We had your birthday scheduled since early summer - since Caroline was a c-section baby I decided to go the same route for your delivery. I always knew there was a chance you'd decide to come early, but I was hopeful you'd hold out for your special birthday - which you did.
On the morning of December 12th, your daddy and I headed to the hospital bright and early -- they wanted us to arrive at 6:30am. We were both incredibly nervous and excited to meet you! We couldn't wait to see what you looked like or to hold you for the first time. We got settled into our room while the nurses explained to us how the c-section would work & what we should expect. It was a completely different experience from when we had Caroline (emergency c-section) -- this was so relaxed! At around 8:30am, they walked me back to the operating room and I knew we were only minutes away from meeting our sweet baby. Talk about excitement! But first I had to get through the hard part -- getting the spinal (anesthesia). Some people say it's no big deal, but it was the most painful thing I've experienced. I can't help but cringe when I think about it. But you know what? You were completely worth that pain & so much more.
After dealing with some after effects of the anesthesia (extreme nausea, dizziness -- thank goodness for drugs that can quickly remedy those things!), I was feeling good & your dad was finally allowed to join us in the operating room. And at 9:07am you entered the world -- weighing 8 lb, 7 oz & measuring 20 inches long! I'll never forget the moment your dad told me that you had dark hair -- I didn't believe him at first. Caroline is a carbon copy of your dad & I just assumed that you would be, too. Knowing immediately that you looked even a tiny bit like me gave me so much joy. I felt an immediate bond with you & couldn't wait to hold you!
After they finished the surgery, I was wheeled to my recovery room to enjoy some ice chips and, more importantly, some Reese cuddles. You were so unbelievably cute -- all the nurses that came in/out of our room said so! Your dad was able to feed you your first bottle in the recovery room -- you could tell he was already head over heels in love with you. After about an hour we were transferred to our real hospital room & the visitors started to pour in! You were able to meet your sister Caroline, Grammie Arlene, Grandma Regina, Aunt Brittany, cousin Hadleigh (who is only 12 days older than you), and Brittany's (then) boyfriend, Jason. You had many other visitors during the next few days, too -- we were in the hospital with you from Wednesday to Saturday.
You are a very healthy baby -- something we're incredibly thankful for! The biggest problem you've had is the fact that you lost weight at your one week appointment. You were born at 8lb, 7oz -- left the hospital weighing 8lb, 1oz -- and weighed 7lb, 13oz the next week. Your pediatrician said she was "baffled" because you looked perfect to her. We decided to wait it out & she scheduled us for a weight check a week later... and you had gained! You were almost back up to your birth weight, which made us all very happy! :)
Fun fact: You survived your first blizzard at 2-weeks old! Evansville got about a half foot of snow during the blizzard & then a few extra inches later in the week. Your big sister loved playing outside in the snow & you enjoyed watching her from our enclosed sun porch, all bundled up in your Northface snowsuit. Next year you'll be outside with her for sure!
We love you, our little peanut butter cup - you are the perfect addition to our family! Here are some pictures from the first couple weeks of your life... :)
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