Our Miracle Number Three
Kasen Rivers Cheramie
DOB- January 21, 2011
6lbs 9oz
20 in
4pm
Rivers—you live because Adyson went to be with God in Heaven. While you are unique and special in your own way, your life gives us hope that through you and us, Adyson lives on.
We said after Adyson was born that she was going to be our last. With the events that happened we soon changed our mind. Not too long after Adyson has passed away, we knew we wanted to try again for another baby.
With the treatment Dr. Peter Whitington has being 100% effective; we knew we could bring another life into this world and he/she would be healthy.
On May 25th, 2010 (Dan’s birthday) we found out we were expecting our third. Although we were still mourning the loss of Adyson (and always will), we were excited!
We went ahead and contacted Dr. Whitington and told him we were expecting and he sent us the guidelines to follow for treatment and what needed to be done when Rivers arrives. I printed two copies; one for Dan and I and the other for Bosco.
My first OB appointment was when I was about 8 weeks pregnant. I was very nervous, to say the least. And Dan probably was too. To see that heartbeat on ultrasound was a big relief. He then measured me and told us the due date: January 22, 2011. One year since Ady had passed. Dan and I both looked at each other and smiled. That is not a coincidence to Dan and I, it’s GOD! Personally if you think of that and don’t think there is a higher power, then I pray someday you do. We also discussed the treatment I had to do during pregnancy. He said he wanted to see me again in two weeks and to bring the guidelines.
At my next visit we gave him the guidelines, Whitington’s number and email just in case Bosco needed to contact him for any reason.
Throughout my pregnancy I went to Bosco every two weeks. My first few visits we didn’t hear the heartbeat, but could see it on ultrasound. I wasn’t gaining weight, I was losing. Bosco told me to start eating protein bars to get my weight up. Took me a little while, but I did start gaining little by little.
The treatments of IVIG were given to me in Labor & Delivery through IV at 14 weeks, 16 weeks, and then 18-35 weeks. That adds up to be a total of 20 treatments. The side effects are meningitis, flu like symptoms, head ache, etc. None of which I received. Praise the Lord!!
At my 36 week appointment I was 1cm dilated. I was NOT ready for him to be here then. So many feelings I had—scared/nervous about him having NH, labor pain, epidural, etc.
At my 37 and 38 week appointments I was 2cm dilated. By this time I WAS ready for him. I was feeling small contractions (nothing to time, probably more like Braxton Hicks) and some pressure.
Going to my 38 week appointment, I just knew he was going to send me straight to the hospital, so I brought all my bags with me. Dan laughed. They stayed there until I delivered. =) Doctor told me we would have a baby before my due date. WOO HOO!!
January 17- 39 week appointment- (bags are still in car) I was still just 2cm dilated. This kid is StuBBorN!! We did get some great news though!! Friday we were to be at the hospital at 7 am to be induced!! Best news ever!!
Friday came slowly but surely. My two nurses I had were the two I had from the beginning of my treatments. I was given some medicine to thin my cervix. An ultrasound was done to make sure his head was still down. Gladly it was!! At 10 or so they gave me an IV -which by the way took the nurses 4 times to get; funny seeing as how I was there 20 other times and this would be the time it wouldn’t go so well. My nurse felt SO bad she actually broke out in hives- just one on her face. Anyways-- the pitosin started and so did my contractions.
In a few hours, I was 4 cm dilated and was given my epidural. Next thing ya know, one of the nurses checked me and his head was there. Time to start pushing. Two contractions and four pushes later, Kasen Rivers makes his arrival.
Konner was the first to see him. He was so excited to see his baby brother. We spent a little time together as a family and then sent Rivers on his way to be tested for NH. On the way out the door, Konner looks at Rivers and says, “Hey! Your dad is my best buddy.” Too funny if you ask me.
All tests for Neonatal Hemochromatosis came back NEGATIVE!!!
How awesome it felt to bring this precious miracle HOME!! Sometimes I still have to pinch myself that this is real.
A quick THANK YOU to Shannon, Heather, Dr. Bosco, Dr. Millette, and everyone else who had a hand in this arrival. And I definitely cannot forget Dr. Peter Whitington!! Y’all will never know how grateful we are for each of you.
