Welcome to the World, Allie Rose…

As mentioned in the previous blog we made our way to Rockport to set up camp for a couple of months knowing that on March 27th Sharon would fly to NC for the birth of our third grand child (Katie's due date was March 29th). The plan is that I will fly out nearer to the end of Katie's planned maternity leave for a visit and to fly back with Sharon.

Our second day at the park we were at a gathering when we received a call from Katie that she had just come from her doctor's office where concerns were raised with regard to Katie's blood pressure being high. In addition although Katie had been doing some prescribed exercises, the baby had refused to budge from her breech position. The doctor explained that there was an elective hospital procedure called E-version which could be performed by her doctor to attempt to flip the baby around to a position for normal birth. Should there be any complications and a c-section become necessary, they would perform it that day. This would be scheduled Thursday March 18th.

The problem with the 18th was that Sharon had just moved her flight from the 27th to the 23rd. We asked Katie if we should scramble and get a flight out right away. Katie said because of COVID only Brooks could be with her so we might as well keep the flight on the 23rd.

The E-version procedure was not successful so after consulting with the doctor the recommendation was that Katie and Brooks schedule a C section the following week which would give the baby a little more time to grow as Katie was just coming upon her 38th week of pregnancy Prior to the procedure it was discovered that along with her elevated blood pressure, bloodwork had revealed a low platelet count. The doctor asked that they return to the office on Friday for a blood pressure check and more bloodwork.

On Friday after her visit it was decided that because Katie was presenting as possible pre-eclampsia, they should schedule the c section the very next day on Saturday, March 20, 2021. This would be our granddaughter's birthday. Again Katie urged us to keep our flight as she would be hospitalized with no visitors allowed so there would be no need for Sharon to come sooner.

The morning of March 20th we were introduced via text and pictures from Brooks that Allie Rose Hester had entered the world weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and measuring 20 inches long. Mom, Dad and baby are doing well. Sharon is very excited about her trip to help Katie in any way she can adjusting to motherhood and healing after surgery.

I will be a bachelor here at the motorhome for awhile and it will be strange for Sharon and I to be apart because since our retirement ten years ago I don't think we've spent one night apart much less several weeks. Thankfully with video chat and texting we will stay in touch. I will fly out later to meet our newest grandchild.

I think it is fitting that little Allie was born on the first day of Spring marking the beginning of my favorite season of the year. And hope is on the horizon for us all as we continue to vaccinate and carefully work our way out of this historic, life altering pandemic.

NOTE:  We are currently at Angler’s Retreat in Rockport Texas until at least mid May…