, I got into the big shower and held the spray to my stomach and Lloyd was there as well as the nurse. The nurse told me to put my arms around her and put my head on her shoulder. Lloyd began to tear up at this display of compassion- it was humbling and beautiful.

Jesus Christ was front and center as we brought a big cross to be my focal point and we prayed often. Oh - this was weird- the contractions began to get really bad- they were 2 minutes apart and 2 minutes long, and suddenly the spirit told me to pray. (My best friend Karen was there then, having arrived at 5:00 p.m.) There was a nurse there watching and the three of us prayed in front of her. Seconds after we finished praying, my contractions began to lessen in intensity and I was given a reprieve for about an hour! It was an amazing witness. We told all the nurses and Doc about it. Tres cool. Anyway, after all this, I had only dilated TWO centimeters and Doc was concerned that I was going to need some sleep for the next day. I was reluctant to take any drugs because of my past with them and fought the suggestion all day until he told me I’d need the rest for the next day. He prescribed some Demerol and I was able to sleep between contractions and got some solid rest that night.

The next day I awoke, took a shower and felt ready to face the day. I knew I was going to meet my baby sometime that day. My friend Karen had stayed the night and to my absolute delight she had written down every contraction I’d had, how long it was and what time it had happened at- AND comments that I had made. Incredible. I hope I can post it here because it makes for some really interesting reading!

My Doc told me that he wanted to break my water that morning to get things going and I agreed. We did that at 9 am and it began the contractions again. (they had stopped by the second morning) We went for a walk around the outside of the hospital and I stayed upright quite a bit this day to get gravity in motion. By 1:00 the Doc presecribed an oxytocin drip and I was stuck in bed chained to my IV and to the baby monitor strapped to my tummy. Half an hour after the drip, the contractions were excrutiating again.
Jane, the med student was massaging my hand and back giving me a lot of relief. I was honoured to be giving her this kind of experience as I knew I was her first birth. Her compassion was extraordinary.
By two in the afternoon, the contractions were getting bad enough that I was crying during some of them. Despite the water breaking, baby’s head was just NOT moving down. We tried to break it some more and got a gusher but it still didn’t help. Doc prescribed Demerol at 4:00 to help get things going. By 5:00 I’m mumbling incoherently between contractions.
By 7:30, despite being dilated between 5 and 6 centimeters, the baby’s head had still not engaged and my Doc Jack was very concerned. He conferenced with Lloyd and Jane and recommended a C section for the safety of me and the baby.

they administered Fentinol at this time which COMPLETELY took away the pain of my contractions which was amazing, but I was totally out of it and my memory is fuzzy here.
I was terrified of being able to feel the incision of the c section so despite my absolute horror of needles, I was a very good girl keeping as still as possible for the needle in my back. My surgical doctor was Doctor Iglesias so we all made jokes about him singing. Lloyd was there the whole time for which I can only say “Thank God”
So we waited anxiously, Lloyd holding my hand and finally at 9:18 p.m. on Tuesday July the 25th, they said “It’s a Girl!”
And Lloyd, having been so CONFIDENT of her sex being male was in shock and said “it’s a girl?” and then we heard her cry and we began to cry as well. Then they brought our beautiful Meaghan up to us and Lloyd held her for me as I touched her and kissed her and cried some more. “Our baby!” I kept saying over and over and thanking God. We sang the Doxology right there in the operating room- we wanted praise to God to be the first thing that she ever heard.

They took me to the recovery room and Lloyd took Meaghan to introduce her to my folks who had come out from Ontario and also to my great friend Karen who displayed friendship like I had never seen before. I was totally out of it drug-wise and completely wracked because of the work of labour. MY first night was a total blur- Lloyd took care of Meg, thank God because I was incapable of doing so.

We stayed there in a different room- basically the best room in the hospital for the next 4 and a half days as the women of this amazing hospital helped us through the horror and depresssion of being unable to breastfeed for days- they took Meaghan from us one night for 6 hours so we could sleep when we were so desperate for it. We were in our little bubble, protected from the world and it was magnificent. My husband was amazing during this time. God showed us many things and gave us many opportunities to witness, and we were honoured to do. Jane finished up her med school training while we were there and came to say goodbye. We told her what an amazing spirit of goodness she had and she told us that she was a Christian too which just made us so happy knowing that such a kind caring doctor was in the making. The Lord sent us the most perfect nurses for each day- each giving us valuable insight and knowledge- and most of all, they all gave us their hearts. I’ve never seen care givers so professional yet so loving in my life.

My doctor finished his practice the day we left to go for a year’s sabbatical so we were blessed with his caring and knowledge as well. God’s presence was so tangible during this incredible time.

And OH!!!! On Monday morning as I slept, the night before I was to go to the hospital,God gave me a vision in a dream I had. I didn’t understand it until a couple of days ago but it was a gift so compassionate and beautiful I must share it with you all.

In the dream, a little boy no bigger than a toddler was walking towards me with his arms outstretched. In his arms was a baby. He walked not like a toddler, but like an adult, with confidence and almost a regalness. He hold his arms out to me and was offering me the baby which I took. I lifted her and took her in my arms and looked at her (and yes she looked like she does now!) and said “She’s a girl!” with utter delight. (God knew my heart’s desire)
The revelation I was given days after the dream was that the little boy was my first- Lance Michael-the little one I aborted just over 20 years ago. Her big brother brought her to me. And that is the truth in life also. Had it not been for Lance, my life would have been completely different and Meaghan would not be here.
I felt his love and absolute peace in the dream- a true gift from our loving Lord.

Now I am home with this girl and I can’t explain my joy- my heart bursts with love for this child and I am more in love with my husband than ever. The Lord speaks to us about the importance of praying together as a family. Lloyd has stepped up like never before. I am ready to build him and build him and turning to Christ whenever I can, help solidify this family so that we can glorify the Lord.


Hallelujah!

 

[New Creation]

This was written and recorded by my closest friend Karen- one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given me. I hope it's not too confusing to read as the chart-like look of it is impossible to maintain here on this post.


July 25, 2006 Paula was induced w/ gel beginning @ 9:00 a.m, had hard labour for 4 hours.
I came to the hospital at 5pm. Paula was having some mild contractions, but nothing like earlier
In the day…..a bit of a reprieve. Had some bites of dinner and the Blue Jays were playing the Mariners on the television. Contractions were about 6 minutes apart on the average….moderate severity. Started keeping records of contractions: (and other miscellaneous notes)

duration time comments
1:00 9:25pm diolated to 2cm
1:40 9:35pm
:45 9:38pm
1:00 9:42pm
:30 9:51pm
:45 9:58pm
:50 10:08pm
:50 10:15pm
:50 10:20pm sleeping now
:50 10:25pm
1:35 10:30pm strong one
:55 10:35pm
1:05 10:40pm
:45 10:45pm milder/doc here
:45 10:54pm 2.5 cm doc ordered Demerol
:50 10:58pm
1:00 11:03pm shot of demerol/adivan/gravol in the bum
:50 11:11pm doc left
:50 11:20pm P fell asleep/L cuddled up behind her on hospital bed
:50 11:24pm strong one
:50 11:30pm Paula snoring vital: Baby’s BP/good
:50 11:35pm
:50 11:42pm strong one
:35 11:49pm sleeping deeply
:50 11:53pm both snoring (how cute!)

July 26, 2006 I’m sitting in the rocking chair in a semi-darkened room
:50 12:02am
:40 12:08am
:45 12:14am
:30 12:19am
:45 12:27am
:40 12:32am
:35 12:38am
:25 12:41am
:15 12:44am a few small ones
:35 12:48am Lloyd up to small chair bed
:30 12:52am Paula up to pee
:35 1:11am
:15 1:18am
:25 1:26am
:20 1:34am they are getting milder
:10 1:40am
:30 1:48am stronger one
:35 2:00am
duration time comments Page 2

2:25am nurse came in w/monitor- P slept through it – baby bp strong
:15 2:32am mild one
observation: getting milder and further apart
sleeping soundly
2:45am I left to sleep on bed across hall
4:00am Paula/Lloyd sound asleep
5:00am Paula/Lloyd sound asleep
6:15am Paula/Lloyd sound asleep
8:00am Paula showering/Lloyd just getting up
8:03am I leave to get breakfast for Lloyd and myself
Subway breakfastwich/coffee and blueberry muffin for paula
8:45am hospital breakfast served/P ate muffin, milk, juice, fruit
8:55am Having no contractions lately, doc ruptured water
9:01am Walk around hospital – one small contraction on walk/leaking
9:30am back to cocoon
:30 10:02am mild one w/some gushing w/some blood
:35 10:41am
:20 10:50am good, they’re coming back
:50 10:59am
:50 11:14am starting to get stronger
:20 11:47am dinky one
:40 12:18pm
:30 12:29pm
1:00pm doc ordered IV drip w/OXYTOCIN
1:05pm Oxy started at 6 drips per minute
:40 1:13pm “stronger than others” says P
:45 1:21pm “down lower” says P Lloyd attempting a nap
1:05 1:27pm “gradual tightening going on” “WOW, felt that one in the
lower back” Lloyd back up, assisting his wife again
2:05 1:30pm “Why isn’t it stopping?” (continual moans) Sat up straighter,
“much better”
1:00 1:35pm “Oooh, that hurts different” on left side, sharp pain
Nurse increases OXY to 12 drips per minute
1:00 1:43pm “Pain really hasn’t gone away” “Stuff is going on, but not like in waves like yesterday”
1:25 1:53pm “have to pee”…….”ahhhh, better”
1:58pm “back aching” applied a heated pad, better, doc here again
1:00 2:01pm “they’ve increased since peeing” doc says to hold the drip at 12 drips per minute “doing good” says doc
1:45 2:06pm “woa, that was a long one. Really hurts on the left side at the
belly”, “thanks honey, enjoying the pressure on lower back”
2:15pm Karen, David and Hazel leave for lunch
3:15pm back again, Jane here massaging P’s back, giving her support
Nurse increased oxy to 18 drips per minute

 

[New Creation]

Duration time comments Page 3

1:45 3:30pm “Oh, God, oh, God, oh, God it HURTS (crying)
That was the biggest contraction so far
1:15 3:33pm “I’ve got to throw up” (spits into pan, 4x)
Nurse turns Oxy back down to 12 drips per minute
1:35 3:39pm “It hurts there, why does it hurt there? Feels like someone
is stabbing me in the side!” (maybe baby’s legs someone says) “I want these tubes off me, please, take them off me”
Nurse unhooks P for a bit. P is hanging over bed. Lloyd
Says “You’re doing a great job, Paula. You’re so loved & we all are so proud of what you’re doing” Actually getting a reprieve from contractions since turning down the oxy drip.
1:45 3:44pm “Wasn’t THAT fun?” P says after big one
1:00 3:51pm
3:55pm doc here again “Just gushing Jack”, “that’s good, P” says doc Exam: Head still in same place, no change.
“Come on Baby, listen to your mother” Piece of membrane
was retrieved with a crochet like instrument….”Don’t poke him Jack” Gushing LOTS. “At 4cm now. But need to get head out of the way so can get some of that fluid out of there”, say doc.”
1:35 4:03pm “I have to go pee, now” says P…”wait”……(BIG contraction – Doc warns “it is usually a ‘doozie” after examing you……that should bring you closer to 5cm now with the exam and that contraction” “we’ll give you some more Demerol – head is high, baby is still quite high. Demerol will help get things going” doc will be back around 6pm…P peeing.

4:12pm Administered another Demerol shot, this time in the leg. “OUCH, THAT HURT” “that made the IV feel like a piece of cake!!” “I want to go to sleep”
1:20 4:13pm Nice long moans……”need to breath more. Need to breath
deeper, Paula” says nurse Laura. Vitals: 5.5 sugar
BP 155/90
2:00 4:18pm “oh God, it hurts – this side thing again” “HELP ME”
(Looooong LARGE moan) “OH GOD HELP ME PLEASE, that
hurts me so much” (Lloyd applying pressure at L side)
Lloyd and I are massaging and applying pressure, getting
Some relief now……Calmed her down…..Starting to snooze at 4:25.
2:00 4:33pm Hooking up the monitors again. “Try the nitrous oxide gas?” asks Nurse Laura. “NO, I don’t want to throw up, I’ll die” says Paula. She snoozes between contractions….Baby’s heart
4:35pm is down a bit to 135/129….usually been around 135-145
4:41pm Baby back up to 146….GOOD!
:30 4:43pm Leaving to call Carroll on pay phone
Missed a few contractions while away on tele
:50 5:05pm Lloyd asks Paula to take a bite of plum for him. She does.










duration time comments Page 4

5:10pm Paula sleeping….I asked the question to Nurse Laura
“What is a typical scenario with this oxy drip?” She said
“typically it’s 1 cm an hour, 2 hours of pushing…..baby could
be here before midnight, BUT this IS a first baby, so…..
God only knows”
Saw Lloyd stretching while Paula sleeping….so I went over and gave him a back, shoulder and neck massage. He is
Such a great partner- he’s being so compassionate,
Supportive, encouraging, and comforting. L&P are talking so kindly to each other. He’s feeding her ice chips, water, rubbing her back, her side, her face, her hand, holding her hand, he’s literally been there for her 98.8% of her aches, moans and
Contractions (when he’s awake) – he’s really getting an eyeful
Of what labour is all about. God is instilling empathy and extra compassion into him for his suffering wife. True Love!
“Gives us an idea of how Jesus must have suffered” says L.
5:13pm Paula’s sleeping pretty soundly in between contractions &
getting some much needed rest.
:30 5:15pm The room’s been darkened for nearly one hour now. Nice.
Cool cocoon as Paula calls it. David had to leave & go golfing or ‘something’, can’t just sit and watch and feel helpless.
Hazel wants to be here. Laura the nurse is a trooper, a calm,
Collective person – in charge and in control.
:20 5:18pm
:30 5:21pm Paula’s mumbling incoherently as she begins contracting, and during. Always wanting Lloyd by her side. If he leaves, she
calls him over to her. It’s great….quite lovely, indeed!
Hazel’s quite quiet. Being entertained, yet highly concerned
Surely quite empathic for her daughter’s condition. She is also tired and a bit subdued by the whole ordeal.
It’s tiring witnessing all this labor…quite a profound exhibition.
:40 5:25pm There’s for sure a presence of anxiousness and readiness for this stubborn precious soul to come and be greeted by us all.
1:00 5:32pm
5:34pm Beep, beep, beep! Battery low on IV pump. Paula is in a state of delirium, and asks “Is the baby ok?” “Yes, the IV
pump just isn’t realizing it’s been plugged in, is all”, says Laura
:40 5:37pm
:40 5:38pm “I wish you wouldn’t have made me eat that plum, Lloyd”
:40 5:40pm
:40 5:41pm Lots of short spiking contractions…..different pattern
1:00 5:46pm
:50 5:54pm doc’s back……exam time! “cervix is definitely dilated. Head still is quite high. A good 5-6 cm, head is surprisingly high, though. Higher than I like it.” He mentions he may want to administer an epidural because of the slow progress….wants to see more contraction work. Paula tattles on Lloyd for making her take a bite of plum….funny!

6:15pm Nurse Laura says “Paula why don’t you get up and try to go to the bathroom”. Not exactly the best time to get up with all the tubes and cords, but as P is getting up, a big contraction begins….”WAIT”…then, after, begin to mosey over towards

 

[New Creation]

duration time comments Page 5

bathroom, Paula moving quickly, but her IV pump stand is now plugged in…..not so mobile….and Paula nearly pulls IV out of her hand….make her wait, she becomes a bit irate….upset
she has to be doing this NOW and ANYWAY…..then she goes to the toilet….has another huge contraction sitting on the toilet……blurts out..”I TOLD YOU I DIDN’T HAVE TO PEE”. Waddles back to her bed, a bit of minor tension in the air…….AND as soon as she gets to the bed, she has another huge contraction and gets plugged back into all the machines…not what she wanted, but necessary, unfortunately. P apologizes for cussing, and talking harshly!
No need, Sister…nice gesture though.
6:20pm Massaging Paula’s feet, hand and consoling her at bedside
Lots of large contractions, wasn’t able to record them, trust me huge ones for the next twenty minutes….a real trooper though 6:41pm Vitals: 177/97….yikes really high! Redo it….
152/95, better, but still a bit high. Sugar 5.2….baby bp 142
7:20pm Haven’t recorded for a while….took a break
consensus is: contractions are definitely getting closer
together and bigger and longer in endurance. Witnessing Paula’s pain threshold building…a Mom in the making!..
1:25 7:30pm A huge contraction…..spiked high on monitor
7:37pm Doctor back……exam……quick one! Concerned look!
“head unchanged”…..walks over to Lloyd sitting on the chair bed by washroom…..obvious conference…Jane present.
Cervix the same. Head the same. Oxy, contractions, regular 2 options…..keep w/ oxy and do pain control…..or highly
Suggest c-section b/c he believe baby is too big….not coming
Down…..it’s in the forefront of doc’s mind to consider c-section
Paula’s BP is up…..big concern. Want’s to call it quits. Do s some pain control, recommends c-section (again). Paula could
get to 10cm and still NOT get this baby out. Doc concerned for both mother and baby now.
7:45pm decision to go for c-section
7:50pm Karen, Lloyd and Paula pray
8:00pm Anesthesiologist Carl comes in and takes blood. Lloyd signs
consent forms.
8:03pm Nurse Laura administers Fanatol (pain killer) into IV.
Paula’s contractions go to almost ZIP. She calms considerably
8:10pm Catheter inserted. Paula pees. Paula a bit disappointed but
relieved, but excited too. Baby is going to be OUT within the
hour. Lloyd still reading and signing forms. I’m consoling
and removing jewelry from Paula.
8:20pm They come to roll Paula to OR. Lloyd will be present in
delivery. David and Hazel disperse.
8:25pm Nurse Pam and Nurse Laura advise me that Paula and babe
will be moved to Room 104, private room, making room for
other maternity cases. Ask me to clean and move personal
items.





duration time comments Page 6

9:00pm I come back from going to Extra Foods to get flowers and a vase to put in the new room. Set up room, somewhat,
join Hazel and David in hallway outside OR. Talking, waiting, anxious…..at about 9:20 (on hospital clock)
we hear a baby’s cry…Hazel says, “A BABY, OUR Baby” and I say “THAT’s A GIRL”. We pace, more pacing…..for nearly 35+ minutes…waiting impatiently, I might add…we hear more crying….a wayward doctor walking the halls says…..”that’s some strong lungs on that baby”…..we pace more…..we laugh, cry and anxiously chat…….finally we see the OR doors open, Dr. Bryson is standing there……and notices we are over-anxious…..and says “someone needs to inform those grandparents of the sex and let them see their baby” ……….duh! So, out walks Lloyd beside doc and in Lloyd’s arms is a baby…..he says…..with a HUGE GRIN on his proud face……

9:58pm “I’d like to introduce to you, M E A G H A N” We all melt, yelp, cry and swoon. A beautiful baby girl. It’s finally OVER!
But, really…..just a new beginning!



Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the precious gift of the birth of your daughter to Paula and Lloyd . Thank you for your protection, Jesus, and the blessings on all three of them. Thank you that Paula and Meaghan are healthy and strong. Thank You for the whole experience. God is Good! Amen

 

[christiankate]

wow what a great experience.... now you have me crying.... I think the greatest part of your story was all the praying and singing the doxology to your daughter.... how precious..... It is a huge wake up call for me, letting me know how my life should be with God.... Thanks for sharing and Congrats!!!! Enjoy your little one. God Bless, Kate

 

[Athene]

Thanks for sharing your birth story - reading it I almost felt like I was there with you.

 

[lin1235]

Thank you for sharing - and congratulations on your baby girl!!

 

[Cright]

Congrats Paula, Lloyd and Meaghan!

I'm so happy that even with the stress of birth that all is well and everyone is healthy and happy!

 

[Leanna]

Congratulations!

 

[~Mrs. A2J~]

Congrats!

 

[HeKnowsMyName]

Congrats! So glad to hear from you.

 

[Linnis]

Congradulations!

 

[Marionette]

That was a really beautiful retelling and got me teary-eyed on more than one occasion.

Congrats to you and your hubby and happy birthday Meaghan Hazel~

 

[JulySheMustFly]

Congrats - That was a beautiful story.

 

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

Wow, A M A Z I N G!!!!!!

Wow... I cried the whole way through it. Just amazing. Praise God for he is good!

 

[CrystalBrooke]

im actually crying!! that was beautiful...congrats!!!

 

[RoseofLima]

Super duper gigantic congratulations!!! I can't wait to see pictures!!!

 

[Athene]

What do we want? Pictures! When do we want them? Now!

Please.

 

[jgonz]

Congratulations!!!

 

[New Creation]

Sorry!
Duh!

Here's one of Lloyd, Meaghan and I in the operating room and another of me, Meaghan and our Doctor.