Rachel Nicole Taaffe
Kellie and I received a call on Friday that Terri (my youngest sister) had been admitted to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). There is one definitive treatment for this condition and that is to deliver a baby. Terri’s baby was nearly 37 weeks gestation. Terri was placed on medications Friday evening to prevent eclampsia, a complication of PIH. It seemed as if Terri was not progressing as the medical staff was attempting to induce labor, but apparently, when she was ready, things happened fast. Terri’s oldest sister Debbie, along with Patrick’s father and best-friend’s wife Christina, were moments late to witness the birth. Rachel Nicole Taaffe was born at 7:13 AM (PST). Rachel was 5 pounds and 9 ounces in weight and 17 inches in length. Terri had a problem that required a surgical procedure shortly after the birth and necessitated a longer stay in the hospital than originally planned.
Kellie and I had school-work that needed to be accomplished by Sunday, but left for Reno on Saturday evening. We traveled straight to the hospital and met Rachel for the first time. She was sleeping. Terri was alone with Rachel when we first arrived, but Patrick, Debbie, Christina and Patrick’s father arrived shortly thereafter. It was getting late, so we all left around 9:30 PM to let Terri get some well-deserved sleep.
Kellie and I slept in a bit Sunday morning, but after some breakfast, we went to the hospital and visited more with Terri. Much of the day, Rachel was sleeping but waking occasionally to bond with her mom and family. I spent much of the day finalizing the school group project that was due that day, in the corner of the room. Several friends from Terri’s school and church also came to visit, as well as Patrick, his father, Christina and Debbie again. Many pictures were taken. Kellie also learned that her camera has the capability to record small videos.
Kellie and I left around 9:30 PM again Sunday evening. On Monday morning, Terri and Rachel were supposed to be discharged. When I called around 8 AM, Terri mentioned she had already seen her physician and needed to do “one more thing.” This turned into several “things” before they finally left the hospital, a little after noon. Meanwhile, Kellie and I did some shopping for food and personal items for Terri and went to Terri and Patrick’s place to await the arrival of mom and baby. The entourage arrived around 1:30 PM. Kellie and I met the new parents and Debbie with a spaghetti lunch. We continued visiting until 5:30PM, when Kellie and I needed to leave to come back home to Roseville.