Gabriela Skye

  Well, we finally did it! We had a baby, and she is absolutely beautiful!

  As per the usual with this entire journey, nothing went according to plan, but Mac and Katy are now holding their beautiful little girl which, makes it all worthwhile. 

  At 46 years old, the pregnancy was difficult. I suppose I should’ve expected it to be that way but I just assumed I had the same resiliency I did 12 years ago, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. My body has been through a lot during this process, and I definitely felt it through the entire pregnancy, but the baby was healthy and thriving and that’s what mattered the most.

  On June 27th I started having weekly appointments. Everything looked great that day, but by the time I went back on July 2nd things had taken an interesting turn. I had been having contractions for a few weeks, but over the last couple of days they had increased in intensity and frequency, still I didn’t think too much of it, but we decided to have Dr. Thackeray check for dilation to see if we were making any progress. I was at 2cm, which isn’t very impressive but the bigger issue was that my blood pressure was high and I had protein in my urine. I had preeclampsia, and to thicken the plot, baby girl was breach. 

  We had planned for a beautiful natural birth, but these new developments quickly put a change in our plans, at 37 weeks the doctor felt it was safe for baby to deliver, and felt that was going to be the best option to keep me safe as well. With her being breach, a C-section was now on the table. The funny part is that I’d had some promptings over the prior couple of weeks so when it came up, I wasn’t necessarily surprised and actually felt at peace. We tentatively scheduled a C-section for the next afternoon, but would try to get her to turn. 

  I woke up the next morning with the contractions coming on strong, I knew I was in early labor and was grateful that baby girl was on board with the plan. I started doing my thing and had no intentions of going in before our scheduled time, but I had two very nervous dads to deal with. Katy and I seemed to be managing just fine, but between Russ and Mac, I couldn’t seem to get a moments rest, I’m totally not complaining, I actually thought it was funny and I am grateful for their care and concern, but to appease them both I ended up heading to labor and delivery around 10AM. I suppose it was a good thing because my blood pressure was dangerously high & needed to be monitored. 

  Dr. Thackeray was actually able to get baby turned around, which gave us the option for a vaginal bath, but unfortunately it would’ve required Pitocin and being flat in bed, unable to manage the pain. Having to make the decision to either have a C-section or settle for the kind of birth that I had with Taevin, that had left me with so much trauma was probably the most difficult and emotionally exhausting part of the day, but after receiving a blessing from Russ and Mac, and asking Katy, what she would do, we all ultimately decided together that the C-section was going to be our best option. And I actually did feel good about the decision.

  It was still scary, and I was shaking as they walked me back to the OR, but I was so grateful for such a caring and compassionate doctor, and knowing that my Heavenly Father had prepared me for this. 

  

  They allowed me to bring my speaker, so I had my favorite Christian music playing in the background during the entire surgery. Russ was right by my side, offering all of the comfort and support he had to give, while Katy and Mac were able to watch from about 5 feet away.

  On July 3rd around 10pm, baby Gabi entered the world, the song that was on was singing the word “hallelujah”. Seriously, the timing could not have been any better! They dropped the sheet so I could look at her, and as soon as the cord was cut, they handed her off to her mama, it was such a beautiful moment. 

  They named her Gabriela Skye Coombs, and she is truly such a beautiful baby with chubby cheeks and lots of dark hair, and I just love her to pieces!

  The recovery has been difficult, I spent an entire week in the hospital and am still fighting to keep my blood pressure under control, but seeing that amazing couple holding their sweet little daughter has made everything worth it! I get a little better every day and feel so blessed to have been a little part of their story.

  They have been so loving and supportive, they even brought her to me several times while I was in the hospital so I could snuggle her. I’m like one of those annoyingly proud grandmas that just wants to show pictures to everyone whether they actually care or not ;)

  And this story would not be complete without giving my utmost gratitude to my incredible husband. He supported me through a very difficult pregnancy, rubbing my feet at night and doing everything he could to make me comfortable. 

  During the entire hospital stay he never left my side, a few times I actually had to force him to go home and get some sleep, but he was always back the next morning helping me get out of bed and watching my BP like a hawk. I could go on and on about everything he’s done for me, but that would make this post unreasonably long. I think it would be sufficient to say that I literally could not have done this without him.

  I have also received so much support from friends, family, and ward members. I’m always amazed by the goodness in people. 

  The creation of life is a miracle, even when the process is unconventional. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this and have learned so much. I’m excited to get back to a normal life and get my body healthy again, but this is definitely something I will never forget.