Addison's Wings: The Rainbow Diaries-Joshua Patrick

And so begins a new journey...the journey to our first rainbow baby!

This way the day we found out you were coming, November 28, 2011.

Your first pictures, December 20, 2011 at 7 weeks.

U/S pics at 12 weeks during the N/T scan, January 27, 2012.

Anatomy scan and our first MCA doppler, February 24, 2012. You weren't shy about telling us you were a boy!

Another MCA scan...loooovvveee the wave! March 15, 2012

MCA scan March 29, 2012. I'm really loving the fact that I get to see you so often!

MCA Scan April 17, 2012, just before he decided to punch momma.

MCA scan April 18, 2012, profile and very first 3D face pic.

Another MCA scan April 19, decided to suck on my fingers and then wave to the camera (UMD Medical Center)

MCA scan at UMD April 30, 2012...smiling for the camera, such a ham!

A story of LIFE...welcoming Baby Joshua into the world

I'm so thankful to be able to write about bringing LIFE into this world, instead of writing about life as a memorial. Addie's life will never be forgotten, nor will Joshua's life ever be overshadowed by his sister's death. They are my children, equally wanted and loved.

36 weeks 5 days preggo, ready to meet my little guy.

Joshua entered this world on July 12, 2012. P and I arrived at the hospital at 7am for my scheduled c-section. My mom and my in-laws met us at the hospital. I didn't sleep much the night before. Honestly, I wasn't nervous about the surgery...I was afraid he would stop moving. But, instead I woke up to my Squirmy boy just kicking away. Finally, my name was called and we were taken back to the preparation room. After getting registered, having blood drawn, signing forms, etc my nurse said we could go back out in to the waiting room and sit with our family until Dr M was ready for us. Not long after, I hear my name being called. Dr M comes over and says, "Are you ready to meet this kid?" and leads us back to the prep room. There, I met the anesthesiologist and P puts on his lovely gown, booties and hat. I wish I had my camera because he looked so cute, although I know he doesn't see it that way.

Anxious and proud papa waiting to be called back to the prep room

We walked back to the OR. P stayed outside while I went in to get my spinal. The doc hit the right spot on the first try and we were good to go...or so we thought. The nurses helped me lay down and got me draped and covered. The Dr M decides to test my spinal block by pinching my belly. "Ow!" I said. "You can feel that?" "Unfortunately, yes." So, they uncovered and took down the drape to try again. This time, the anesthesiologist couldn't hit the right area. Now, my only choice was general anethesia. This was the last thing I wanted. For reasons unknown to me, an epidural was out of the question at this point. So, I went to sleep.

P, Joshua and Dr M

Meeting my son for the first time

Just beginning to wake up in the OR, P showing Joshua to me

The next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. I don't remember waking up in the OR, but obviously I did, thanks to the oh so flattering pics above. While in recovery, P walked back with Joshua again, before following him up to the nursery. I was anxious to be taken to my room. I wanted to hold my son, but I knew I'd be in recovery for at least an hour. In recovery, I was visited by several people, including some nurses I worked with when I donated the memory boxes. I was also surprised by the nurse that was there the day we found out Addie no longer had a heart beat. She actually came in to the OR and held my hand for a while. I feel lucky to have met such wonderful people there.

Heading up to the nursery

     Finally, the time came to wheel me to the Mother/Baby wing. I had not seen P for a while, but I knew he would be upstairs in the nursery with Joshua. My nurse wheeled me upstairs, right past the nursery and there they were...P was there holding J's hand while he was in the bassinet. I stayed there for a bit just watching them interact. I was in love all over again...my two boys. :) I can't even explain the feeling. After a few minutes, my nurse wheeled me in to my room, and my new life as a mom to a living child began.

     I watched him get his first bath, gave him his first meal, watched him scream under the bililights and cry because I couldn't console him. I watched him meet family members, each time seeing the joy on their faces. A friend of mine recently posted something on Facebook that rings so true....His birth became the most anticipated event for so many people, not just my family. The outpouring of love when we announced his arrival was overwhelming. I have the greatest group of friends and family anyone could ever ask for.

     Here's a few more pics from the hospital. That's Joshua's birth story! Can't wait to write about his life...I'm so thankful to be given the chance.