Officer and the Gentleman: Hazel Faye's Birth Story

Kit and I started our day on November 26th 2019 at 0345 in the morning. Bags packed, I put on make up and even curled my hair for the big day. The night before we didn't go to bed until around 11pm because we were cleaning, packing and making sure everything was set for the big sisters over the next 4 days while we were in the hospital.

Last night of having just 2!

I was incredibly nervous, almost to the point of physically shaking. This scheduled c-section was different. I wasn't afforded the luxury of ignorance this go around. I've seen with my own eyes, pushed medications with my own hands to save the lives of women when things don't go as planned in c-sections. This was going to be my third time going under the knife. Can I skate by a third time with a completely boring/healthy delivery? We'll know today! We snapped a quick Polaroid of my belly, taped it to the bathroom mirror and wrote a quick note to the kids for when the wake up. Then off to the hospital!

We parked our new van in the visitor's parking lot (so weird since I typically park just feet away in the employee parking lot) and walked up to the all too familiar unit of my work home the last 1.5 years. It was so weird checking in as the patient this time! We checked in at 0500 for the 0700 c-section slot and waited for one of my friends to take us back.

My friend and night nurse who trained me, Kelsie, came to get us and walked us back into Labor and Delivery to get us admitted. First we dropped off a big basket of snacks at the nurse's station because you have to take care of the people who are taking care of you! As soon as we rounded the corner my friends clapped and hollered with excitement. The anticipation was palpable. Everyone had been waiting 9 long months to find out who this little baby was and today was the day! We loved the greeting and I think it really surprised Kit and got him even more pumped for the morning.

Kelsie got us roomed, admitted, (Susan only had to stick me twice haha) and then came the wait to be taken to the OR. That wait was the worst. Our case almost got bumped due to another emergency, but luckily we stayed on time. During the wait my friends popped in one by one to wish us luck, give a quick hug and even Dr Wilson popped in to say that he could stay late to assist my doctor. Very nice of him! My two friends who I asked to special me arrived about a hour before we rolled back, Staci and Studdard. When you are a labor and delivery nurse and deliver at the hospital you work at...you get a few perks. One of the perks is choosing who takes care of you, who numbs you up and who gets to be part of your big day. I knew if shit hit the fan with my body in the OR that they would act quick, know exactly what to do, advocate for me and not hesitate.

My Mom and her husband drove 2.5 hours that morning to be there for the big event and that meant so much. My Mom hasn't been able to be at any of my deliveries, so to have loved ones waiting in the waiting room was very special.

0700 came and it was time to roll back to the OR! My friends came to get me, my Mom went to the waiting room, said goodbye to Kit (he doesn't get to come back to the OR until my spinal is finished and I'm completely prepped for surgery) and away we went.

It was finally time to see and meet this little baby of mine! Boy or Girl?? Elliot met us back in the OR to do my spinal. I remember he got a quick blood pressure and it was so high (156/110)! I was shaking, lips shattering from nerves/cold temp and so nervous. I nestled down into Staci's chest and waited for the "bee sting" in the back that would let me not feel a thing from the chest down for the next several hours.

This was the first step I was nervous about because if for some reason the anesthesiologist can't get the spinal to work, they're forced to put you under general anesthesia. General means they have to put you to sleep so that you don't feel anything during the surgery, so not only do you not get to hear that first cry or see their fresh little face but your spouse isn't allowed back in the OR either. Thankfully he was quick and got it the first try! I laid down quickly and felt that warm rush start in my toes and work it's way up quick.

Then the OR got busy! I went all numb, both doctors walked in (Dr Daily and Dr Wilson) to test me, the drape went on and someone left to bring Kit in! Once a c-section starts, it's pretty fast work up until the baby is out (6-9 minutes after the first cut). Kit and I just waited, then the tugging sensation started so I knew we were getting close...

Then that first cry. It's The Best Thing In The World To Hear. I've been with many mothers who never hear that cry, so when you do hear it...it's everything. Kit and I both started crying as soon as that sound hit our ears. Staci's plan was to have NICU do a quick assessment, then bring baby back in to us to reveal the gender. NICU took baby, dried it off and Staci walked baby back in behind Kit. She had her hand over baby's naughty bits and said, "You guys ready? It's a GIRL!"

AHHH!!!!!! We Knew It!!! HAZEL FAYE it is!!! We both just start crying again...3 GIRLS!!

Kit followed Staci back to the NICU island with baby. She needed a little C-PAP, but ultimately got to stay with us afterwards. The next biggest surprise was her weight. Staci came back in to the OR and told me she weighed 8lbs 12oz.

"Bull$hit !" was my reply haha! My biggest baby by far! Norah was 7lbs 2oz and Scarlett was 6lbs 9 oz. My belly was ALL baby these last few months!

Kit and Hazel went back to my recovery room while I finished getting stitched up. I got a little nauseous in the OR, but thankfully didn't throw up. The closure was smooth and my uterus did great! The next few hours were a little of a blur. Fundal rubs, breastfeeding, staring at Hazel, Kit texting/calling everyone to tell them we had a little GIRL.