Monday, May 30, 2011

My Birth Story

Hello all!  I finally have a chance to sit on the couch with the laptop and thought I'd do a post about my birth story since its still relatively fresh on my mind.  :)

I'll start with the night before..because I can say the last time I got a full nights sleep was sunday night!  When monday night rolled around..I wasnt anxious or anything like I thought I'd be.  I knew I wouldnt sleep though and when I laid down around 1130 after making sure all the bags were packed..the storms came rolling thru.  Our power kicked off for a few seconds right at midnight and came back on.  Thank goodness I was still awake because we dont have a backup alarm clock..the only one we have is power operated so when the power kicked..it kicked off the alarm.  We had to be at the hospital for my c-section at 5:30 am..which meant we needed to leave here no later than 4:15am.  Needless to say..I didn't sleep a wink because I didn't want to oversleep. 

We headed to the hospital around 4:15 and I wasn't scared like I thought I would be.  Nervous, yes, but I was holding up remarkably well especially since I knew what was going to be happening in the next few hours.  I'd been watching c-sections take place on tv so I knew in a matter of speaking what to expect.  But of course knew that my own experience would be somewhat different than what you see on 'tv'.  We got to the hopsital right on time and when I saw the hospital itself is when I began to become nervous.  After getting signed in and admitted, they got me hooked up to an IV and took some blood and asked me a few questions (not the 'millions' my dr said they would).  It was around this point when my shaking began.  I was getting really nervous thinking about the spinal block they'd be doing to numb me for the procedure..having a needle put in your back just isn't something that sounds ideal, you know?   I thought it would be a long process but it actually went very quickly and before I had time to think about it, they were walking me back to the OR.  I kissed Damon before they took me in and they walked me over to the table and got me up on the edge and had me hunch over so they could do the spinal.  There was alot of nurses there and they were all incredibly nice and calm, which helped alot.  I have to say, the spinal didn't hurt at all like I thought..just like getting a shot basically.  The one thing I didn't like was even though I asked if someone would hold onto me when they did it, nobody did.  I was afraid my uncontrolable shaking would mess up something which is why I really wanted someone to hold me still (like they do on tv).  I don't know if they forgot or what happened, but it didnt matter cause everything went in like it was suppost to.  They quickly laid me down on the table, put some oxygen on me and Damon was brought in around that point.  I thought it was funny because he looked just like a dr with all that garb they make you wear!! The feeling that came thru my body from the spinal wasn't as bad as I thought either.  It just felt like how it does when your legs go to sleep, only magnified by about 100 and its your whole lower body.  They checked to make sure I was totally numb by taking a piece of cloth or something that was dipped in cold water or alcohol (not sure what it was).  They rubbed it on my arm and said, "See how you can feel me rub it on your arm and you can feel the cold from it?  Let me know if you feel hot or cold when I rub it on you.".  So they rubbed my belly and though I could feel her rub it on me, I couldnt feel the hot or cold sensation, which was odd because I knew it was really cold.  They started the procedure and I had a couple nurses talk to me the whole time to see if I was nauseous or feeling dizzy/light headed, which I did a few times but nothing terrible, just slight.  They'd give me something in my IV and it would immediately help..so it was no big deal.  Then my nurse said they were almost there (not much time had went by..probably 20 minutes) and then there was a little commotion (I knew then they were REALLY close to getting her out).  They told me to take some deep breaths because they were pushing down on me to her out.  Then I heard them say she was here..followed by the sweetest sound I had ever heard in my life.  My baby girl cried.

Makayla Giuliana was born on May 24th, 2011 at 7:54 am and weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 inches long with a headful of hair!

They got her cleaned up and Damon went over and saw her while they did that.  What I didn't expect (and he probably didn't either) was that he got to cut the umbilical cord!  I figured with a c-section he wouldnt have the opportunity to do that cause the dr would have to do it when they got her out..but I guess they left it long enough for it to be cut twice.  I heard him say, "How do I cut it?" and I knew what they were letting him do..I was so happy for his sake because I knew that was something that would mean alot to him.  They kept working on me the whole time of course, and I honestly don't remember much about it.  I just remember crying, shaking uncontrolably (still), and smiling so much I couldn't stop.  It wasn't long after they were wheeling us out to a recovery room.  I was still shaking once in recovery and really that was what bugged me the most.  It was a shake I couldnt stop no matter how hard I tried.  They said it was perfectly normal though.  Not long after, they brought my baby girl into our room.  The nurse asked if I wanted to try to breastfeed and I told her I did but wasn't sure I could at that point in time.  I was afraid I wouldnt be able to hold onto her due to my shaking.  So she put us skin to skin and I held her for probably about 5 minutes when I realized, my shaking had finally stopped.  Odd how something so simple had such an effect on my body.  My nurse asked again if I wanted to try at this point and I said, "Yeah!  I'm not shaking anymore so I would like to try!".  She got me into position and my little girl latched right on.  The nurse couldn't believe it and said she'd never seen a baby take to breastfeeding so quickly and so well.  It made me proud!  I still couldn't believe that I was now holding my baby girl that I'd carried for 39 weeks. 

My stay in the hospital went well.  I was there until around 1pm on thursday, so my total stay was 2 nights.  I have to say, my nurses were the BEST.  I had heard alot of people say negative things about the hospital where I had Makayla at prior to going in, so I was pleasantly suprised at my overall treatment and time spent there.  After the inital success at breastfeeding, we hit a few snags along the way, which is normal.  Its a learning process not only for me but for Makayla as well.  And we're still dealing with that as I write this.  I do want to brag on my night shift nurse though.  The last night we were there, we had them take Makayla to the nursery so we could attempt to get a little bit of sleep.  Damon got in my bed beside of me and I started to cry because I'd had a few frustrating tries at feeding her that evening.  I was worried I wasn't doing it right and wondering if she was getting enough from me at that point (my milk hadnt came in  yet).  It had taken her almost a whole day before she peed so it concerned me even though they said it was perfectly normal.  Damon consoled me and went outside for a minute.  I thought he went to get something to drink, but he got my nurse instead.  She came into the room, turned on the light, and asked me what was wrong.  I just told her my concerns and she got out my charts and said everything was going exactly like it was suppost to and she went and brought Makayla back in the room with us and had me to try to feed her.  She showed me a few more things I could do and it helped so much.  She was incredibly patient with me and was in there with us alone for probably 30-45 minutes and didn't leave until she was confident I was ok with everything and settled down.  Its nurses like that who earn every single dime they make and then some. 

Probably the worst thing about EVERYTHING in those 2 days was when the following morning my dr pulled off the tape they had over my incision.  I remember when I was in the OR and they were taping me up, I was thinking, "this is gonna hurt when they pull off all this tape" because it felt like they wrapped me tight about 4 times.  Well, I was right!  My dr warned me, she said this is going to hurt worse than anything else.  And I said worse than the cathetar coming out?  She said honey thats nothing compared to this.  Oy..she was right.  She started pulling and it was all I could do to keep from screaming and coming out of that bed.  She got halfway and asked if I wanted to do the rest and I was gripping the handles on the bedrail and said "no keep going" as I beared down knowing she was halfway there.  Then she got to the last bit on my side and I literally started laughing because for some reason it started tickling like CRAZY.  I think she thought I had lost my mind because she was laughing at me at that point.  LOL!  If pulling that tape wasn't bad enough, when I got to take my first shower a few hours later, I found that the residue from the tape gave me some sort of allergic reaction.  When we showed it to my doctor he said it was blistered and prescribed me some ointment to clear it up.

One final note, some of you might be wondering why I opted to have a c-section in the first place.  I know its not always the 'norm' to go that route, but for me I felt it was what I was suppost to do.  I commend all you mom's out there who have your babies the 'old fashioned way'.  The thought of pushing a baby out terrifies me and always has.  And yes..I'd rather of faced surgery than went thru the regular childbirth process.  Also..when my husband was born..his mother almost died while birthing him and was in a coma for sometime afterwards.  Thats something that had always stayed in my mind and I wondered if the same could happen to me.  I know there are alot of things that can/could go wrong no matter which way a woman has a baby.  But even though I'm still in pain as I write this..I'd go this route again. 

So thats pretty much it for my birth story!  I've enjoyed reading everyone's birth stories on blogger in the past few months and its so interesting to me to see how each one is different and special.  Hope you have enjoyed reading mine!  :-)

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Friday, May 27, 2011

My Sunshine, My Joy, My Baby Girl!


My baby girl , Makayla Giuliana, arrived into this world on Tuesday May 24th at 7:54 am!  She is everything and MORE than I could have ever hoped or prayed for and our little angel.  She weighs 7 pounds 10 ounces and is 20 inches long with a headful of daddy's reddish brown hair!  We got home from the hospital yesterday evening and are recouperating from a planned c-section.  Please keep me in your prayers while I am recovering.  Feeling sore but doing really well and am beyond blessed.  I'll post about Makayla's birth at a later date when I'm feeling more up to it.  Can't wait to share more about our little girl with the blogger world!




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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Dear Sissy,


Dear Sissy,

My momma says it won't be long until you get here.  I'm not sure who you are or what you are, but I want you to know our momma is the best.  I love her so very much.  Just remember, she was mine before she was yours!  Momma says she hopes I can learn to share her with you because I always want her all to myself.  I think you'll like having me for a big sissy.  I'm not hard to please (just give me some treats).  I like to look out the big window alot and be next to momma.  I've already toured your room a few times.  I can't go in there anymore though cause momma shut the door.  She says it was to keep me out.  I don't know why, all I did was jump in your bed a few times!  Its really soft.  I think you'll like it..I know I did!  Don't worry though, momma washed the sheets just for you.  All little girls love kittens, so we should get along great.  Even if I am a 'big' kitten.  I look forward to meeting you.  :-)

Love,
Ravey


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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

38 Weeks!


How far along?  38 weeks, 1 day

Movements?  Still moving around alot..I can feel her feet way up high and her head way down low!  Makes me wonder how long she really is!

Uncomfortable moments?  Last week it felt like she 'dropped'.  Can we say ouch?  Was in the middle of the night and my hips were literally killing me.  I felt like crying.  I've also been having braxton hicks contractions at times.  Some are stronger than others.  I had a really strong one sunday evening.  I also had another 'breakdown' on Damon the other night.  Being uncomfortable all the time tends to wear on the emotions I've found.  :-(

Doctor Appts?  Went in yesterday and things are looking great!  My blood pressure was high at first (like always).  It went down by the end of my appointment (130/88).  I think it freaked out the first nurse who took my blood pressure..I hadn't had her before and she didn't know that I'm more stressed at the beginning of an appointment than at the end. 

Weight Gain?  Ugh..33 total now.  I am needing to lay off the Schwan's ice cream I think!

Cravings?  Nothing really (other than the Schwans ice cream..its soooooo good!)..still loving cold water.

What I miss most?  Being comfortable.  Wearing a ring on my right hand.  Shaving my legs with ease. 

What I'm looking forward to most?  Meeting my little girl..I can't WAIT!

My view



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Monday, May 16, 2011

Miscellany Monday!

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

~ONE~

I am SO MAD at Hobby Lobby!!  I went in on saturday with the intent on purchasing Makayla's cutie little lamp I found weeks ago but low and behold their flyers in the store didn't have the 40% off coupon printed on it..you had to print the coupon yourself from home.  ARRGG!  There was no way I was going to pay full price (hello 50 bucks) for it so I had to let it go.  My new plan, print said coupon, give to my mom, let her pick it up next time she's over that way..since yeah..I probably won't be seeing a Hobby Lobby for quite a while now that Makayla's arrival is right around the corner.  I'm still bummed.

~TWO~

Damon caught a couple trout in the creek by our house last week.  Yay!  I was so glad he got to have some fishing fun for himself..he rarely gets to do that.  Here is his great 'catch'..other than me that is...ha!


~THREE~

While out on saturday, I got quite the pampering!!  New haircut (which I'm still
 adjusting to) and my very first spa pedicure!!  Oh happy day!!  I loved the pedicure and can't wait to do it again..whenever that may be!  My hair..well..I was expecting to have a little more, length-wise, than what I was left with.  My fault for not paying attention to the stylist when she showed me how much she was going to take off after I showed her myself how much I wanted off.  If that makes sense.  :-/  Anyways..its not too bad and I found today that I like it best styled curly..or au naturel for me!  What do y'all think?



And my cute pedi!


~FOUR~

Since it is springtime..thought y'all might like to take a sneak peak of my hanging flowers on my front porch!  I picked them up a couple weeks ago when I went out w/my mom to get Mother's Day flowers and meet with a pediatrician for Makayla.  I have 2 on my front porch that are identical.  The large pot we just bought over the weekend to transplant my 'hair' into.  Yes..I said 'my hair'.  I don't know what this thing is called..but I always said it reminded me of my hair..long and thick and slightly wild!  The planter box we had it in before was quickly rotting away..so a large pot was in order.  I like it much better this way!




Hope your having a wonderful monday!!

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

My Coal Mining Man


That's what my honey bear looks like when he comes home from work in the mornings!  Some days..he's got more coal dust on his face than others..just depends on what he's done at work the night before.  I'm so proud of him for what he does for us.  His job isn't the easiest, its not the most glamorous (by any means), and its certainly not considered a 'safe' job.  It can be a downright dangerous job at times and he's seen his share of dangerous conditions and been hurt a few times as well.  I pray for him every night when he leaves and have learned I HAVE to trust that God will watch over him.  If I didn't have my faith, I'd literally go crazy with worry for him.  He has a passion for his job..its one of those love/hate relationships you might say.  While I know he does like what he does for a living, its like anything else in life..it has its aggrevations as well.  Damon LOVES this song he found a while back online..its about coal mining..and I think it suits him as well as our home state of West Virginia quite well.  Hope you'll check it out..anymore the song makes me cry when I really listen to the words.  I love you bear!




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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

37 Weeks Pregnant~Full Term!


How Far Along?  37 Weeks (9 months)..full term..I can't believe it!!

Movements?  Still feeling her move around..definately not as much as several weeks ago.  I can tell she's running out of room!

Dr. Appts?  My last one on friday went well.  I asked my mid-wife a boatload of questions and she's so nice to take the time to answer everything.  I'm so glad I have a mid-wife..I've heard regular drs aren't so 'free' with their time.  She also set us up over at the hospital to take a tour which I really enjoyed!  Seeing as I had never even stepped foot into the hospital I'll be delivering at..it was really nice to see how everything is set up..what the rooms are like..safety precautions they take for the babies, etc.  I was very pleased! 

What I'm looking forward to?  Seeing my little girl..I'm ready to meet her BADLY! 

What I miss most?  Funny one..I actually am starting to miss my 'old' wardrobe!!  You know..you just can't have a closet full of maternity clothing..so everything is limited as to what you can or can't wear.  I'll be glad when I can wear regular clothes (especially shirts!!) again! 

Discomforts?  Heartburn.  Ugh..just when you think it can't get any worse, it does!!  Sleep has been going better.  I actually put myself into a more 'normal' routine last week and its helped alot!  I'm going to bed at a more 'normal' time now and getting up somewhere around 830-9am.  Thats pretty unreal for me considering I'd been on Damons hootowl shift with him for so many years and was sleeping in half the day!

Preparations?  I've begun washing alot of her clothes, bedding, etc.  I still have quite a bit to do in that area.  Her mirror still needs hung in her bedroom (not a big deal) and her carset needs to be put in (big deal!).  We'll get that stuff taken care of this week.  I've also been hitting up yard sales off and on lately..trying to get things I either didn't have or didn't feel I had enough of.  Went to one yesterday and found a small diaper bag..yes!!  Definately something I was needing!!

Gifts?  Still getting things from people off and on. Want to thank Callie for the cute burp cloths she sent me last week..that was a nice suprise!!!!!

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Monday, May 9, 2011

Miscellany Monday


Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

Happy Monday everyone!!

~one~
 Well..the last weekend me and Damon will ever have it just being "us" is officially over.  He'll be working the next 2 which means the next weekend he'll be off will be Memorial Weekend.  Makayla will be here by then!  So hard to believe..but we had a nice weekend together.  Busy..as usual..but I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be than with my man.  :-)




~two~
So I told Damon when we were out on friday that I'd REALLY like to have a nice gate built between the house and garage (aka..the breezeway) since our little metal gate was literally falling apart and the cat (Thomas) could walk right thru it.  I wanted a nicer gate for those reasons, plus many others, namely once Makayla is walking (I know..long time before that happens..but time has a way of slipping away from us!) I didn't want her to be able to run out into the front yard within seconds.  And we have a particular nosey neighbor nearby that I know in the past has came into our backyard..while we were not home..to look at our dog.  She left evidence (a dog biscuit)..so I know who it was.  I don't like people coming into my yard when I'm not home and nosing around.  So a gate was in order!!  My sweet and talented hubby is GREAT when it comes to working with wood (he's worked at Broyhill Furniture years ago) so he ended up making one for us!  I love the way it turned out..will probably put some kind of stain on it later on down the line..but here is a picture of our new gate!!



~three~
We had a nice Mother's Day on sunday..heard a wonderful sermon at church that morning then had a cookout at my parent's house in the afternoon.  The weather couldn't have been better for the occasion!  So hard to believe next mother's day I'll have my own little one!!   Here is me and my mom...



~four~
I do however have my furbaby that I've always celebrated Mother's Day with..Miss Ravey!  I am her momma..which deserves to be noticed.  She's always been my little girl..my kid..my sweetie.  I love her so much!!  Here is a picture of us yesterday celebrating our last Mother's Day where she doesn't have to 'share' me!


~five~
 Lastly, I thought you might be interested to see some of the flowers thats blooming around our place as of today!  After getting back from a yard sale a little while ago I decided to take a couple pictures, for your viewing pleasure!  My purple japenese iris has finally bloomed (I think they are a tad late this year) and what we call a 'bubbyrose' bush has been blooming for quite some time now.  I LOVE that thing..it smells like fresh cantelope..no kidding!!


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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

36 + Weeks!!


How far along?  36 weeks and 2 days

Movements?  Quite a bit still..she had a dance marathon this past friday night..all night!  Lovely!

Dr. Appt.?  Last friday when I went..she said I was dialated a 'fingertip'..which is less than 1 cm from what she told me!  I also got tested for Group B Strep..guessing I'll find out the results of that this week when I go back.  My blood pressure also was up CRAZY high (140 ish/110 ish) when they first took me back.  I thought to myself..oh no..here we go.  But thankfully it came back down to normal (132/72) and there was nothing found in my urine to indicate pre-eclampsia or anything of that nature.  You might say I tend to have REALLY bad white coat syndrome!

Weight Gain?  Another 2 pounds..so 29 total.  :-p

What I miss most?  Doing things with ease.  I've decided cleaning the house every night after Damon goes to work is a no-go now.  I'm tapering back to every other night now.  Would be nice to be able to give myself a pedicure..but yeah..I can't reach my feet. 

Looking forward to?  Meeting my little Makayla!!

Baby Essentials?  I'm planning on getting Damon to install the car seat before my dr appointment this friday "just in case".  I also stopped by a yard sale monday and found some GREAT little clothes for her!!  Check out all this stuff..I paid less than $9 for everything..and its almost all brand name clothing!



Uncomfortable Moments?  Tuesday she just felt so BIG and I was feeling some pressure in my belly (like she was pressing out) I literally started to wonder if my water was going to break! 

Sleep?  Its not been great like before.  I finally figured though that I HAVE to have a pillow behind me (for back support) and one in front (for belly support) and leave a fan running on low all night to be comfortable.  I did this last night and slept better..but I had leg cramps so it wasnt as good of a sleep as I had hoped. 

Thoughts of the day?  I spend alot of time on the couch as of lately and I've found if they had a marathon of House Hunters (both original and international) and A Baby Story on tv all day..I'd probably never get up!!!
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

New Babies Everywhere!

Its so exciting to see how many babies are being born here lately on 'blogland'!  It also makes me know that 'my turn' in line is coming up very quickly!!  I *almost* got stressed last night thinking about it..about being a new mom and all my new responsibilities that will come with it.  But then I decided I'd better stop cause that kind of thinking gets a person no-where fast!!  It will all fall into place and I hope that the mothering instinct kicks into high gear for me.  Why you might ask?  Some might find this funny..now that I'm about ready to pop..but I've never been around kids..let alone infants..most of my life.  I've held like 2 babies I think.  Never changed a diaper (gasp!).  I've never settled down a crying baby.  And I'm 32..go figure..lol!  BUT..it'll just make each experience I have with Makayla that much more memorable.  I'll actually be able to tell her that her dirty diaper was the first momma ever changed in her life (something I'm sure she'll just love me telling the story about when she's older..ha!).  And I'll tell her I cried the first time I saw her (something I'm sure will probably happen) and how much more better she's made mine and daddy's life.  I can't wait for her arrival..yet I'm scared too.  Guess thats normal?

Anyways, I can't help but melt each time I see these precious faces online.  Those of my bloggy friends and their new little ones!!  Each one has their own individual story of how everything came to be..each little one his/her own personality.  And the best part..since I'm a newbie to this mommy stuff..I can go to them and ask plenty of questions and get some nice feedback!!  I'm going to list the mommies and babies on here from firstborn to even those who are behind me in their pregnancies and you can go check out their blogs if you don't already know them.  And you can see first hand how precious their little ones are!!

Ashleigh with baby Lilleigh

Mrs. A with baby Carys

Callie with baby Wyatt

Monica with baby Cohen

Jenn with baby Evin

Rachel with baby Henry

And these are babies that are soon to make their presense into the world!

Chloe and baby ?

Emily and baby Georgia

Me and baby Makayla

Page and baby ?

Venessa and baby DLC

Miranda and baby Kate

Cait and baby ?


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Monday, May 2, 2011

Miscellany Monday

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

ONE.

Everyone has either been talking about the "Royal Wedding" or Osama Bin Laden's death (which is still rather 'new' news).  The royal wedding was amazing, as expected!  But I didn't get up at 4am to watch it..no way!  I did see their first kiss live on tv though (thanks to my dr appointment that day I was up earlier than usual)..so sweet!  Loved Kate's dress..simple, elegant, appropriate.  She's one classy lady!  Wonder if when Harry gets married if his wedding will be of this caliber??  He seems like one wild man!  LOL!

TWO.

I 'think' I've finally discovered a way to sleep that'll keep me comfortable throughout the night!!  I'm going to try it tonight (fingers crossed) so I'm hoping it works.  I've not slept the best for the past several days..the further along in my pregnancy I get the more uncomfortable I get as well.  After much tossing and turning last night..I found having a pillow behind me (for back support) and one in front of me (for tummy support) along with the fan running (because I get HOT!) I was out like a light after getting into this position.  Oh how I hope this works from here on out!!!!

THREE.

Got back from H & R Block this morning w/hubby.  We got a lovely letter from the IRS last week stating our returns from last year weren't right so we had to get everything straightened up.  Don't wanna mess with them thats for sure!!  Which is exactly why I don't do our taxes to begin with..they'd probably show up at my house with handcuffs if I ever attempted it..I'd probably mess them up so badly!  At least this way I have someone else to blame if something doesn't get done right..ha!  And the good news..they actually owe us more money..ROFL!!  Score one for us!

FOUR.

Stopped at a yard sale on the way home..first one of the season!!  Woop woop!!!  And I racked up on some awesome little clothes for Makayla!!!  The final total?  I think it was like $8.50..and everything was name brand..totally brand new condition.  I could have spent another hour down there looking (and buying) but hubby had to get home to get in bed after working all night.  Oh how I am looking forward to going to more yard sales this year!!  :-)  Pics to come later this week!

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