Amelia's Birth Story

I do not know about you, but I love to read birth stories.  I love to read about the unique way each little life comes into this world.  The beginning of these tiny little lives is an exciting time.  Some babies come with a huge bang and some come quickly and quietly. The stories of their beginnings seem to mirror the life they will live. Each of my babies has a unique story of the day they were born.  I will never forget any of those five days. They are all special to me.  Before Eli, I had never actually sat down and written about those special days.  Now, I go back and read Eli's just to remember sometimes.  I guess I need to at some point write down Jay, Cooper, and Lucie Rose's story just to have and be able to look back at. 

So, Saturday, March 19, when I posted a blog, I had no idea that I would really have Amelia the next day.  I did know that I was having some really strong contractions but I had been having them off and on for a couple of weeks.  Well, by Saturday night these contractions were lining up and getting consistent. I went to the handy dandy little web-site that has a contraction timer and began timing them.  They were 5-8 minutes apart when I decided I would call the doctor.  We had just put the kiddos to bed when the doctor called back and told me to come on in and get checked out.  I live about an hour from the hospital and he did not want to take any chances.  My doctor was out of town that weekend :(.  We got the kiddos up and took them to my sister's house. (I love my sister) Once the babies had been taken care of, we headed on to the hospital.  Thank goodness I had shaved my legs and gotten my toes done earlier in the day!!! This time we took our bags with us because at this point I kinda had a feeling that I would be staying.
In the car, on the way to the hospital I was having contractions about three minutes apart.  I kept this little tidbit to myself because I did not want Jamie to think he needed to travel any faster than he was. I knew that it was not imperitive that we get there super fast.  Once we got to the L&D floor of the hospital, I was taken to a room where I went through the routine of answering questions, changing clothes, and getting checked.  By this time I had not had one contraction since entering the room and getting into bed and I was bummed to learn that I was not any more dialated than I had been two weeks earlier, which was about 1cm but not thinned out any. It would be about thirty minutes after arriving before I had anymore contractions. I was given fluids to see if that would stop the contractions and I was also offered a shot to stop them, which I initially refused.  Jamie and I both were just tired of going up and getting shots to stop the contractions and had decided not to take anymore. About an hour after initially refusing the shot the nurse came in and was more insistent on giving the shot to see what would happen.  I decided to take it and just see what happened.  It stopped contractions for about two hours and then they started back again.  I was then offered another and I flat refused it this time. I was very frusterated by this point. My cervix had not changed any. This was about time for shift change Sunday morning, and to my surprise, the nurse that I had with Eli came in and was going to be taking over for this shift.  She is an awesome person and nurse.  I was so thrilled and happy to see her.  I will also say that the nurses I had when I went in the night before were all really good.  One of them told me that she was working the night I had Eli also. Another of them was working the day I had Lucie Rose.    
Around the time of shift change, my contractions were beginning to really pick up and and were about two to three minutes apart.  I had previously been told that I was probably going home as soon as the doctor okayed it.  Now, we were not so sure.  A, my nurse decided at this point to check my cervix once more and to our surprise I was beginning to dialate more and had progressed a centimeter since last being checked. I was told that was enough to get me a ticket to the OR for a c-section.  A called the doctor and told him what was going on and he was then on his way.  Everything really kicked into high gear after that.  There was blood work to be done, surgery prep to be done (that stuff they make you drink before a section is AWFUL), and people to call. The doctor came in and checked me again and I had dialated another 1/2 centimeter.  Before I knew it A was parking a stretcher in my room for my ride down to OR.  This c-section was so different than the one I had with Eli.  There was no sense of hurry or panic...no tears...I was awake this time...I was going to get to keep this baby...So many differences... There was a sense of De-ja-vu, being wheeled down to the OR.  Once in the operating room, things were different.  I was awake this time and received a spinal block which was followed up by pain meds in my back.  It gave me a buzz. I was chilled...I liked the buzz...until the itching started that is!!! There was not enough Benedryl in the hospital once the itching started!! I itched for two days. I digress...
Once my spinal block took effect...literaly ten seconds after is was put in...I was on the road to meeting my sweet baby girl... holding her...loving her...feeding her...or so I thought.
Once she was out, she was taken to the side to be cleaned up and worked on.  She had to have some fluid suctioned from her lungs.  She cried when she was first born, but there was a long time when I heard nothing and I kept asking if she was alright.  Everyone assured me that she was just fine.  I guess I just needed to see her or hear her to know for myself.  Soon enough Jamie brought her over for me to see her and kiss her.  She was so beautiful.  I just wanted to hold her.  Jamie got to go and carry her to the nursery while I was taken to recovery for a few minutes.  When I finally made it to my room, I fully expected my baby to be waiting on me, but she was not.  The nurses in the nursery kept putting us off...asking for another 30 minutes or another hour.  I knew at that point that something was not right.  I told Jamie a couple of times that something was wrong if they were not bringing her to us.  He tried to reassure me that she was fine, but just needed to warm up some.  I knew better.  Eventually, the nurse called and told us that they would bring her down to us for just 20 minutes.  That was a HUGE red flag to me.  Just 20 minutes...Why???
Those were the shortest 20 minutes ever.  It was not enough but she had to go back to be monitored more.  After our little 20 minute visit, everyone left and Jamie went home to get the kiddos clothes together so they could go to my sister in law's house. Tina(my SIL) and her family had come by that time and went to the nursery to see Amelia.  That is when the nurse called down to my room to let me know that they were hooking Amelia up to some machines to monitor her more closely and starting an IV.  She wanted to tell me because there were people at the window watching and she did not want me to be alarmed when they came back to the room.  Really....not get alarmed... Not too long after that, the nursery doctor came in to talk to me (by myself).

To be continued...

Much love,

Long time no blog.

Wow, I can not believe that Amelia is already two weeks old.  I have been MIA from the blog world for most of those two weeks.  I finally got on the old Facebook this weekend some.  I have lots of blog reading to do to catch up with everyone. 

So, what has been going on at the Hill household...
Where to begin??????
Well, Amelia is doing great.  She got to come home only having to stay one day more than me.  I actually got to stay that night and room in with her.  So, I did not have to leave her.  I thank God for that because having left the hospital with empty arms once, I was so afraid I would panic if I had to this time. 
These past two weeks have just been a whirlwind for me.  So many wonderful family members, friends, and church family have gone completely out of their way to take care of my family.  We are truly blessed. My emotions have been all over the place, which in part is a hormone issue but also in part that having a new baby has caused me to miss Eli so much more.  Sometimes when I look at her, she looks just like Eli did.  There is a strong resemblance between the two of them. 
The kiddos are adjusting to having a new baby at home.  Lucie Rose is having the toughest time. She is trying to find her new place as big sister.  My sister told me that on the way to the hospital to see their new sister Lucie Rose asked her if Amelia was going to get to go home with us.  She also said that Cooper was visibly nervous and wanted reassurance that everything was going to be alright this time. Cooper is the most tender with Amelia.  They all love to hold her but Cooper is especially lovie to her.  Cooper is not a snuggly or huggie child and never has been. It is sweet to watch the kiddos with her.
Jamie is working long hours right now because of tax season.  He leaves early each day and is worn out by the time he gets home. We are looking forward to April 18th when he will be home more and we can spend some family time together.
I am trying to get over Bronchitis (not great to have with an 8 inch gash on my belly) and adjust to a feeding schedule for little Miss Amelia.  She started off as a great nurser but has regressed some in that.  She is such a sleepy baby that she just falls asleep while nursing now.  We are working on that and supplementing some to make sure she is gaining weight.
That is about it for an update on how things are going. I will post her birth story at some point.  Thank you all for your prayers, well wishes and thoughts! I am feeling truly blessed!

Much love,

Miss Amelia Claire Hill has made her arrival!

Amelia Claire Hill

March 20, 2011

10:59 am

6lbs 12 oz

19 1/2 inches long

Amelia came at 36 weeks and 2 days, so she was a little early. Because she was early, she has had some respiratory issues and remains in the NICU. She is on an antibiotic because her white blood count was elevated.  Please pray that she will get to come home when I do.  I know that if I have to leave her I will. I will do what is best for her.  I just do not want to go home without her. I am completely overjoyed and in love with this sweet baby girl.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Much love,



Baby...or no baby...

Is she coming, or is she going to camp out a little while longer? That is the twenty million dollar question. I have been having contractions on and off now for a little over a month.  I have had to have three shots to stop them and the doctor prescribed some medication to help at home. The medication is no longer effective.  I am having contractions even with it. I was 36 weeks yesterday, so chances are it would be fine if Miss Amelia decided to make her appearance.  However, I'd like her to hang out for just a little while longer except with out the contractions. For the last three days, I have really had some doozies. Jay, my oldest came at 37 weeks, Cooper came at 36 weeks, Lucie Rose came at 39 weeks, and Eli came at 32 weeks. So, given my previous history, it could be any day now or no time soon. 
I have been a nesting crazy woman here lately.  My garage is in tip top shape.  My back porch got a much needed cleaning. I am loving the smell of Clorox, Lemon Pledge, Lemon Pine sol, and Fantastic in my house. Believe it or not I only have one....yes, I said one load of laundry that needs to be done.  The closets even got a touch up.  Whewww, I'm tired just thinking about it...
Did I mention that I have now hit the really tired phase of the third trimester.  The last couple of days my energy level has been at zero. I even was able to sneak in a nap while LR napped yesterday. Although I was frustrated at myself for going to sleep, it felt good to shut my eyes for a few minutes.
So, the question is...... When will our little princess make her appearance??? As I was typing this I had three really good contractions that were in my lower back.
What do you think?  Leave your predictions in the comment section, just for fun!!!

Much love,

Prayer request! Update

Thank you for your prayers.  I was really nervous but I think things went pretty well.  I did cry, but I did not lose it completely. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share God's love and faithfulness during this storm!




This is just a very quick post to ask for prayer for me tonight.  I will be sharing my testimony to an audience tonight and I ask that you please pray that God would speak through me.  From the beginning of Eli's story, we have asked that only the Lord would be glorified through it.  Now I have an opportunity to share and hopefully touch others.  Please pray for this to happen.  I will speak around 7:00 pm tonight.  Plus, pray that my nerves will calm and not get the best of me!

Much love,

Links With Winks!

Back in November, I shared with you this post about where Amelia's name came from.  Well today my sweet friend, Melissa, shared some pretty wonderful news on her blog.  Melissa is expecting her rainbow and today she found out the gender of her baby. She tells a very incredible story about his name here. I am so in awe of how God has worked in the lives of two women who have never met face to face but have a bond because of circumstance...because God led us to one another!

I want to share a little more of this HUGE wink from God that Melissa did not share in her blog.  Melissa sent me an email with an extra wink that I wanted to share with you. 

As you know our third baby girl's name is Lucie and the corresponding name on this list is...Eli the name of our forth child nonetheless. 
I love a good wink from God and this series of winks is amazing!

Much love,

I've never been "gotten" before today!

So, my oldest child is the nosiest person you will ever meet.  He can not help it.  He just has a very natural inquisitiveness that causes him to want to know everything.  Sometimes, it just bugs me...it drives me nuts.  But, I know where he gets it from.  ME!  It is very hard to admit that folks.  Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am nosey.  There, I said it and you know what? I don't feel better having admitted it.  I usually find out just about everything beforehand.  Due to this insanity, I am rarely surprised. 
Today....today, I was completely and utterly surprised.  A group of very near and dear people got a huge one over on me.  They threw a shower for Amelia. Honestly, it is my fifth child and I never dreamed about a shower for her.
My sister, the little sneaky pete that she is, called me yesterday and asked me if I would be willing to help my mom with a wedding shower that she was catering at her tea room.  My mom has regular help but this was supposedly a last minute thing that my mom was going to do for a friend. Now, if you know me, you know that I love my Sunday afternoon siesta. Well, for my mom, I'd do it.  She kept my kids from the day I went back to work from having them until I decided to stay home with them.  So I told her I would help.  Then my mom called and made up some story about an impromptu shower one of her friends wanted to have.  My hubbie was even in on the news and did not spill the beans.  I left from lunch at my Grandmother's (our Sunday ritual also) and head up to the tearoom with my sister completely, utterly, and totally unaware of the real reason for giving up my Sunday nap. As we pull in to the parking lot, instead of pulling to the back as we do when we are helping, Rachel pulled in to the very front.  Strange, but it is Rachel (I love you honey). Then, I looked over and spotted Jamie's mother's car. I see her and my sweetheart nieces retrieving pink bags from the trunk and it hit me that something was up.  I looked at my sister and asked her what on earth was going on, and as I looked over at her she had the deer in the headlights look in her eyes.  Bless her heart, she did not know what to say.  She later said that she was telepathically trying to tell Jamie's mom to hurry and jump in the trunk for a minute.  So, needless to say, in my precarious emotional state, the tears began to flow in buckets.  My precious friends and family had set up the most beautiful and touching shower for my sweet baby girl.  Once I had filled up a bucket or two, I dried up the tears and had such a wonderful and blessed time.  I did not have my camera, but several others did, so I will try to post pictures of this special afternoon later. I have never been so blessed and humbled. 
Amelia, got some of the cutest things and now I am super excited for her to get here so I can use them. 
God has truly blessed me with wonderful people in my life...so, so many wonderful people.  I am humbled to my very core.

I love you all and can not thank you enough!

Much love,