The Wait is Over!

After thirteen months of prayer, nine months of pregnancy, and 42 hours of labor our precious Kinley Ruth has arrived. We are so excited to finally hold our baby girl (and Kolby is glad to finally be able to hand her off)! Kinley was born at 2:12 PM on December 11th. If she had waited another minute, she could have made her appearance at 14:13 on 12/11/10! But she certainly waited long enough!

Kolby's due date was December 7th. We went to the doctor that day for an ultrasound to see how big our baby girl was getting. After taking a few measurements, the ultrasound tech. estimated that she was about 8 lbs 13 oz (give/take 8 oz - boy was she wrong!). We talked with the doctor and decided to schedule an induction for Thursday the 9th.

After a big last supper at home, we arrived at the hospital Thursday at 8 PM. The nurse hooked Kolby up to an IV and machines to measure contractions and Kinley's and mom's vitals. As soon as she was hooked up, the plan was to start administering Cytotek, a drug used to thin out the cervix. But Kolby was already having regular contractions (even though she couldn't feel them), so we had to bypass the Cytotek. Instead of waiting until the morning, they decided to start the Pitocin to regulate her contractions. Then we waited.

Every few hours, a nurse or doctor would check to see if Kolby was dilated. She was 1 cm when we came in Thursday, and that's where she stayed all night and into Friday afternoon. Just before 2 PM on Friday the doctor decided to manually break Kolby's water to speed up the process. At 4 PM, Kolby asked the nurse for an epidural. The epidural relieved the labor pains and allowed Kolby to finally sleep for a few hours, but each time she woke up, the epidural had worn off, and she needed a new dose!

Freshly hatched

Kolby began to progress throughout the rest of the day and into the night. Little by little. She was 9 cm by 7 AM Saturday morning when the doctor we were hoping would do the delivery got off her 24-hour shift. Over the next few hours, it seemed like she was stuck. There was a thin layer of cervix blocking the exit that would not move. Finally, around 11 AM, the nurse had Kolby start pushing. She could reach in and feel Kinley and see her head full of hair!

A head FULL of hair!

After pushing for an hour or two (that seemed like eternity!), the nurse called the doctor in. Kinley's vitals had remained steady through the entire process, but the doctor needed to rotate her head some to get her out. The doctor used a vacuum on Kinley's head to try to twist her a little, but all that hair made it impossible for the vacuum to get any suction! Kinley was refusing to make her appearance!

The doctor finally said the words we had been dreading from the start: "c-section". After 41 hours of labor and with Kolby too hungry to push any more, the doctors began prepping the OR. About the same time, the latest re-dose of Kolby's epidural ran out, leaving her in excruciating pain. The nurse had not wanted to re-dose as they were pushing because she was afraid Kolby's legs might go numb, making pushing more difficult. Now that there was no more need to push, it was time for a new dose! A new anesthetist had just come on shift (the 3rd or 4th different one Kolby saw), and he had to move quickly to give her a new dose.

By the time the OR was ready, Kolby's latest epidural dose had worn off (in only 45 minutes!). The anesthetist pinched Kolby and touched her with a cold cloth, asking her what she felt. Each time she identified what he had done. He gave her more pain medicines, but none of them were having any effect, so he had to put her under general anesthesia.

That's a BIG baby!

Meanwhile, I stood in the hallway outside the OR waiting and praying. The last 42 hours had been the things nightmares are made of, and here I was standing outside the door, helpless. The nurse told me they would bring me in as soon as Kinley was born to take her while they finished closing Kolby up. After the longest fifteen minutes of my life, they called me in. The nurses were cleaning off a screaming baby girl with a head full of wavy dark brown hair. They held her up and the doctors exclaimed that she had to be over 10 lbs! They measured her and set her on the scale. She was 20 inches long and weighed 9 lbs 10 oz! She was a BIG healthy baby!

Pure joy

The nurses handed her to me, and I held my baby girl for the first time. It's simply amazing. It's such a new feeling. Developing and growing love for another person is nothing like that feeling of meeting someone for the first time and knowing you love them. Instantaneous, unconditional love. The sensation is unreal.

As I held my baby girl for the first time, I could hear the heart rate monitor and the doctors hushed voices behind me. On the one hand, I had this awesome experience of holding my daughter for the first time, but I knew that behind me, there was still an operation going on. I prayed as I listened to the machine reading Kolby's vitals. As long as the machine remained steady and the doctor's voices stayed calm, I knew she was doing fine.

The nurses took Kinley and me to the recovery room as the doctors finished the operation. After about 10-15 minutes, they wheeled Kolby in on her bed. She had woken up from general anesthesia after the surgery and all of the pain medicine had worn off. She was writhing in pain and yelling at the anesthetist who was visibly flustered. He was young and had likely tried everything he learned in all his years of schooling and training. Kolby said afterward that she woke up and thought she was still in surgery because of the pain.

Kolby and Kinley bonding

I sat across the room holding Kinley and praying my heart out as they frantically scrambled to find some type of pain medication that would work. It was several minutes before they could give Kolby a narcotic that worked. When she had finally calmed down, I handed Kinley to her and she held the child that she had spent nine months carrying around.

After a little while in the recovery room. We were able to move upstairs. Kinley was taken to the nursery so they could check her and finish scrubbing her off. I stood staring at her outside the window with my parents, sister, and Kolby's mom.

Then they brought Kinley to the room where we would spend the next few days. Mom and baby were finally able to spend time together. They would spend hours bonding that night.

Kolby was finally able to eat something that night, but only soft foods. She had a popsicle and some Jello. It wasn't much, but after 48 hours of only ice chips, it felt like a feast!

Sunday was recovery day. Our family was there to hold Kinley, and Kolby let her body rest after two grueling days of hard work. A few friends came by that night to see us, but we kept it to a minimum after everything we had been through.

Aunt "Jewie"

My sister had to leave Saturday night and my parents both left Monday. We got plenty of pictures of Kinley with the rookie grandparents and first-time Aunt "Jewie". We'll get to spend more time with them when we go to Atlanta soon. Kinley will also get to meet her Uncle Josh and Aunt Rebekah who are eagerly awaiting meeting her.

Excited new grandparents

Kinley's tanning bed

Tuesday we were able to leave the hospital and come home, but not without a jaundice suitcase Kinley would have to sleep in the next two nights. She wasn't sure about it at first, but after a while really seemed to enjoy being under the lights. I think she thought she had her own personal tanning bed! And it was warm in there!

After a bit of an ice storm Wednesday night, we took Kinley to her first pediatrician appointment Thursday morning. No more jaundice suitcase, and she was down to 8 lbs 13 oz.

Kinley and her "CC"

Kolby's mom has been staying with us for the past couple of weeks and helping around the house. It's been great to have the extra set of hands. We're 9 days into this parenting thing and learning more and more each day, but it's always nice to have help! And Kinley loves her "CC"! She's "warm and squishy" (her words, not mine!).

It's been a huge help to have meals from our church this week. We love the helping hands and the chance to see a friend or two every couple of days.

Pops' visit

Kolby's dad came in town for a few hours today and got to meet Kinley. His boss chartered a plane to come for business and invited him along for the day. He spent a few hours here and held Kinley the whole time. She loved it. She barely budged and slept the whole time.

We thank the Lord every day for our little blessing. She continually melts our hearts. As difficult as it all was, the Lord knew what He was doing. Had Kolby not had a c-section, there is a good chance that things could have gone very wrong had Kolby continued to push. Not only is it probable that Kolby would have had some damage, but Kinley's shoulders likely would have gotten stuck on the way out, creating an emergency situation. We are grateful that the Lord had His hand on the whole process. The wait was long, but now the wait is over, and she was worth the wait!

Baby Kinley Ruth Nordine born December 11, 2010

A family of three

Waiting on Kinley

It's been an emotional past few weeks for my family. In early November, doctors discovered that my brother had a benign tumor growing behind his ear and pushing into his brain. He had lost partial hearing in one ear a while ago and it had really been causing him problems. He visited an ENT doctor who decided to have an MRI done. We are so grateful that they did because they found the tumor. It's a rare thing and we praise the Lord they found it. It was a bit of a shock to all of us. It's been a long month as we've awaited the day of the surgery. The earliest they could do surgery to remove it was November 30. After undergoing two surgeries and a week in the neuro ICU unit, my brother was finally able to go home. It was emotionally draining on all of us as it's so hard to see someone you love so much undergo such a serious operation. The whole time, we were just praying that Kinley would wait since my parents needed to be with my brother in Memphis. It was hard for me to be away during this time. I felt so helpless up here in Louisville. The Lord protected my brother during these very serious operations. We praise God for how he guided the neurosurgeon and the other team of doctors as they carefully removed the tumor. We pray that my brother will have a fast recovery and will be able to get lots of rest. My brother did lose total hearing in one hear but we are just so happy that they were able to get the tumor out.

I'm very grateful that Kinley waited for my brother to make it through these surgeries, but now I'm really ready to meet her. She seems to just want to stay put now. I reached the 40 week mark this past Tuesday and had an appointment that same day. The doc told me that the 7th was my actual due date even though they've been saying the 9th all along. We had an ultrasound done and our little girl doesn't appear to be so little. :) She seems quite fat and happy in her home. It was an emotional appointment for me as we decided what to do for the next step. We decided to start the induction process Thursday night. They will put my on a drug to help thin me out and then will start pitocin at 6 am Friday. So by Friday, we should have our baby girl in our arms. I keep praying that she will just come now and I wont have to worry about this induction thing!

A Fabulous Fall

These past few months have been very eventful and fun-filled with birthdays, showers and work! I've been super busy trying to wrap up the magazine before Kinley's arrival, and I've neglected the blog. We met Bennett Moore (Kevin and Ginny's little boy) in early October after he was about a week or so old. We got to celebrate my dear friend Caitlin's 30th birthday the end of October. We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and put silly mustaches on our faces and sprayed our hair gray. Then we went roller skating afterwards. As much as I wanted to skate, I thought it would be best if I just watched! We had another birthday to celebrate on October 30-our good friend Joanna.

On November 6 we had another amazing shower that my dear friends from church hosted. They did such a wonderful job with decorations, games and food. My mom drove up for the weekend. It's always great to have her here. She helped me get all the gifts organized and put away. Andrew and I have been blessed beyond measure!! Kinley has everything that she will need. We are getting so anxious to meet our little girl. It could really happen any day now. It's so hard to be in this place of not knowing what day it may happen and just wondering all the time if I will go into labor any time soon. I'm very nervous about the labor and delivery part and about becoming a parent but I have all this anticipation and excitement of seeing the face of our little girl. I just want to meet this little person that has been growing inside of me. I want to see the little feet that have been kicking me!! I just try to imagine all her little features. I cant wait!!

Meeting Bennett Moore

The girls celebrating Caitlin's 30th!

Our silly mustaches and gray hair!

Roller skating

Celebrating our friend Joanna's birthday

Louisville shower with my dear friend Tricia

Me, Ashley & Emily

Cute little dresses

All the amazing hostesses!

My mom and her best friend drove up to share in all the fun!

Another Wonderful Shower!

The week after the Germantown shower, my mom and I headed to Atlanta for another fabulous shower. We picked Andrew up along the way. It was a quick trip but was great to see his family! We got so many wonderful things for Kinley! I've felt a little overwhelmed at all these gifts and blessings that have poured in from people. As I see all these adorable outfits, I just try to imagine little Kinley in them. With each passing day, we get closer and closer to meeting her. I can't wait to see what she will look like, but I'm a little nervous about this whole parenting thing. Fortunately, I know lots of moms who I can call for advice!!! I'm sure I will need it. Here are some pictures from the fun shower in Atlanta!

The cute sign one of the hostesses made!

Me with the "grandmas."

The fabulous hostesses!

My cousin and her husband were able to come to the shower.

I'm sure Andrew will need this book!

My sister-in-law who did a great job writing down all the gifts!

Great time in Germantown

This whole past week I've been in Germantown spending some wonderful time with family and friends. I know this will probably be the last trip I make home before our baby girl arrives. Andrew and I have decided to name her Kinley Ruth. We chose the name Kinley because my brother is a big mountain climber and even climbed Mt. McKinley in Alaska. We chose Ruth because we had been trying to have a child for a while. Our small group at church was reading through the book of Ruth. On the last night of the study, we were talking about how Ruth had been barren with her first husband and when she married Boaz, God blessed them with a child. We were able to tell our group that night that we were pregnant. We're very thankful for everyone's prayers and wanted to have a reminder of God's blessing to us. Later, we found out that Ruth is a family name on both Andrew's side and my side. :)

I had my first baby shower this past Saturday hosted by my mom's sweet friends. It was such a fun morning and I got some great things for Kinley. Here are some pics from the shower. I cannot figure out how to rotate the pictures. :(

Lake Getaway!

Andrew and I were able to enjoy a very relaxing get-away this past week at my boss's cabin on Tim's Ford Lake! On our way down, we stopped in Murfreesboro and caught up with old friends. We got to meet our friend's new baby girl Stella. She is so precious! We also ate at Andrew's favorite Murfreesboro restaurant, Camino Real, and caught up with several of our former youth students. Every time I'm around them, it just reminds me that I'm getting old. Some of them are preparing to go off to college and others are going to be seniors this year. Where does the time go??

We really enjoyed our few days at the lake, away from the internet and distractions of everyday. It was sooo hot outside so we spent a lot of time inside reading, playing cards, working on a puzzle and just being lazy. We were very grateful that my boss let us stay here for a few days! We did make a day trip to Chattanooga and met up with Andrew's mom, sister and brother. It had been a while since we had been together, so it was great to see them.

On our way back to Louisville, we stopped again in Murfreesboro so we could eat at my favorite restaurant, Demos'! Man I love that place. During this whole pregnancy, all I could think about was a Demos' steak. I've wanted one so bad!! I was very happy to have my steak, spaghetti alfredo, bread and salad. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it!

Here are a few pictures from our little vacation!

Me, Andrew and baby Stella Kramer

My boss's great lake house!

Just hanging out on the dock by the lake.

Eating at Big River Grille in Chattanooga with Andrew's mom, sister and brother.

Quick, let's take this picture before we all fry!

Time to brag on my brother!

I've got to give a little shout out to my brother, Karson! He completed his goal of climbing all 54 14,ooo-ft. mountains in Colorado! It's taken him 14 years to accomplish this goal. He climbed many of the mountains by himself. I wish I could post pictures of him on every summit. He is such an inspiration to us all. I truly cannot imagine doing what he did. I've climbed 7 of the 14ers and just never got into it like he did. He has loved climbing since he was born!!! The Memphis paper did a very nice article on. Here's a link to the wonderful article.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jul/27/mountain-man/

Way to go Karson!! We're all so proud of you!