The Baby Shower That Almost Wasn't

As I mentioned before, there was a chance I was going to be let out of the hospital in time for my shower.  My doctor said the baby looked great on all the monitoring they did and if I "behaved" (aka blood pressure was down) and after an ultrasound in the morning, I would be free to go. 

I am pretty sure every single nurse in labor and delivery knew that my shower was that weekend and I swear they did everything in their power to get me out of there on time.  A few of them witnessed some hysterical crying moments and tried their best to calm me.  They even told me when Dr. Egan was coming in to check on me so I could put on my sad face! haha.   They let me lay on my side which always meant a lower blood pressure, they put me at the front of the line before other people to get ultrasounds that morning, and they put in a "stat" order to get me back to the room right after the ultrasound to await my discharge papers.   Having been in the hospital before, I knew discharge could take a while, but literally 10 minutes after the ultrasound I was getting the good news.

Of course, this didn't all go off without a hitch.  During the ultrasound, the tech was testing the blood flow to the cord, fluid levels and movement of the baby.  Of course, this troublemaker child was apparently asleep and in no mood to put on a show.  After I while, at least a half hour, I was starting to panic.  The tech told me that she wouldn't release me until she saw some movement.  Multiple times, I asked to turn on my side or for some water or juice because I knew that would do the trick.  She ignored my first few requests, but when it became clear to her that her lunch break was approaching, she gave in and brought me some juice.  Within two minutes, she got the movement she was looking for.  See, mother knows best already!

My dad was there waiting to whisk me away to the shower.   I got in a quick shower and headed straight to the restaurant.   I ended up being an hour late, which made for am embarrassing entrance when everyone clapped and cheered, but it does make for a funny story to tell.  I was SO glad to be able to make it and everyone was very generous with gifts.  We basically got everything on our registry and then some.  Eric and I feel so spoiled!   Here are some pictures from the big event.

Favors and dessert.  I ate five of those cupcakes the next day.

My Beatles onesie from Tom (aka Uncle Mike and Aunt Patti).

The belly!  Those steroid shots really worked.

Four generations

The Laxton Clan

The girls at work also threw me a baby shower a week after the family one.  Of course, this was up in the air until literally the day before since we didn't know if Dr. Freakout was going to throw me in the hospital again, but luckily, I was also able to make it to this one.  It's funny, you work with these people every day (unless you are on bedrest) and some you may talk to more than others, but it seems for the most part, everyone turns out for these occasions and becomes very generous.  Once again, we felt very spoiled.  Eric even walked it to pick me up, saw the load we had to put in the car and was shocked.  Everything from the games to the food to the decorations were great and I had a great time. 

Meg and Jen, the party planner.

L for Laxton...or Lil Lax.

So many gifts!

Eric sucked the helium out of these later that night!