As many know, the first birth of my daughter was a scary situation. I had really extreme preeclampsia, had to be induced, labored for 24 hours, my epidural was messed up, I was rushed into an emergency c-section and Devin wasn't allowed to be there. I was then cut open and since the epidural didn't work I could feel everything. The last thing I remembered was screaming before I woke up 2 hours later with a baby. Then I wasn't prepared for what came afterwards. Baby blues, unsuccessful breastfeeding, my husband lost his job and in the end ..... I had a beautiful daughter. She's now  two years old and I survived.

This time was so much different and way way better.


On January 6, 2017 I went to my regular doctor's appointment. My blood pressure was elevated and I also had elevated levels of protein. I knew that preeclampsia was right around the corner and so did my doctor. I needed to do a few blood labs and take a 24 hour urine test. (This is where I pee in a jug for 24 hours and then turn it in -gross right? and to top it off I had to fast after dinner 7:30 pm)

January 7, 2017

We turned in the urine around 12:30 and was told to wait 2 hours to hear the results. At 1:30 my doctor called me and said the protein was still elevated and I needed to come to Labor and Delivery for observation for a few hours. I was admitted and started paperwork around 3:00. An hour later my doctor came in and determined that my numbers weren't too bad but if we waited another day they would be. I had already decided that if I had any problems I would just opt for a repeat c-section. If I went into labor on my own I would try for a VBAC. So we were then waiting for another woman to have her baby and then we would go in for the c-section. It was Saturday so the hospital was pretty much empty. My doctor was the OB on call so it was just pretty quiet. At 6:00 Devin was dressed in scrubs and I walked to the Operating Room.


The anesthesiologist was really nice and told me everything they were doing. I got a spinal but they said it would feel like an epidural. I was so scared because of last time. The Epidural was one of the most painful parts. Devin wasn't allowed into the room yet so I had to hold on to the nurse. I then took a deep breath and said. "Okay I'm ready" I'm pretty sure I had tears in my eyes and was about to cry. The anesthesiologist laughed and then she told me it was already done and I probably couldn't feel my legs already. I didn't feel anything!!!! It was awesome.
Then I was laid on the table under all the bright lights. It was kind of weird because all the nurses and doctors helping were male (except the anesthesiologist). So they shaved the cutting area and lifted my belly with tape. Then they draped the curtain and Devin got to join me. Devin doesn't like blood or needles or any of that stuff so he kept his head close to mine and tried not to hear anything. I thought he was funny. Me on the other hand could kind of see the reflection in the lights above me. I couldn't see details just shapes. So that was cool.  At 6:35 my daughter Lillian Grace Jackson was born. She wasn't screaming so I was a little worried. I looked over and her eyes were wide-open and she looked so confused and very grumpy. I laughed because she was just so mad at the world. Devin got to go into the room with them to clean her up and weigh her. She weighed 7 lbs 13  oz and measured 19.75 inches. While they were stitching me up I was just so happy and relaxed I almost dozed off (but then remember I hadn't eaten for almost 24 hours...so I was just dreaming of a hamburger or ANYTHING).

Devin got to bring her to me and I got to see her little face. She was so beautiful.
After that I was moved downstairs for a half hour for observation to make sure everything was going well. When they were moving me I was wheeled past the waiting room and Kamille got to see me. She wasn't very happy that I was laid out on a bed, not moving, dressed in all the hospital stuff.
After observation I was moved back upstairs to the recovery room. My baby was brought to me and Kamille and my parents got to come in and meet her. I finally got to eat toast and broth that night around 8:30.

Recovery went well. I was up and moving the next morning after breakfast. Last time I spent 5 days in the hospital total and this time I was discharged with my little one in less than 48 hours. It was GREAT! This time around Devin has a good job that he is able to spend 9 days total with us. So now we are chilling at home, trying to get sleep, working through breastfeeding issues, stopping a toddler from loving her sister too much, and just enjoying life.



I'm so grateful for all our family and friends that have checked in and helped. We have had texts, phone calls, dinner brought, and so much love given. Thanks for being so awesome.
Until we meet again,
Kaylynn Jackson