Alyssa's Birth Story: We've Come Full Circle

Alyssa's first name came from our list of favorites. Her middle name has multiple family connections, including her mother, who's middle name is Mary, and to Mary Thompson King, Alyssa's grandmother who we miss very much.

Born: July 11, 1997

Weight: 5 lbs. 14 oz.

Length: 19-1/2 inches

Time: 1:08 PM

Birthplace: Royal Oak, MI

Gestation: 38-1/7 weeks

She was nearly delivered on June 26, 1997, at 36-1/7 weeks gestation. However the amnio that was done on June 25 showed that the lungs were not mature. So we waited until the more reasonable 38 weeks gestation.

The 38 week amnio showed that all was okay, so the birth was officially scheduled for July 11, 1997.

We arrived at the hospital shortly before 11:00 am. Natalie registered, and was taken into a triage room to be prepared for surgery shortly thereafter. In the triage room, Natalie was put on monitors, and the various participants described what would be happening shortly and prepared her for the delivery. A preacher from my Dad's church joined us briefly for a prayer. I was provided a set of surgical scrubs.

Natalie was wheeled to the delivery room, while I was escorted to a chair in the hall where I would wait until the spinal took effect, and Natalie was ready for the c-section. Finally, they brought me into the delivery room, and sat me at a chair by her head, but also in view of the procedure.

Although I have a past history of passing out at the site of blood, I found myself able to watch the surgery take place (without the use of smelling salts). I actually saw them cut the first incision. At the same time I was holding my wife's trembling hand, and giving her a wink every once in a while as my smiles were covered by a mask.

Natalie felt quite vulnerable, as she was literally strapped down to the table. At times she felt nauseous, but did not throw up during the surgery (not 'til after). When it was time, they held up a mirror so Natalie could see the baby being born.

The head was exposed first. The doctor's grabbed a hold and gently eased out our new baby. They even held her up so Natalie could be the first to announce "we have a girl". Our little girl then proceeded to scream--what a wonderful sound! We learned later that the apgar scores were 9 and 9.

"Baby Girl King" was 5 pounds, 14 ounces, and 19-1/2 inches long. She was born at 1:08 PM

They cleaned up our precious new daughter, and brought her over for me to hold. She cried and cried (how wonderful!), but calmed down in my arms. After a while, they asked if I would be staying with Natalie as they finished the procedure, or going with the baby to the nursery. I asked Natalie her preference, and was sent with our beautiful baby girl.

As they wheeled her down the hall in a transport, her eyes were open. After we arrived at the nursery, I standed in the hall and just looked at her. After a few minutes, I ventured toward the recovery room to be with my wife, and to find my clothes so I could get change for phone calls. Our things preceded us to the recovery room. Natalie was wheeled in and sent me on to make our calls.

After announcing to the proud grandparents that Alyssa Mary King had arrived, I picked up a quick bite from the cafeteria, and went back to the recovery room. After a little while, we were taken to Natalie's room. Alyssa was brought in shortly after. It had been about 2 hours since I last saw her in the Nursery. I gave her to Natalie and watched as she held Alyssa for the first time. After a while, I took another turn holding her.

I went to our minivan and brought in our camcorder and a present from Alyssa to her Big Brother Tommy, who should be arriving any minute with their grandparents. Shortly after I returned to the room, Tommy arrived with Grandpa Ziggy, Grandma Genny and Uncle Richie.

I crouched down and held my arms open to Tommy to have him come to me. He didn't know what to make of everything, but he came to me. I held him up to the hospital bassinet, and introduced him to his brand new baby sister. He just stared and smiled, smiled and stared.

I set him on a chair, and gave him his present from Alyssa. He opened the present and started to play with the new pieces for his Brio trains. He was one happy Big Brother!

Grandpa Bob, Aunt Melanie and Cousin A.J. arrived next. The grandparents took turns holding their new Granddaughter, and taking pictures. I made arrangements to stay the night, as that was the only way they would allow Alyssa to room in with Natalie.

There is one nice touch to this story I've held for the end. Just under three years ago, Alyssa's Big Brother was born 15 weeks premature. Although Tommy eventually moved beyond his preemiehood--that first birth experience was a disaster, one of the worse experiences of our lives. With Alyssa birth we had what we'd wished for Tommy--a very happy occasion and a perfect birth.

Well, here we are three years later, and we've come full circle,
assigned to the exact same room!