Ryleigh Michele.
On March 30th, at 9:37 pm, another little love entered this world. I stood close by, a key witness in this miracle. I watched my newborn niece take her first breath, and was once again awed by the strength and power of a woman's body. I also observed true love unfold and wrap around this tiny girl, as happy tears fell and soft words were spoken. A mother's first moments with her baby - there is something so beautiful about watching from a distance, especially when the new mother is your baby sister.
I desperately wanted to be a part of Ryleigh's birth. A large part of me simply wanted to be there for my sister, comforting her in any way, staying strong for her during the inevitable moments of pain or frustration. Another part of me just wanted to experience it all again; and who better to experience it with than your sister? She was part of the all-important birthing team that stayed by my side during both Gracie and Ethan's births. I was there when she welcomed her son. I voiced my support of any decision Ashley and Landon made regarding plans for their daughter's birth and who would be present, but I can't tell you how excited I was when I was invited to join my sister in the birthing room once more.
March 27th. The Final Appointment.
Before the birth of Ryleigh Michele, however, there was a 38-week-appointment and ultrasound, which I was able to attend. Ashley's doctor, an amazingly gentle, yet straightforward, woman, had scheduled the non-typical, full-term ultrasound to check on the baby's size. Ashley had simply stopped gaining weight, the baby was measuring weeks behind, and, as we were told after the ultrasound and non-stress test, Ryleigh had stopped growing. Intrauterine Growth Restriction.
It was frightening to hear the doctor explain the details to my sister, because it was so unexpected. And I'm fairly certain Ashley was in one of those states where you begin nodding without actually comprehending what's being said. Basically, Dr. M wanted Ryleigh out. She was no longer benefiting from her time in the womb and the doctor was ready to allow her to grow on the outside. Ryleigh was estimated to be 5 pounds and 1 ounce. Dr. M briefly prepared Ashley for the possibility that her daughter might require a stay in the NICU, but was optimistic this would not be the case. At this Wednesday morning appointment, she then asked Ashley to choose either a Friday or Saturday induction date. Excitement and anticipation quickly settled on all of us who were waiting to meet this precious baby.
March 30th. Birth Day.
Ashley and Landon left early Saturday morning for the hospital, with promises to keep the family updated with any progress. I thought it would be best to wait until Ashley was in active labor before heading to the hospital myself. I wanted Ashley and Landon to have those waiting hours together, alone. I also wanted to spend at least part of the day with my family before leaving them for a number of hours.
Once Gracie and Ethan were settled down for afternoon naps at 2 pm, I gathered my things (most importantly, my camera) and drove to Women's Hospital to give my sister whatever support I could possibly give. Those first hours were easy. We chatted, took pictures, and discussed how the whole thing still seemed pretty surreal to us. I think I'll always remember how surprised Landon was to hear Sean and I are dedicated Duck Dynasty watchers. He said he didn't think we were Duck Dynasty "people". We rarely just get to talk and find out these types of things about each other, so it was a fun and memorable time with lots of laughter. No, we definitely don't duck hunt, dove hunt, wear camo, or necessarily care for full beards, but we are Duck Dynasty people. ;)
Ashley was making progress, very slowly. Dr. M had started Ashley on a low dose of pitocin that morning and was in no hurry to break the water. She didn't want to risk sending Ryleigh into shock. At one point, I begin to accept that Ryleigh might indeed be an Easter baby, instead of a day-before-Easter baby. Ashley was obviously exhausted after many painful contractions that still didn't qualify her for "active labor".
Eventually, late that afternoon, Ashley's water was broken. Contractions picked up, pain intensified, an epidural was requested. Around 6:30 pm, the anesthesiologist placed the epidural. I stayed with my sister during this time. We were forehead to forehead and I tried to distract her from the pain with quiet encouragement. Truth be told, the hardest part of all was knowing my sister was in so much pain, and there was absolutely nothing that I could do to help her.
As one who has received an epidural might hope, the pain was numbed and Ashley was able to rest. Dr. M predicted Ryleigh would make an appearance before mid-night. The nurse let us know she would be back at 9:30 pm to check Ashley's progress again. I remember calling my mom with the latest and telling her I'd call again at 9:30, so that she'd know the best time to leave for the hospital. She also wanted to be present for Ryleigh's birth, but didn't want to leave my aunt and cousin at home (who were visiting from Tennessee).
10 cm. Time to Push!
Around 9:00 pm, Ashley began to complain of pressure. By 9:15, she felt certain she needed the nurse to go ahead and check her. Momma was right. She was 10 cm and ready to push. Things began to move so quickly at this point. Dr. M was already on her way to the room and the nurse immediately began preparing for the birth. I sent my mom a quick text to let her know the pushing process had begun, then grabbed a leg.
A team of specialists stood by as a precaution. I prayed that Ryleigh would be bigger than they'd estimated...
Ashley's 5th push (and a quick cut of the cord wrapped around her neck) brought Ryleigh Michele Levan into this world. She weighed in at 5 pounds and 5 ounces. Following those initial moments after birth, Dr. M dismissed the specialists, who were thankfully not needed. Tiny Ryleigh did struggle with consistent breathing at first. A nurse spent about 30 minutes monitoring her before finally handing her over to her anxious mommy.
A little over a week later, the new family of 5 is doing very well! Chandler and Austin are helpful and adoring big brothers. Landon and Ashley are obviously deeply in love with their sweet daughter. They feel that their family is now complete. :)
I desperately wanted to be a part of Ryleigh's birth. A large part of me simply wanted to be there for my sister, comforting her in any way, staying strong for her during the inevitable moments of pain or frustration. Another part of me just wanted to experience it all again; and who better to experience it with than your sister? She was part of the all-important birthing team that stayed by my side during both Gracie and Ethan's births. I was there when she welcomed her son. I voiced my support of any decision Ashley and Landon made regarding plans for their daughter's birth and who would be present, but I can't tell you how excited I was when I was invited to join my sister in the birthing room once more.
March 27th. The Final Appointment.
Before the birth of Ryleigh Michele, however, there was a 38-week-appointment and ultrasound, which I was able to attend. Ashley's doctor, an amazingly gentle, yet straightforward, woman, had scheduled the non-typical, full-term ultrasound to check on the baby's size. Ashley had simply stopped gaining weight, the baby was measuring weeks behind, and, as we were told after the ultrasound and non-stress test, Ryleigh had stopped growing. Intrauterine Growth Restriction.
It was frightening to hear the doctor explain the details to my sister, because it was so unexpected. And I'm fairly certain Ashley was in one of those states where you begin nodding without actually comprehending what's being said. Basically, Dr. M wanted Ryleigh out. She was no longer benefiting from her time in the womb and the doctor was ready to allow her to grow on the outside. Ryleigh was estimated to be 5 pounds and 1 ounce. Dr. M briefly prepared Ashley for the possibility that her daughter might require a stay in the NICU, but was optimistic this would not be the case. At this Wednesday morning appointment, she then asked Ashley to choose either a Friday or Saturday induction date. Excitement and anticipation quickly settled on all of us who were waiting to meet this precious baby.
March 30th. Birth Day.
Ashley and Landon left early Saturday morning for the hospital, with promises to keep the family updated with any progress. I thought it would be best to wait until Ashley was in active labor before heading to the hospital myself. I wanted Ashley and Landon to have those waiting hours together, alone. I also wanted to spend at least part of the day with my family before leaving them for a number of hours.
Once Gracie and Ethan were settled down for afternoon naps at 2 pm, I gathered my things (most importantly, my camera) and drove to Women's Hospital to give my sister whatever support I could possibly give. Those first hours were easy. We chatted, took pictures, and discussed how the whole thing still seemed pretty surreal to us. I think I'll always remember how surprised Landon was to hear Sean and I are dedicated Duck Dynasty watchers. He said he didn't think we were Duck Dynasty "people". We rarely just get to talk and find out these types of things about each other, so it was a fun and memorable time with lots of laughter. No, we definitely don't duck hunt, dove hunt, wear camo, or necessarily care for full beards, but we are Duck Dynasty people. ;)
Ashley was making progress, very slowly. Dr. M had started Ashley on a low dose of pitocin that morning and was in no hurry to break the water. She didn't want to risk sending Ryleigh into shock. At one point, I begin to accept that Ryleigh might indeed be an Easter baby, instead of a day-before-Easter baby. Ashley was obviously exhausted after many painful contractions that still didn't qualify her for "active labor".
Eventually, late that afternoon, Ashley's water was broken. Contractions picked up, pain intensified, an epidural was requested. Around 6:30 pm, the anesthesiologist placed the epidural. I stayed with my sister during this time. We were forehead to forehead and I tried to distract her from the pain with quiet encouragement. Truth be told, the hardest part of all was knowing my sister was in so much pain, and there was absolutely nothing that I could do to help her.
As one who has received an epidural might hope, the pain was numbed and Ashley was able to rest. Dr. M predicted Ryleigh would make an appearance before mid-night. The nurse let us know she would be back at 9:30 pm to check Ashley's progress again. I remember calling my mom with the latest and telling her I'd call again at 9:30, so that she'd know the best time to leave for the hospital. She also wanted to be present for Ryleigh's birth, but didn't want to leave my aunt and cousin at home (who were visiting from Tennessee).
10 cm. Time to Push!
Around 9:00 pm, Ashley began to complain of pressure. By 9:15, she felt certain she needed the nurse to go ahead and check her. Momma was right. She was 10 cm and ready to push. Things began to move so quickly at this point. Dr. M was already on her way to the room and the nurse immediately began preparing for the birth. I sent my mom a quick text to let her know the pushing process had begun, then grabbed a leg.
A team of specialists stood by as a precaution. I prayed that Ryleigh would be bigger than they'd estimated...
Ashley's 5th push (and a quick cut of the cord wrapped around her neck) brought Ryleigh Michele Levan into this world. She weighed in at 5 pounds and 5 ounces. Following those initial moments after birth, Dr. M dismissed the specialists, who were thankfully not needed. Tiny Ryleigh did struggle with consistent breathing at first. A nurse spent about 30 minutes monitoring her before finally handing her over to her anxious mommy.
A little over a week later, the new family of 5 is doing very well! Chandler and Austin are helpful and adoring big brothers. Landon and Ashley are obviously deeply in love with their sweet daughter. They feel that their family is now complete. :)
Ryleigh, your Aunt Tina loves you so very much! What a precious gift our family has been given.
I'm so thankful for another healthy niece. And I'm beyond grateful for answered prayers.
I'm so happy that everything went well for Ashley and Ryleigh, and that she made a safe and easy entrance into this world! She's precious. That is awesome you got to be there to witness it all. I'd love to be able to play that type of role someday but we shall see (no siblings or siblings-in-law!). I hope your Mom wasn't too upset that she didn't get there in time. Things sure moved so fast in the end it sounds like! Wow. I'm glad that it sped up in the end so that Ashley didn't have to be in labor even longer.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to the Levan family!
On a random note - I've heard tons of people rave about Duck Dynasty, and now you, so I guess we'll have to try and watch it too sometime :-) We are definitely not that "type" either but maybe there's something fun about it regardless!