the christensen's: October 2013

September 7th

7 pounds 8 ounces

19 3/4 inches

Our newest addition, Piper was born on September 7th, 2013 at 10:14am. We arrived at the hospital at seven, got all checked in and set up and waited for Dr Roberts to arrive. I can't tell you how much I love my doctor, she is awesome. It almost makes up for the long waits in the doctors office, almost.

Once we go checked on and the iv started Stewart and I hung out for a few hours and waited to be taken back for my c-section. I was surprised at how I was not nervous at all. I had been through it twice and was ready for everything that was in store for me. I don't mind the iv or the spinal, and once the spinal is in you can't feel anything but tugging.

We were wheeled back about 9:30 and that's when the fun began. The surgery started off great and we thought it would be smooth sailing from there. She was surprised to not find a lot of scar tissue at first but we ended up running into a good amount. Then we discovered that my placenta had grown into my uterus a good amount and it took a while to get it detached. I then started getting a little nauseous and lost a good amount of blood. Finally we were able to see our beautiful little girl for the first time. There is nothing like seeing the baby you have been growing for nine long months. Things got a little more serious when we discovered that Pipers leg was hyper- extended and her knee was bent the wrong way, and her foot was right be her face. No one was really saying what was going on, if this was normal and would correct itself, or if it was some sort of birth defect. It was all very stressful and I think Stewart almost passed out three times. At my six week check up my doctor told me she felt horrible for him because of all the stress. They called an orthopedic doctor to the or to check things out and he said he thought it would correct itself and be fine. I was still freaking out at this point but was glad I couldn't see it very well.

If you look closely you can see her foot by her head. We tease her all the time now about doing a high kick when she was born

The doctor thinks she got her leg stuck up sometime in the womb when she turned and couldn't get it back down.

After surgery was over we were wheeled back to our room where Piper got her first bath and family showed up to meet our newest addition. I was so tired from the stress and was feeling awful for the loss of blood. I could not shake the nauseous feeling, and i think it was just stress induced worrying about PJ's leg. That night at the hospital her leg went down and never went back up the and the doctor said if he wouldn't have known her leg was hyper- extended at birth he wouldn't be able to tell.
The hospital stay was great. I love those few days getting to know your baby. Lots of cuddling and nothing to worry about but enjoying your new baby. It helps knowing my older kids were in great hands having the time of their life with my mom. I am so grateful for her and her love of my kids.

Piper has been a wonderful baby. She sleeps and eats great, rarely cries and is just the sweetest little thing. The only times she cries is when she is hungry, or in her dreaded car seat. She will learn to love it right? Sometimes she screams in it and sometimes she is fine.

Ella and Luke have done great with her. They are both pretty obsessed with their new sister. I love watching them interact. Luke always is in her face talking to her, I'm pretty sure she will be able to sleep through anything with all the noise that surrounds her on a daily basis.