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.
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