Macy Ann McKeever

My precious little girl. It's been over four months six months since you've been born, and I'm just writing your birth story. I remember it was one of the first things I tried to do when I got home from the hospital with your big brother, Zachary. Well, I've learned pretty quickly having two little ones around the house is a whole new ballgame. Speaking of ballgames... that's where we will start...

Your Daddy is a huge Royals' fan, if you didn't already know. He was born the day they won the World Series in 1985. As the summer was ending in 2014, it seemed like a long shot the Royals would even make the play-offs, but they did. So, of course me being just a few weeks out from my due date, we liked to say that this McKeever baby was going to bring them another championship!

The nights leading up to your birth were spent up late watching the Royals play the Angels in California. Your dad was a ball of nerves, and I just felt like a big ball. One of these late evenings I was sitting in the family room with your dad watching the game. And *warning, graphic* I felt like I had peed a little? But, I hadn't felt like I had to go pee? Maybe the baby pushed on my bladder? I was having regular cramps here/there, but surely those weren't contractions? After doing what probably most Moms do these days.... I Google'd it (don't tell Dr. Jensen!) Other moms said my water could have broke? Could it be!? You're coming NOW? You still have three weeks to go!! So, I did what I should have done in the first place. I called one of Dr. Jensen's nurses. I told her what happened, but she told me not to worry, and that when someone's water broke there was a 'gush'. No gush, no broken water. So, I went to bed.

The next morning I texted your Nannie to tell her what had happened, and also called your Grandma on the way to work. Both of them thought my water could have broke - but I told them, No! Nurse said I was OK! Your Grandma had me a little excited though when she told me the same thing happened to her when she was in labor with ME! Within 24 hours, I had been born! Eeeek! So, I hung up the phone with your Grandma O, and walked in (most likely late) and repeated the story AGAIN to your Grandma K. (Your Mommy is a story teller, if you didn't already know) She thought I should call the doctor again as well. So, after three people telling me, I finally called Dr. Jensen's nurse (again). I was prepared to feel stupid when they said everything was 'OK' once more. This time I got to speak to his nurse, Stephanie, and she said to go to the hospital. They would do a test to see if my water had broke. If it had, I wouldn't be leaving until we had a baby! If not... I would go back home and keep on waiting!

Last (Standing) Prego Picture Taken 4 Days Before You Were Born

If you didn't already know... your Mommy is a bit of a procrastinator. I thought I had three more weeks before your arrival, so of course I hadn't packed a bag for me, your dad, or your brother. So, before I got off the phone with Stephanie... I asked, do I have to go NOW? Or, do I have a little while? She told me I could wait an hour or so, but 'if' my water had broke the night before... they would want the baby to arrive within 24 hours of that time. All I could think of was all the stuff I had left to do!! I called your Nannie, who was on vacation with her friend Lori in Branson. Your Daddy was at work, and was going to stay there unless we knew we were actually in labor. So, your Grandma & Grandpa met me at our house. I ran inside, threw bags together for your brother, your Dad, and I. Then, we were out the door. It was the last time I'd pack for our little family of three.

On October 3, 2014 at 12:30 PM, we were on the way to the hospital! Once we arrived, I got checked in. We left all our bags in the car, because after-all, you could have just kicked my bladder the night before! It took them awhile to get us back to the room. They were very busy! Your Grandpa stayed in the waiting room, and Grandma came with me. I changed into one of their beautiful hospital gowns, and then we just sat and waited. And waited. And waited. But, your Grandma and me talked; we do that a lot (I know you know that by now.)  Our nurse finally came in, and told us the there were SO many women in labor at the moment! She said the night before the floor was completely full. She got all the monitors set on my stomach so we could hear your sweet heartbeat and make sure that you were doing good. Then she had to run off to help another mommy. Around 2:00 PM, she was finally able to perform the test to see if my water broke. At this point I was getting pretty hungry. I told her if my water hadn't broke, I was going to go eat Chipotle. If it had, we were going to have a baby! Either way it was a win-win. Not that having a burrito would be anywhere close to holding you in my arms - but, you my sweet girl, will someday understand the hunger pains of a pregnant woman. It's a close second. ;)

Over twelve hours after I thought I might have had an 'accident' watching the Royals game with your Daddy... the test came back.... my water HAD broke! We were having a baby today!!! Just a day shy of three weeks early of your due date (October 22)... you were coming!! Ready or not!!

The last picture of you in Mommy's tummy!

I called your Nannie, and she was so sad she wouldn't make it back to be here when you were born, but was SO happy you were on the way! Grandma K and Papa Dale were elated! Your Aunt Lindsey was praying for us in Topeka. Grandma and Grandmpa O were there along for the ride, Uncle Jasey and Aunt Alex said they were coming as soon as they left work! ....And your Daddy was SO excited! He showed up just minutes later at the hospital still in his suit form work!

Once your Daddy had arrived, Grandma & Grandpa were then appointed Zachary duty. Your big brother was still at Hannah's house. I called Zachary on the phone, and told him that Mommy was in the hospital having his new baby brother or sister. Just that morning when I was getting him ready for daycare, Zachary and I had talked about when Mommy would have to go to the hospital. Luckily, a Daniel Tiger episode had recently aired showing what happened when his mommy had a baby. Wow, that made it so much easier explaining things to him! Thanks Daniel! I had told your big brother that he was going to stay at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Once the baby arrived, they would all come up to the hospital to meet his new brother or sister. Your big brother didn't say much on the phone. He had just woken up from his nap, so he was a little groggy. But, knowing he was going to go play at Grandma & Grandpas made anything OK!

Everyone was still taking last minutes guesses whether
you were going to be a boy or a girl!

Your Aunt Alex showed up shortly after - she worked just up the street at Rainbows United. The monitor on my tummy showed that I was having regular contractions. Although, they were nothing close to what I felt when I was in labor with your brother, so I kind of just shrugged them off. The nurse checked me and I was just dilated to 2 cm, and 60% effaced. Dr. Jensen had ordered for me to take Pitocin, which I really didn't want. It's a medicine that speeds up labor. I had to take it during Zachary's delivery, and it was terrible. It made the contractions come on very fast and strong. My nurse assured me that they don't move that fast with the Pitocin now, they gradually add more, so it wouldn't be the same experience. I didn't really have a choice in the matter, because it was almost 4:00 PM, and by 11:00 PM it would have been 24 hours since my water broke. Then, at that point they worry about infections, and how it could potentially hurt the baby. After my nurse telling me how scary that can be - I said, give me the Pit!

By 5:30, your Uncle Jasey had arrived. And, everyone (including myself) was starving! Since I couldn't eat anything besides ice chips, I dismissed your Dad, Uncle, & Aunt to go eat dinner. They later told me they ate Chipotle. Aw, man! Dr. Jensen had peaked in at me while everyone was at dinner. I think he was worried I was going to have the baby alone! I assured him that everyone would be back for the exciting part! He went on to tell me how busy he had been the night before. He was called in to deliver a baby while he was watching the Royals play-off game. He said he set the game to record, but somehow along the way someone at the hospital told him the outcome. The Royals were playing another game that night, and I assured him that the game would be on - so he wouldn't have to miss anything in our room! Ha!

Once he left, he gave orders to up my Pitocin. We joked we should take bets on what would be over first: The game, or me delivering the baby!? Contractions started to get stronger, but not anything too bad. By that time everyone had gotten back from eating their burritos. Daddy, Jason, Alex, and I just sat around chatting. This was a walk in the park! Nothing like the experience I had with Zachary! Jason had to leave to go back to work around 8:00 that evening and work through the night. He spent the few hours he had off with us at the hospital! You sure have a good uncle! :) Aunt Alex stayed with us while we waited. We were all anxious to meet you!!

Your big brother played with Grandpa while we waited on your arrival!

The game had started, so it was after 9:00 PM. They were playing on the West Coast. My contractions started getting stronger, and the nurse asked if I wanted my epidural. I was ready. So, she called in the epidural team. It took them a while for them to get there because they were SO busy! The lady that was going to administer the epidural came in, and Alex went out to the waiting room. Your Daddy sat in front of me in a chair to help steady me as I leaned over the side of the bed. She stuck me with a pain deadening shot, and then started to use the bigger needle for the epidural. During all this, another anesthesiologist came in and told her she was needed in the Birth Center. They talked back and forth, and eventually he told her that he'd finish up, so she could leave. He took over, but said he didn't like where she had started working, and he was going to do it again. At this point the contractions were getting really tough, and I just wanted the medicine already!! I was patient, and just closed my eyes to try to get through the pain. He deadened me again, and started a new epidural. All the while I was having contraction on top of contraction. He finally got everything set. They explained to me about the pain button that I could push to get more medicine if I needed it. But, I remembered pushing it repeatedly when I was in labor with your big brother! It wasn't my first rodeo!

Aunt Alex came back in, and my nurse made sure I was as comfortable as I could be. The epidural didn't seem to work as quickly as I remembered with Zachary. But, finally, I started feeling some relief, and decided to try to get some rest. Aunt Alex and Daddy continued watching the game, and chatting, and the nurse turned off the lights and let me rest. Just before that though, she checked me and I was dilated to a 5, and 80% effaced. We were getting there!

It was after 10:00 PM now, I had rested for about half an hour, and had just started to fall asleep when my contractions were getting worse, not better, WITH the epidural! Something had to be wrong. I pushed my button to give me 'extra pain medicine', but it takes 15 minutes to get into your system. So, I had no relief. I called the nurse because I didn't understand how I could be in so much pain? Was the epidural not working? I was in tears. Aunt Alex left and waited outside, because the nurse decide to check me again. I was at 5 cm, and 90% effaced. Your Daddy was right there holding me trying to do anything he could do to help. It seemed like an hour, but just a few minutes went by. The nurse called in the anesthesiologist. He came right over and started giving me more pain meds in my IV, in addition to what the epidural was giving me. The nurse checked me again... I was at a 10, and 100% effaced! We were all shocked! I had gone from a 5 to a 10 in less than 5 minutes! No pain medicine were going to keep up with that! You, my sweet girl, were not wasting any time!

The nurse called Dr. Jensen right away, but they weren't sure if he was going to make it in time. They barely got everyone in the room that they needed. The lady with all the tools arrived. My nurse had just finished counting them, and Dr J walked in the door. By this time, all the medicine had kicked in, and I was feeling some relief! Phew! It was getting close to 11:00 PM now, and I told Dr J that I was wanting to hold off and have you after midnight. That way your birthday could be 10-4-14. I liked it better than 10-3-14. He told me there was no way you were going to wait an hour! :) Even as fast as things were going, I still caught your Dad, the doctor, and the anesthesiologist all glancing at the Royals game on the TV. Before we knew it, you had arrived (before the end of the game). I only had to push through about five or six contractions. I think you might have just come out on your own! You were done waiting on me! :) After all, you had started this process over 12 hours before!

At 11:11 PM, Dr. Jensen was holding you in his arms. All I remember thinking was LOOK AT ALL THAT HAIR! And you were so big! And, LOOK AT ALL  YOUR HAIR!! And, you were so big! :) Back, and forth! You looked so much like Zachary did when he was born, but with tons more hair! Then I remembered... we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl. All I could look at was your hair! Finally, I looked, and then I looked at your Dad, and said, "It's a GIRL!?" I was shocked! This whole pregnancy I had felt exactly the same I did with your big brother, so I just assumed that you'd be a boy. But, you were most definitely a GIRL! We had a GIRL!? We were in love at first sight.

Looking at us for the very first time!

Dr. Jensen said in all of his years of delivering babies, you had one of the biggest, healthiest umbilical cords he'd ever seen. Your Daddy was able to cut it just a few minutes after you were born. :) Maybe that's what helped you get so big and strong? You were just shy of three weeks early, but you were already 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and 20 inches long! (You also had a 14" head, but welcome to the family sweetheart - McKeevers have big heads!)

After the cord was cut, you were placed on my chest. You snuggled right in. Almost immediately you wanted to nurse. I was so so surprised! You latched right on like you had been doing it forever! You ate for about an hour. You were so alert. Once you were finished, the nurse took all your measurements and did your foot prints. You cried the whole time and tried eating your blanket. When I, or your Daddy held you though... you settled right down. Sweet girl.

Precious Girl

Footprints!

Your Daddy is so proud of you!

After all the commotion had died down, I started having a really bad headache. The nurse brought me a Pepsi to drink, thinking caffeine would help. It was after 1 AM on October 4th, and she brought a wheel chair... we were ready to go up to the recovery rooms! We were excited, because the hospital had just remodeled their recovery rooms. Our close friends Brandon & Julie had just stayed there when their daughter Brooklyn was born a few months prior.

....But, those rooms were full! Remember, the hospital was busting at the seems with new babies! Instead, we were brought to a room that seemed even more outdated than the one we stayed in with Zachary. There was only one bed, and your Daddy was not looking forward to sleeping in the one, very uncomfortable-looking chair in the room. The nurse said she would try to find a cot, but she thought they were all taken. I was still fighting a headache, so your Daddy went looking for food. He came back with some sandwiches, and cookies that were in the kitchen labeled, "Just for Moms." He ate the food too; he's a rebel like that. ;)

After we ate, your Daddy tried settling in his chair to sleep. You slept too, but wanted to be held. The hospital did not have a nursery anymore, so you stayed in the room with us. The nurse said we couldn't hold you while we slept, and you didn't want to sleep by yourself in the hospital crib. So, Daddy snored in the chair, and I just stayed up snuggling you. I snapped a quick photo of the two of us. It's one of my favorites. The nurse came in a few hours later, and brought Daddy a cot. He was able to at least lay down, and I may, or may not have dosed off while holding you. Shhh, don't tell.

You were so happy being so close.

So in love with you, my sweet girl.

Morning came quickly. I still couldn't believe you were here. I felt like we had almost time-traveled. You were supposed to still be in my tummy! We talked to Grandma & Grandpa, and they were going to bring your big brother up to meet you shortly after noon. They had to go shopping first. After all, you had nothing to wear! What's a girl to do!? Your brother picked out the cutest little stuffed doll. He and Grandpa also picked out your first, and favorite blanket. It was hot pink with a cupcake on it; it said "sweet", just like you! Grandma brought the prettiest pink outfits. We didn't want to leave any doubt - you were most definitely a girl!

Zachary eating before meeting his sister!

Dr. Jensen came to visit you and Mommy!

Before Zachary arrived, Dr. Jensen stopped in to check on you and Mommy. Did you know he delivered your Mommy? I'm sure you've been told that once or twice. Dr. Jensen said he's not going to stick around to deliver a third generation. Bummer! :)

Soon, your big brother arrived. He didn't quite know what to think. I think Mommy being in a hospital kind of scared him. And, talking about another sibling arriving was one thing, but I don't think he really understood how much things were about to change. Zachary was happy to help open your gifts though, and was excited to give you your dolly! 

Zachary Meeting His Baby Sister for the First Time!

Kisses from Big Brother
(He put your dolly on top of you!)

Kisses for Mommy

Grandpa & Macy

Grandma & Macy

You had more visitors! Great Grandma & Grandpa brought you the prettiest flowers. Then your Uncle Jasey, and Aunt Alex came. They brought you some K-State gear, and headbands! Wohoo! Aunt Alex had already gotten to see you, but now she got to settle in for some snuggles!

After all of our visitors left, we were pretty wore out! You and Daddy snuck in a quick nap. We had thought we would be able to go home later that day, but the nurse said we had to wait 24 hours for a test they had to give you. After the results came back, we'd be able to go home. Your Daddy was not excited to spend another night at the hospital. He wasn't a fan of our accommodations. I was ready to be home too; I was sure missing your big brother! It was the longest I'd ever been away from him!

Snoozing

The next morning we were ready to go HOME! Dr. Jensen had the day off, so another doctor in his practice came to make sure we were ready to go. Dr. Chopra had also had the weekend off that you were born, so his sub came in to give you a quick double-check! We were both A-OK. So, finally, on Sunday, October 5th were able to load you up, and take you HOME!! Grandma and Grandpa met us at our house. It would be the first time - as a family of four - we would be home together!

....And if you were wondering. The Royals DID WIN on the day you were born! They just needed one more game to win the ALDS Championship.... but we'll finish talking about that when I tell you about your first days at home!

Right Before We left the Hospital to go HOME!