On Monday, March 5, 2012, you decided to break my water and start the whole process. This led to an early departure from work, a trip the the birthing center, confirmation that labor had started, and confirmation that you still remained in the breech position. From there we decided I would take an ambulance ride to North Memorial and your dad would jump into our vehicle to meet me there. We decided this was our best option, as we were worried you would need a NICU and I could not bear the thought that I would not see you for several days if this was necessary (the hospital we were at did not have a NICU and they would transfer you if necessary but not me).
The rest of the day was such a blur. Doctors and nurses filed in and out of the room each for their own reason that was important in your arrival. Dad and I just sat there wondering how this could be happening - we had made a list just the night before of all the things that we needed to get done before your arrival and now those would be unfinished at home. In the end, I think we were just excited to see your face, hear your cry, and partially laughing inside because you had your own agenda (remember you were supposed to stay inside so we could attend the WCHA Final Five this year - and I was going to write on my shirt - future UMD Bulldog Hockey Player). However, in the end, none of that stuff mattered anymore, because tonight we would meet you. While the doctors and nurses prepped us for everything and anything, asking what our wishes were in emergencies and so forth, all I could think about was, I wonder if you'll look like all those 3D ultrasound pictures we had received at home (and I was so excited that you'd be here to hold).
As I walked into the OR that night, I could not help but think how my life would never be the same when I was wheeled out of the room. The process inside the OR went relatively quickly and you were born 22 minutes later at 8:22 pm. Dad stood up to watch over the sterile field and I could not help but smile and know everything was all right as I saw the joy and happiness in his face as you entered the world. After the neonatal nurse practitioners took you over to your area and started working on you, your dad lowered down to share in the joy that you were finally here. Then he was off to the adjoining room where they were now taking care of you, to take pictures and bring them back to me. My doctor's continued to work on getting me back to normal, while yours did tests, drew blood, and tried to figure out what the next steps would be. Only a few minutes later, your dad was back to show me your beautiful pictures as I laid there and listened to you cry. Then within seconds you were in your dad's arms and I was looking right at you. It was the most amazing experience and I was so happy to finally see you up close. You were simply beautiful and I was in love. After that you were whisked off to the NICU because you were premature and I went to recovery.
In the NICU the nurse practitioners found your blood sugar was extremely low (as is expected with new born babies from type 1 diabetic mothers), so less than an hour into your life you had your first IV placed to get you sugar. You passed the remaining tests; however, monitoring you was a key priority since you were premature.
We had our first picture as a family in that NICU and the doctors and nurses will forever hold a special place in our hearts. They were amazing at taking care of you and explaining everything to first time parents who were trying to process this amazing new being - our son, Oliver Charles. You weighed 7 lbs 11 ounces (bigger than some babies born at full term) and measured 20.5 inches long. You had a full head of beautiful dark brown hair and share so many handsome features of your dad (except you have my nose).
Those first few days with you around were rather surreal especially since we were not able to hold you as much as we liked and you were not in our room with us (as we had planned), but we enjoyed our walks to the NICU to see you and smile at all the progress you were making. On Thursday during rounds, the doctors decided that you would be discharged from the NICU and get to join us after your 2 pm feeding. Your dad and I were on cloud 9. Then Friday morning, the doctors discharged both you and I. We headed home to show you your room, your Oliver tractor, and many wonderful things.
You are an amazing addition to our family and something your dad and I could not wait for since we were married in 2008. I'm so excited to share in all the experiences we will have together as you grow up in our family. We've only known you for one week and you already have made such an impact on our lives.
Our first family picture:
You in the NICU on your second day in this world:
Steph, this is beautiful!
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