Our Little Miracle: Ian Daniel!

I know I haven't really done a very good job keeping this blog up to date, so I'm going to try to make up for lost time by sharing each little journal entry I have made for Ian every month (and sometimes weeks).  I also haven't shared Ian's birth story, so I'm going to share that first. I guess it's better late than never!

Ian's birth story:

After 2 and a half years of trying to start a family, which involved infertility testing, surgery, months of waiting, months of shots and 41 weeks of pregnancy…Ian Daniel McInnis is finally here in our arms! He was definitely worth the wait!

Ian Daniel McInnis

December 8, 2011

7 lbs. 6 oz.

19 inches long

10:52 am

December 8, 2011:

Jason and I got up at 5:30 am to get ready to go to the hospital for my scheduled c-section.  My parents arrived the previous night from West Virginia and went with us to the hospital.  We were all so excited to finally be meeting Ian today!

We arrived at the hospital pretty early, so we ended up waiting in the waiting area for about an hour and a half before going back to pre-op.  For a little while, we thought I might go into labor on my own as I was having some contractions.  We hoped that I might be dilated some, but once I was checked again, there was no change! The c-section was a go! 

We waited for about an hour in the pre-op room, just going over stuff with the nurse, doctor and anesthesiologist and signing paperwork.  Jason got his scrubs on and we were all ready to go. Our family was there to support us and pray for us before we left. 

Jason had to wait while I had my spinal put in, but once I was prepped and ready for surgery, Jason was allowed to come in.  I was so happy to see him.  Now we were ready to meet our son!  We couldn’t wait to hear him cry.  About five or ten minutes after they opened me up, they were ready to pull Ian out.  My doctor said the cord was wrapped around Ian’s neck three times! He said we would have ended up here even if I had been induced. We felt like this was the Lord protecting Ian.  When my doctor pulled Ian out, I remember Jason saying he was coming and then I heard the most beautiful sound in the world! This cry was the BEST sound I have ever heard in my life. Jason and I immediately started crying tears of joy.  I will never forget it.  Jason wanted to stay with me, but I told him to go over and see Ian and then he could bring him to me.  When Jason brought Ian to me, I couldn’t believe how perfect he was.  He was crying, but when Jason would put him to my cheek and Ian would hear my voice, he would stop crying.  It was wonderful! I gave him a kiss and they took him to get cleaned up.

The rest of the day was spent recovering from surgery and holding our little miracle.  That evening Jason and I decided to take care of Ian in our room by ourselves! We should have listened to everyone and had some help, but I think we just were waiting for this moment for so long, we really wanted it to be our little family that night.  The night was rough because I could not get up and get Ian when he cried.  I had to keep waking Jason up to pick him up for me!

The next day was not anticipated at all.  Ian was getting low readings on his glucose tests and his body temperature was a littler lower than it should have been. The doctor wanted him to lie down under a heat lamp to get his temperature up.  This seemed to help temporarily, but he continued to get low glucose readings and he was not eating well.  The doctor decided to take Ian to the nursery to monitor him a little closer.  We didn't really think anything was seriously wrong at the time.  I didn't like the fact that Ian was taken away from me, but I thought it would only be for a short amount time.  Very early the next morning while we were asleep, the doctors came in to tell us that they were moving Ian to the intermediate care nursery due to a possible infection.  I felt like my heart stopped beating after they left.  I was devastated.  Now, I'm sure my hormones were through the roof, but I have never felt more pain before in my life.  A parent's love for their child is indescribable.  I just wanted my baby to be ok.  I felt helpless and I didn't understand why the Lord was allowing this to happen after all we had been through to get him here.  I just kept crying out to God and asking Him what we were supposed to do.  It was so hard not knowing what was wrong and what was going to happen.  In these moments I honestly think the Lord just wants us to completely lean on Him.  That's all we could do!

Jason was so strong and supportive through all of this. He was positive and right there with me through all of the infertilty, IVF and with Ian.  I remember all I wanted was my mom to be there. Jason called my mom to come right away!  I couldn't have gotten through the next few days without her. I love you, mom!

The next five days was a roller coaster! We had to deal with nurses and doctors telling us one thing and then another.  We were so ready to take Ian home and get out of the hospital.  It just seemed like some of the nurses wanted Ian to stay there for some reason!  It turned out that they didn't really know if Ian had an infection or not.  We were so thankful for the many prayers that were lifted up for Ian and us.  All I can say is that we will never take Ian for granted for a second.  I'm not sure why the Lord had us go through this little rough patch, but He certainly has blessed us to have Ian here healthy and strong.  I can't describe the love I have for my little boy.  All I do is thank the Lord every single day for him!