on meds
Lying here alone in the delivery ward sure gives you so much time to ponder. So many thoughts running through my mind at that point in time.
See..Quentin is 34 weeks and I am in labour. Brilliant. Started off with some bleeding..and then more bleeding. I had some contractions earlier but just figured they were Braxton Hicks. Come to think of it, I had some bad contractions on Sat but it felt like my usual constipation poop kinda feeling. TMI I know.
Who would have thought everything would begin after a shower before bed? It was as though Quentin decided that “hey mom, screw sleep! I wanna see the world man!” Bah. Hello, I am the one sleep deprived whilst this fella inside would sleep on and off. I was admitted into the delivery ward and put on a cocktail of beds to try and slow/try to stop the contractions, received two jabs of steroids so that Quentin’s lungs could mature and then antibiotics as well. Fun times.
It didn’t help that I was not allowed off the bed. Friends will know that unless I am so super sick, I will be out and about. But no, here am I, feeling somewhat hunky dory but not allowed off the bed. I swear I was gonna get piles and everything you could catch with total bedrest. I sure as hell could not imagine what life was gonna be like if I had to wait in bed until Quentin was 37 weeks to be delivered. But thankfully, thankfully, Quentin was of a good weight and good position to be delivered. So phew!
But there were so many thoughts. I was thinking about Ollie cos I was gg to be away from him for god knows how many days. I was thinking about Quentin and how I needed to hang in there for 36 hrs just so the steroids can help mature his lungs. I was thinking about how prepared we were to take care of a premie. I was thinking about medical costs after we learnt that we were going on a per item charge cos I was in pre-term labour and Quentin’s neonatal care could possibly hit in excess of $20k if he had to stay until he was 37 weeks.
But I am fortunate and I have a God who provides in my time of need and I have prayerful friends who supported me in their own ways. Through messages. Through their prayers. Through their presence made know.
I’m fortunate I have my mom and sis who came over to my place immediately to take over watching Ollie whilst I got admitted. Ollie was to stay at my parents’ place till further notice. I think Ollie was enjoying himself and doesn’t really notice our absence (not sure if I am happy or sad hahah). They keep Donald and I updated of his little antics. During my time of painful contractions, I was focusing a lot on Ollie to get through the worst of it. I hummed the “ABC” song when I had my epidural jab just to take my mind off the pain only cos it was Ollie’s favourite song. My little pillar of strength in addition to the big one frm Donald and an even bigger pillar from God.
I thought about Donald. How in such times of worry and drastic changes, he stands through for me. I find our relationship and marriage strengthening through this experience as he cares for me; wiping me down, holding my sick bag, keeping me calm with his reminders as per the doctor’s instructions. The past two days have been hectic for him. He has had to handover work stuff suddenly instead of a month later. He has had to shuttle between work, home and my parents’ place to discuss and make arrangements and then back to the hospital to be with me, to support me.
And then I look at this man I married a lot more differently. I love you and thank you.
Then all of a sudden, Quentin was born. There was more waiting inbetween but the delivery was quick and uneventful. There had to be nothing more wonderful than hearing that lusty cry of your child after he is born. I did not get a chance to hold him cos the moment he was born he was handed to the neonatal team on standby. Getting checked and warmed up. But boy, could he cry. Where Ollie cried a little and went back to sleep, this fella was quiet for a bit and then went for the kill to cry it all out. Aiyoh.
cleaned and bundled up Quentin
I told Donald the beanie…made him look like a yubari melon with the stem on the top hahaha. But it was nice to see him rosy. And was also good to hear that I will get to see him later this morning.
Gosh. So here we are, parents of TWO little monsters. It probably won’t sink in till we bring Quentin home. Lemme enjoy my quiet rest for now and I cam’t wait to see both my monsters in the morning!
