Shawn - birth story

Today would have been my due date if I had made it to 40 weeks. With my history, I didn't really plan to make it that far. My first two were born at 37 weeks 6 days and 37 weeks 5 days, and with Katy we made it to 39 weeks. My blood pressure always go up, and at that point, they decide it's safer to get the baby here than to wait. Though they have been induced, I have had 3 normal deliveries (the last one purposely drug-free, even forgoing pitocin for breaking my water). I kind of expected this one to be the same. Even after we found out that this little guy was still breech at 35 weeks, I thought we'd be able to get him to turn. And when that didn't seem to be working, we were interested in a breech delivery (which one of my Dr's was willing to do). But when all attempts to turn him failed and my BP ended up "up" again, I ended up with a c-section. I never thought I'd have one, though I knew it was always a possibility (especially here in the U.S.) 
When all was said and done I can't say that I felt that much worse with my c-section last week (at least for the 1st 24 hours, while the pain meds were still really good.) than I've felt after my other deliveries. I would never -choose- a section, because the recovery is taking so much longer, and there are still possibilities of complications even though everything seems to be healing okay.
Though I had prepared for this possibility mentally (and somewhat, emotionally) over the two weeks before, and while I was on bedrest for the several days before, I went into it very freaked out. Still, the actual section was not at all a negative experience. Getting my IV in after fasting was way more traumatic than any part of the surgery, including the spinal, which was so much faster and easier than either of my epidurals with my previous deliveries (which didn't work well). My anesthesiologist was super friendly, helpful, and laid-back, and my doctor and midwife were both there and super supportive. It was a little freaky being in the OR, but once my spinal started working, I wasn't even that nervous anymore. The only responsibility I had left was breathing! They attempted a 2nd version (they had tried one before, without anesthesia the Monday before) once the spinal kicked in, and they were pushing HARD. That was the hardest part - I couldn't breathe well during all that, because there was so much pressure going on. After the version failed (little guy wasn't moving either direction, and then my water broke from the pressure), it was only 8-10 minutes before my baby boy arrived,and since I wasn't in any pain this time, I actually got to appreciate the moment and even cried. They popped his darling (though bloody) little head up over the sheet to say hi as soon as he was out, and his eyes looked surprised. After they cleaned him up a little I got to kiss on his head and see him before I sent him to the recovery room with Jeremy while they took care of me. One of the other doctors came and sat by my head and chatted to distract me once they were gone, which I really appreciated. Pretty much everyone at Mercy Gilbert was so nice, helpful, and respectful of our wishes, and we're so happy we decided to deliver there!
 I was out in recovery and got to nurse him within about 45 minutes of birth, and could wiggle my toes soon after. Not what I would have picked, but not as bad as I feared. They had a little trouble getting my pain and bleeding under control that first day, but the rest of the hospital stay was mostly uneventful. I got up and walked (after they would let me) as often as I could that first 36 hours, because I heard that helps with recovery. Shawn was born at 10:50 that morning (section had been scheduled for 10, but the prep work and attempted version took some time) and we didn't settle on a name until late that evening. His name kind of surprised us - we had considered Shawn for a middle name, but never for a first name until it happened. :) 
We had never "roomed in" with a baby and not had a nursery to send them to. That first night was a doozy - the kid was up with spit up and gas most of the night, and I don't think Jeremy or I got more than 2 hours of sleep total. I sent Jeremy home to sleep the next two nights (knowing the nurses could handle helping us, and needing him in one piece by the time we were discharged!) and thankfully sleep went better. I was only semi-ready to go home on Monday (he was born on a Friday) because I was pretty attached to my hospital bed with it's big side rails and automatic-sitting-up magic. Having meals brought to me wasn't too shabby either. It was better to get us home though, so Jeremy could have us all in one place to take care of. 
Not what we expected, but not as bad as we hoped. And Shawn is beautiful and perfect and we love him. (And our love will even increase once we get him sleeping in his own space one of these weeks...) His siblings are all thoroughly enjoying having him around too, and are constantly asking if they can touch and kiss his little head. :)