Welcome, Baby Riya

By now you know that Riya was born on September 12, 2013. She was born at the gestational age of 32 weeks, which is pre-term, but not a preemie. What's the difference? Preemies are born prior to 27 weeks and would need a lot more help breathing, eating, and basic functionality versus a pre-term baby. (Babies are considered full term at 37 weeks).  What a whirlwind the past 2 weeks have been! Here is my attempt at a recap.

Two weeks ago I went in to see the doctor for numbness and swelling. I knew they were symptoms of pregnancy but I wasn't sure if my level of numbness and swelling was normal. I was ready to just sit back and wait until my 34 week appointment with the doctor but Ram insisted that I just go in to make sure everything is alright. As we waited, we made a mental note to do another hospital tour that Friday. (We did one back in June but neither of us remembered anything).

So we met with the doctor and immediately she showed concern. I was shocked. She started saying my blood pressure was high, there was protein in my urine, blah blah blah, we are going to admit you to the hospital for observation for 24 hours. Wait....WHAT?!?! Both Ram and I were stunned.  Just 2 weeks ago my doctor told me I had a low risk pregnancy, aside from gestational diabetes. Now, all of a sudden the doctor was saying things like I will try to buy you days (not weeks) before we have to deliver baby girl.

Ram saved both mine and Riya's life that day.

My health was more at risk than the baby's and the only cure was to take the placenta out.  A million thoughts began running through my mind. I started going through my "To Do List" which was grossly incomplete and I began to panic. The baby clothes needed to be washed, my hospital bag was only half packed, the car seat needed to be installed, we needed to buy diapers & wipes, and Luca. What are we going to do with Luca?!

Two very long days passed and we were discharged with high hopes that we had at least 2 more weeks, until baby was 34 weeks old, before we considered delivery again. The minute we came home, I gave Luca a big hug and immediately started working on that "To Do List." Sadly, late that night I was re-admitted to the hospital. The following morning the doctor said it was time. There was no way we could wait another day without damaging my kidney and liver. I had 10 minutes to process the information. Those were the fastest 10 minutes I've ever experienced in my life. That was the first (and last) time I cried.

I would never know what it was like to go into labor. I would never feel the excitement that my water broke. I would never experience a contraction. Some people say I'm blessed that I didn't go experience those things. But I can't help but feel cheated. Don't get me wrong, the thought of labor scared the crap out of me, but it was still something I wanted to experience. I never imagined this was how my pregnancy would end. And I never expected to go home without my baby.

At the end of the day, I can't say that I'm sad Riya graced us with her beautiful presence. From day 1 she was a fighter and was breathing on her own. By day 10 she was maintaining her own body temperature and out of the incubator. The only concern was her weight. Baby girl is tiny.

Today would have been my 34th week of pregnancy. I didn't get a chance to do my bump shot, but this is much better:)

Yep, Riya came home today!!!! We are so proud of her and I finally feel like we can do this parenthood thing for real. I cannot tell you how obsessed with her I already am. She has truly changed our lives forever (and Luca's).