Friday, August 29, 2008

The Passenger Arrives!

Let me start by saying that I am sorry for taking so long for this highly anticipated blog entry. After Marshall was born we were overwhelmed with visitors, both in the hospital and once we came home. Life has been ridiculously busy. For those of you who don't know the details:

Marshall Kade Lewis made his big arrival on Thursday August 21, 2008 @ 0749 via C-section. He weighed in at 7#11.5oz and measured just over 20 inches. If you recall, my doctor had measured his head via ultrasound and told us that he thought it was gigantic - it was: 14 3/8 inches...he was not going to come out the other way, even if he had turned around - which he did not.

The morning was very exciting for us. I was really calm about the whole thing. We left for the hospital at 0550 and it was smooth sailing from there. The procedure went flawlessly and I watched them deliver Marshall by having my anesthesiologist hold up a big mirror so that I could see over the drape - he came out feet first. It was absolutely amazing. Marshall's APGAR scores were 9 & 9, he was pink and vigorous. Kreat, Marshall and the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner went to the nursery to monitor Marshall's status while I was being "put back together" (yeah, I watched them do that too...it was cool).

I spent a few hours in recovery before bing moved to my post-partum room (where we remained for the duration of our hospitalization). By the time I was transferred I was able to move myself from my OR bed to my regular bed with very little help. I was feeling great. And just seven hours after delivery I was up in my room, walking. By the time we came home from the hospital on Saturday I was functioning at about 95% - I'm just not allowed to lift anything heavy.

The dogs are adjusted - they think that he is really cool. Kreat and I are making the adjustment pretty well but I will say - it doesn't matter how "prepared" you are, you are never truly "ready". We're doing good and have been enjoying some "family time" without visitors coming and going.

Marshall is such a calm baby. He has yet to actually CRY, like scream/cry. He just doesn't. He'll fuss a little, but is so mellow. I don't know how that happened. When he is awake, he is so alert and attentive. He doesn't just look around, he stares, eyes wide open, taking it all in. He is a great baby. The breastfeeding is going great. He literally needs no help when it comes to eating...he knew what to do from day one and does great. As for the sleeping, we really can't complain. He doesn't cry, even when he wakes up in the night for feedings, he makes squeaky sounds like a guinea pig.

We feel so blessed to have this little person in our lives, he has truly changed us forever. We could not have asked for a more perfect pregnancy, delivery and baby. All is well with us. Enjoy the photos!

The last photo taken: 38 weeks 2 days
On our way to have a baby!

Chatting on the phone in pre-op

My girlfriend Missy came by to see me
Nancy was my nurse for the delivery

Kreat getting ready to enter the OR

Me on the table...If only you could see what they were doing to me while I laid there.

Happy Birthday Marshall!

Our first family photo




Marshall's first bath with Naomi,RN (It was so cool to have all of my beloved co-workers there for this experience)

They brought Marshall to me while I was in recovery. This was the first time I held him.

My parents were so excited about meeting their third grandson; it was a special moment for them both.

My brother, Bob, came by to meet his nephew; Bob had never held a baby this young before. It was really cool.

Grandma Lewis thoroughly checked him over - he passed with flying colors.

Grandpa Lewis and Aunt Katie were pretty impressed with our handy-work.

Kreat's assistant Sue and her husband Dean came by on Saturday to meet our special little guy.

There was a slight adjustment period that Lola had to undergo once we got home. As you can see, she still thought that my lap was her personal space and that our bed was still her bed. She has since learned to share.


Marshall loves the swing that his Aunt Casey and Uncle Jordan bought for him!

Marshall gets a spongebath (6 days old):










A few days after we got home I had to get some homework done so Marshall napped on my lap while I studied.

After being cooped up in the house for over a week, I couldn't take it anymore - Kreat was home so I put on his rain coat and did yardwork. Kreat thought I was super crazy, but it felt great to get something accomplished and to be outside!


We're adjusting well - some days are better than others, but I am really enjoying my little boy and I think Kreat is beginning to understand why I begged for a baby for so long; he loves our little Marsh-mellow.

3 comments:

sue said...

Super cute nickname! I am totally jealous that your family was there. Maybe I'll fly all of you guys to NC when we have our next one. Again he looks perfect and I am really glad that you are enjoying life with a baby.

Sam, Jill and Aubrey said...

So happy for you guys and thanks for sharing all the great pictures. It really isn't fair that you looked so great in all your delivery photos! :) Sounds like things are going well and he is so cute! Give the Marsh-mellow a squeeze for us! Miss you!

Berkley said...

CONGRATULATIONS! He's so cute, and I can't believe how much he looks like Kreat. You looked so beautiful in your delivery pictures, goodness. That's not fair. And this is probably the last time I'm going to talk to you b/c I'm totally jealous that your NEWBORN sleeps better than our SEVEN MONTH OLD. How did that happen? Getting such little sleep was by far the hardest adjustment for us when she was born (and lasted for months). I'm glad he's a good sleeper and a happy baby. And I'm glad the delivery and everything went smoothly. And I'm glad you got to get out of the house for a bit (even if it was to do yardwork in the rain). We want more pictures!