Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Final Countdown!


We met with Dr. Santiago-Munoz yesterday for the last time before Miss Emma’s arrival.  Everything looked good.  Emma has plenty of fluid and her heart sounded great.  I am dilated to a 1, which is no big deal at all.  All we have to do now is make it to Monday morning. 

I will deliver Emma via c-section at Parkland hospital.  I am supposed to be there at 5:30am, but they will not take her until around 8:00am.  They suggested that family and friends arrive around 7:00am to 7:30am.  The parking garage that you need to park in is on Harry Hines across from Parkland Hospital.  You have two choices: 1: park and go to the lower floor and walk across the street to Parkland Hospital 2: Park on or near the 2nd floor of the parking garage and walk across the skywalk to Parkland.  On the first floor of the hospital is an information desk.  They will be happy to assist you and give you a map of the hospital.  Labor and Delivery West is where you will need to go.  It is on the 3rd floor of the hospital.  The hospital is very large, so my suggestion to you is ask for help in getting to Labor and Delivery West.  Remember, I will not be the only one delivering that day, so if you want a chair in the large waiting room then please arrive between 7:00-: 7:30 so you have enough time to park and navigate yourself to the waiting room.  The cost of the parking garage is 5.00 so keep that in mind.   They do have valet parking available at Parkland for 6.00 if you prefer.

There is a chance that you could get a very brief glance of Emma.  There is a hallway between labor and delivery and the NICU right off of the big waiting room.  I would be prepared around 8:00-8:15 that morning to stand in or close to the hallway.  When you see the doors open and a group of doctors/Scott coming through you will know it is Emma.  The doctors will NOT stop her for you to see, so be prepared.  They will move quickly.  My parents and Scott’s parents will be in a waiting room separate from the big waiting room.  They will only allow four people in that room. 

There is WIFI available in the hospital.  They said it can be spotty, but it is available. 
Don’t forget that we will have some snacks and drinks available to you that day.  There are also vending machines and a cafeteria.  After I leave recovery, I will be moved to a private room on another floor. One more thing: Please remember to stay at Parkland until Scott gives the ok to come over to Children’s Medical Center.  

Please remember that on Monday, Scott and I will be very busy trying to keep up with everything that they are doing for Emma.  We will not be answering phone calls or texts on that day.  Check the blog often to see updates on Emma’s progress.  We also ask that you do not try to contact our family that day.  They will be very busy helping us and trying to take in everything that is going on with Emma.  If they choose to contact you then that is their choice, but understand that what we need most on that day is your prayers for Emma, the doctors, nurses, staff at CMC, and for Scott and I.

If you have any questions please ask before Sunday evening!  Thank you so much for your love and support throughout all of this.  Keep praying!  WE serve a Powerful God!

16 comments:

  1. Sarah and Scott,

    Continue to stay strong and lean on God. These next couple of days and especially the hours coming on to Emma's birth will be so heavy but know that you all have so many prayers and that God's comfort and Him holding you will help you through the unknowns. I know Emma is strong and I can't wait to see pictures of her and of you all by her. I know you all will show God in your trust with the doctors/nurses. You never know who you will influence. Stay strong and courageous!

    Love,
    Jenny

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  2. Lifting you all up to the Lord. He is Almighty, Great God! He is in control! Will be praying this weekend and Monday for you all!
    Angie in Ada

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  3. Scott, Sarah, and Emma: Kelsey and I love you all very much and will be praying extra special prayers this weekend. I cannot wait to meet Miss Emma and see you all when you return. I am very excited that Emma's birthday is just 2 days after mine. We love you!! Beau and Kelsey

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  4. He's got the whole world in His hands, and that definitely includes the three of you on Monday! Emma has already been a blessing to so many people that our united prayers form a prayer chain all the way to Heaven! We love all three of you so much! Hugs and God bless! NanaJana

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  5. we have been praying for this little blessing...i know you are sooo glad you finally get to meet her! i am amazed at how much you guys show concern for so many others at this very very trying and scary time in your life...(snacks in waiting room, etc..wow) God bless all your families and you guys. we will pray pray pray...! tina and kelly hill

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  6. Well, the clock is ticking and her birth will soon be upon you! How very exciting! We are all so anxious to meet her and pray that God will be guiding everyone and His hand will be upon Emma and that everything will be the best it can be. God is so good to us! Our thoughts will be with you continually. Cindy Gibbs and family

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  7. You are doing ABSOLUTELY the right thing by not answering phone calls and texts! Amazing who comes out of the woodwork simply because they're curious (read: nosy) when your baby is born under special circumstances. I do look forward to seeing a picture of her and hearing about her awesome journey into this world, but I will be patient. Meanwhile, I will be in prayer for you and your sweet family... and the doctors/nurses/NICU personnel involved.

    When your sweet babe is in the NICU, sometimes the nurses get bothered by parents being there. IGNORE them. And do NOT be afraid to ask for a new nurse if you don't like the one they've given you for the day. :) These are things I learned quickly as a fellow NICU mommy. :) 90% of them are awesome at their job AND with the parents, so hopefully you won't even encounter this problem.

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  8. I am certainly praying for Miss Emma!! I wanted to share these verses from Ephesians 3:
    "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21

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  9. I pray for Little Emma (and all the family Mommy, Daddy, Grandparents & Great Grandparents) morning and night and I will continue praying cause God is always listening and I know he hears our Prayers. Stay strong and what ever happens just alway believe God is in control. When it gets scary, lean on GOD cause he will never let you down. Looking forward to seeing Little Emma's Pictures and expecting the best for everyone. God Bless and take care.
    Darla R.

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  10. We are praying for you in our household! May the Lord complete His perfect work in Miss Emma's life! Come out fighting Emma!

    Ella's Aunt Rachael

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  11. I just came across your blog, my daughter, Maribeth, was born with HLHS in 1985, and is a 25 yr old survivor!
    Miracles happen! We will be praying for your family and especially Emma!
    feel free to contact us. jankgillis@gmail.com
    or maribethgillis@gmail.oom.
    thinking of you every minute and praying for you!

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  12. I love you all> I wish I could be there to give my support in person, but God will bring my love and good wishes through my prayers for the growing Stewart family. ;)Love Samantha

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  13. Lifting Emma up in prayer to the Healer & Creator. Praying so much for Emma! Praying for you as parents, for the strength you need! Praying! Phil 1:3-6
    The Nichols

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  14. Praying for your family as you continue your journey!

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  15. You all have been on my mind and in my heart all day. I pray all goes well for Miss Emma and her sweet mommy and daddy. Love you all. Sheri, Jade Dylan and Presley Hayes

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  16. Scott and Sarah,
    I am Ella's Nana and I have been praying for your family for a while, but I wanted you to know I am praying for you today and in these next days because I know it will be difficult for you. It will also be exciting to see your beautiful baby and watch God work in her. God is faithful and He loves you very much! Keep your eyes on Him! I can't wait to meet you and watch Ella and Emma play. :)
    Many Blessings,
    Kelli

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