Quinn Michael Rockwood

Quinn Michael Rockwood

Born May 24, 2010

9:22 P.M.

7 lbs. 12 oz.

21 inches long.

Quinn only minutes old

On Thursday day I got sick and called the hospital to make sure it wasn't something serious. They told me that it sounded like I had the flu, to go to bed, take some Tylenol, and to drink plenty of liquids. I did as recommended and I did feel better by the time that Mike came home from work.

On Saturday, I got the same "stomach flu" and thought that was a little weird that it happened twice in one week. As time went on, the pain continued to get worse. By 6:00 A.M. I had all that I could handle and started to get worried. I looked online at some possible sicknesses and found some that had the same symptoms I was experiencing. I woke Mike up (by the way he stayed up with me until 4:00 A.M.) and told him that I think we needed to call the doctor. The doctor told us that we needed to go to the hospital. I told Mike that I would feel silly if it was nothing and they ended up sending us home. I wanted to be safe and not sorry.

We were admitted into the hospital by 7:00 A.M. and they started to do some blood work to determine if I should stay or be sent home. About 2 hours later, they told us the results. I had white blood cells in my urine, low blood platelets, and low red blood cells. It was decided that I had a condition called HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in pregnant women who have: H -- hemolysis, EL -- elevated liver enzymes, and LP -- low platelet count. Symptoms include Headache, Nausea and vomiting that continues to get worse, Upper abdominal pain, and Vision problems.

HELLP syndrome occurs in approximately 10% of pregnant women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. HELLP syndrome is associated with more serious cases. The main treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, even if premature, since liver function in the mother gets worse very quickly. Problems with the liver can be harmful to both mother and child.

I was put on pitocin in hopes of having this baby naturally. I had my blood drawn and tested about every 15 minutes. My contractions were as intense as if I was going to deliver the baby. I was progressing very slowly and making no signs of improvement. By Monday, I was finally dilated enough for me to receive an epidural. When they put the catheter in I wasn't releasing any urine. This was a big cause of concern since it was confirmed that my kidneys were failing. They put about 4 bags of IV into my system in a period of an hour. I thought my swelling was bad then but the IV made it 10 times worse. I continued to feel the pain on my right side so they had to re-do the epidural. Even then, I could still feel my contractions.

Monday evening my doctor, 2 nurses, and 2 other doctors recommended that I go ahead and have a c-section. I was kind of disappointed since I spent all day Sunday and Monday hoping of delivering this baby naturally. I was finally dialated to an 8 but they didn't want to chance another organ failing or having something else go wrong. Of course, I agreed.

The doctors continued to give me medication but I still could feel everything during the c-section. It was a good thing that it was a fast procedure. The most important thing is that my baby arrived safely and I'm currently doing well.

My mother-in-law Karen has been staying with me helping me out. She has seriously saved my life and can't thank her enough for all that she has done for Mike and I. It would have been a lot harder to re-cooperate if she wasn't here.

Thanks to all that have helped us and shown concern on our behalf. We really are appreciative for such a wonderful family and friends.

The final product!

Sunday morning

Daddy and Quinn had some good bonding time. Mike was able to help with getting him cleaned up after the c-section.

Mike had some special moments with Quinn. It was really cute.

Precious Boy

Look at all of his hair!

I love my baby boy!

Finally being able to come home. We were admitted Sunday morning at 7:00 A.M. and weren't released until Thursday night at 9:30 P.M. We were ready to be home.

Welcome Home Quinn

Bath Time. Quinn hated it unless his head was being rubbed.

Notice the sore on his nose? They put a uterine monitor inside me to get a better measurement on my contractions and gauged his nose. Good thing it wasn't his eye!

Getting all dried off

Daddy does a good job helping out with baby Quinn!

I love this outfit!

Look at his cute nursery! I painted the pictures in the background. :)

Grandma Karen and Mommy

Mommy, Daddy, and Baby!

Mommy and Baby Quinn

First doctor's appointment being one week old. He weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz.

Dr. Christensen saying that Quinn looks good and is doing well. :)