She's here!

              I'm sure everyone knows from FB that Riley Marie was born at 9:23 on Monday March 9th via c-section at Riley Hospital. She went straight to surgery so she didn't really get weighed until later, after receiving a lot of fluid, and she weighed over 8 lbs that next day. Everything went so smoothly, and we can't say enough good things about everyone involved. They took her to the next room right away after delivery, so Robbie got a quick glance, but I didn't get to see her yet. They said that she did cry but she was gone from the room so quickly that we didn't even hear her. Dr. Farrell, one of the pediatric cardiologists, took pictures for us and made sure to come back and show us asap while I was still in the OR. Staff was so amazing! Everyone was so good about keeping us informed throughout her surgery. I found it very overwhelming when Dr. Turrentine, Riley's surgeon, came to speak to us afterwards because I simply said thank you but that seemed almost silly for how thankful we were to that man in that moment. He literally saved our baby girls life so a simple thank you just doesn't seem like enough. Two nurses came with us from Methodist to take care of me all day and they were wonderful! They were upbeat and excited for baby but also serious when they needed to be.  I was determined to set eyes on Riley Marie before going back to Methodist on Monday so as soon as my 2 hours of recovery were up they helped me into a wheelchair and took me to see her and oh my,  she is  beautiful! They were so many people involved in her delivery that day and every single person introduced themselves to us and were so nice.

               Riley was born with an intact atrial septum which causes hypertension with the lungs and the vessels connecting the lungs to the heart. Fortunately, Riley's body developed an anomaly vein which allowed the right side to decompress and deliver some blood to the left side to go out to her body. This anomaly vein is a big part of how she's doing so well. Without it, her lungs would be in much worse shape than they are and this roller coaster would be a much bumpier ride right now. Her next surgery (the Norwood/Norwood Hybrid, we don't know which will be performed yet) is going to be Wednesday the 18th, and we are very nervous. Riley has been opening her eyes today as they decreased her pain med a little. She started receiving nutrition last night through her IV. I'm pumping and storing breast milk for her but she will not be able to have it until she is strong enough after her next surgery. With the flu restrictions in place at Riley hospital still and with her in cardiovascular ICU she is not allowed any visitors except Robbie and I. She is such a sweet baby and we are enjoying changing her hats and socks to play dress up :) Thank you to everyone for all of the prayers and thoughts. Riley still has a tough road ahead of her so please keep praying for our sweet girl. 

We have a scheduled birthday

      This week we had another ultrasound and it was also my last week at work so therefore Lucas's last week at daycare. I know I am going to miss everyone at work and leaving there was not an easy choice as I truly had a job that I love. I know life is about to take us for a ride and that I need to be truly committed and present for my family so Robbie and I decided me not working is what is best for us right now. The wonderful people, who have become my friends, that I had the pleasure of working with made my last day unforgettable. I was showered with gifts and well wishes and felt so loved :) We also felt so much love from Lucas's daycare; his teachers got Lucas and Riley gifts and put together a basket with things we will definitely be needing while spending time at the hospital. We could not be more thankful for how they have cared for and loved Lucas this last year and a half. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone at Friendship!

            We learned at our ultrasound on Tuesday that baby Riley has either a very restricted atrial septum or an intact atrial septum. The pediatric cardiologist said that out of every 10-12 babies at Riley every year with HLHS that only 1 every 1-2 years has this. She will need to be taken to the hearth cath lab within seconds of her being born and it will be very time sensitive. They will create an opening in her heart since hers is not there so that blood can pass through. She will be delivered by c-section at Riley Hospital on March 16th. They do not deliver babies at Riley very often but it has been done before. I will have to have a c-section as they don't have the capability for me to labor there.  We have had a rough week after learning all of this and if we didn't admit that we are having trouble staying as positive we would be lying.  We are feeling better and getting into a more positive place as the week has passed and concentrating on all of the details and getting everything ready for her arrival.  I find comfort in keeping myself busy concentrating on things that I can control such as who is going to watch Lucas when, making sure everyone has everything that they need, and keeping the house clean.

      The Team Riley Marie shirts were a huge success, Thank you Michelle! Thank you to everyone that purchased one and we can't wait for the walk in May and to get a group picture of everyone in their yellow supporting our girl!  We are very anxious as she will be here in just 2 weeks but I am also looking forward to spending lots of time with Lucas these next 2 weeks :) Thank you again everyone for your support, generosity, and love!