March 19, 2007

...After 9 months of waiting and wondering...you made your grand entrance at 6:17pm. Weighing in at 8lbs 13.3oz and measuring 21 inches long.

I couldn't see you, I waited what seemed like an eternity for you to cry - I heard someone say "He's peeing over the side of the warmer," and just then...you cried. I don't think there was anyone on that floor of the hospital that didn't hear you cry. It was music to my ears!

I couldn't wait to lay my eyes on you...finally, a nice Dr. brought you over so I could see you...still crying! But, I can understand why...it was dark and you were warm, and cozy. All of the sudden, you were literally, vacuumed and pulled into the cold, bright room full of funny looking people in blue.

He brought you back to the warmer, checked you over some more and wrapped you up tightly and brought you back over to me, so I could see you again...

The Dr.'s still had some work to do with me, so you and Grandma Great went down the hall to wait for me...

Here is the first picture of you and Grandma Great...she took it herself. You will learn that she's not very good at sitting still...

It wasn't long before I was back in the recovery room with you...and you were formally introduced to Dr. Marralle, she's the one who brought you into this world and took care of me, while you were still baking. I went to see her quite often, once a month for a while, then once every few weeks. And then once a week, until she decided it was time for everyone to meet you.

She made sure I took my vitamins, and measured my belly to make sure you were growing, and each time I saw her, she'd listen to your heartbeat. It always took her a while to find it because you liked to play hide and seek, but she searched and searched and in the end she always found it.

There was a whole waiting room full of people waiting to meet you...Aunt Holly, Cousin Bianca, Aunt Wendy, Cousin Jake, Aunt Kristy (and later we would find out - Madyson was there too), Jacquie, Grandma Debby, Auntie Grandma Kathy and Uncle Grandpa Blakey! It took longer than expected for us to be ready to see everyone...so a few of them had to go, but they waited until you arrived and they knew that everyone was well and recovering before they left.

Grandma Great came up to our room with us, she was very good to me and the only time she ever left my side that afternoon/evening was to stay with you, so you wouldn't be alone and scared. Grandma Debby and Autie Grandma Kathy and Uncle Grandpa Blakey came up to the room to meet you quickly that night. Everyone got to hold you, and ohh and awww!

Here is your first picture with Auntie Grandma Kathy...

Here's she is handing you off to Uncle Grandpa Blake...

And here is your first picture with Uncle Grandpa Blakey...

Our company left and Grandma Great stayed a little while longer.

I sat and stared at you for a while, then the nurse gave you your first bath and tucked you in for bed.

I sent a few text messages and pics to friends to let them know that you were here. And Grandma Great went home to tend to Nikko and Lilac and get some much needed rest.

You slept for a bit, and I sat and stared at you. You woke up and had a little bit to eat, and i sat and stared at you some more. Needless to say, you were very tired and so was i, but i didn't get much sleep that night. Instead, I studied every bit of you. In amazement and disbelief. You were real. You were there. The 9 months of waiting and wondering were over. I knew I loved you when you were in my belly - I just never understood how much, until you were here. It was instant. And it is eternal.