Friday, August 21, 2009

Our first five days!

Thomas Alexander home from the hospital wearing his daddy's tie for the special occasion.

What a whirlwind!! It seems like yesterday that Becky and I were pulling up to the hospital while it was still pitch black outside and getting settled for the big day! There is so much to tell, but as most of you know, my time and energy is limited right now. I'll do my best to fill in all the details as time allows.Right after deliver: Notice how Thomas loves his green frog that Caroline picked out for him!

Monday was so wonderful, fun and touched with bittersweetness. Becky and our amazing friend, Nellie, made t-shirts for some of the people who were in it for the long haul that day. Nellie spent the night and watched Caroline for me until we knew the time was getting close for Thomas to arrive.

We started pitocin at about 7:00am, I was already having contractions eight minutes apart, dilated to a three and 70% effaced (for those who want to know all the details!) which made me feel even more comfortable about inducing eleven days early. Epidural at about 8:30am. Dr Birch broke my water at 12:30pm and was fully dilated ready to push at 1:30pm!! Unfortunately, she was in surgery and they told me I had to wait--ha!! Contractions were really painful and I could move my feet so I knew the epidural, for some reason, had worn off quite a bit. Finally at about 1:50 or so she came in. I pushed through three contractions and he was born at 2:00pm!! (I told Caroline she was right about the two minutes, she just meant 2 o'clock instead! So now she tells everyone how she was right!)
He is perfect!! The same weight as Caroline when she was born (only she was 5 days overdue!) and an inch longer than her.It's amazing how in love I am with him!! He is so sweet and good. He is letting me sleep at about two hour increments, since feeding and changing takes us about an hour! So I get about a broken up four hour sleep time at night--that is WAY better than with Caroline who seemed to wake up every 30 minutes.

Caroline has been a doll. She loved the attention family and friends gave her in the hospital and at home. When we walked in the door Tuesday evening (We got home about 7pm the day after delivery) she saw me and hugged me so tight and said, "mommy, mommy, mommy" over and over at least 20 times-not exaggerating. If I wasn't so happy to be home, I would have cried.
She loves her brother and really wants to help. She shows him toys and pats his head every so gingerly. I love that little girl.Thomas and Caroline in his nursery

That's the super fast version of how our last 5 days has gone! I couldn't stand not posting a few pictures and letting you know how we are. All of you have sent such sweet prayers and thoughts our way. I had such a sense of peace all day Monday and any time I started to get nervous I could literally feel God telling me "it will all be okay" and he was right. I'm not prepared to write about all of the emotions right now, but in time I will. It's important for me to document it all, but I'm just too tired right now. I can say that it has been overwhelmingly more sweet than bittersweet, but deep down there is a profound sadness that Thomas and I aren't sharing this all together. I do feel that he is able to know how we are and in someway watch or see us. That is comforting.Praise: His first doctor's appt went great! Here he is ready to go!

Thank you all so much for your continued support! It helps me in so many ways.Cousin Jett meeting Thomas for the first time! They will be the best of friends!

Prayer Requests: Nursing to stop hurting during the latch on (makes my toes curl!, my energy back quickly so I can figure out how to give Caroline more time, and that I can make it through the hormonal baby blues that may make an appearance soon.

Please don't forget to tell God a huge THANK YOU for answering our prayers with an easy, safe delivery and a healthy, beautiful baby boy.

34 comments:

  1. Bonnie! He is absolutely perfect!!! I am praying hard for you all right now and I will call and check on you next week!

    Love you!
    Heather

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  2. Baby Thomas is so handsome! Caroline looks like a proud big sister! I'm so glad that everything went well, although bittersweet. Thank you God for sweet Baby Thomas!

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  3. CONGRATULATIONS FROM CANADA!!!!

    So glad to see that everything has gone well in your delivery. Caroline will be SUCH a big help to you!

    You have a beautiful beautiful son. I'm sure you're right in thinking that the Lord is allowing your husband to look down on you all. How happy he must be at what he sees.

    I've been following your blog since the passing of your husband, and I am so happy that your pregnancy and delivery has been a wonderful experience. I am sorry for the sad and hard times you're experiencing, but I'm sure this week brings so much joy to your heart.

    Keep up with the posts when you feel up to it. And don't forget to include lots of pictures!

    Michelle Found
    Picton, Ontario, Canada
    www.fiddlersfound.blogspot.com

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  4. bon!! I will come back anytime to hold that sweet baby boy! I loved watching him today while you enjoyed some Caroline and Mom time! I have alot to learn from you and I always enjoy our "advice" sessions! Today, holding Thomas, made me so ready to meet Mollie. I know they will al be great friends, just like their parents! I love you and think of you daily!!!

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  5. No baby ever looked better in a tie! Still praying and thinking of you. Denise

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  6. He is beautiful and Caroline is so sweet! God bless you all!!!!!

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  7. Precious boy! I'll keep praying.

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  8. So glad you guys are home safe and sound with that beautiful baby boy!!! Still praying for your sweet family!!

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  9. Oh my goodness that is a cute baby boy!! The picture of you, Becky, baby Thomas and sweet Caroline is perfect. I love how Caroline seems to be posing.I can tell that girl's got personality plus!!
    Congrats to all of you and Praise to the Father for His faithfulness.
    love, Brenda Elmore

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  10. Yay, congratulations! He is SOOO precious! Glad the delivery went so well, and I hope nursing can be less painful for you soon! Praying for you & your family!

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  11. Bonnie, congratulations! Thomas is so precious and Caroline is adorable as a big sister. I prayed often on Monday and am so grateful to God that all went well. Prayers continue for you all.

    Elizabeth

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  12. Bonnie,
    Fran and I loved stopping in and seeing you, baby Thomas, and your mom. Thanks for sharing a few minutes of your time with us. We really wanted to leave the books at the desk but the nurse insisted that we give them to you. I was so happy that we got to see you and share some of our memories of Thomas. Thanks again and we are keeping you and your sweet babies in our prayers. Congratulations.
    Jean Davis

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  13. He is so handsome. I love the ties, that is so sweet. Caroline is beautiful and will be such a good big sister to Thomas. You are so blessed, but I know you know that! Prayers from South Texas.
    Lindsey

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  14. Bonnie! He is a DOLL! I want to "pinch" you like you did to me when you saw Avery and said what a doll she is! (I can't believe that Avery is 16 months today!) I love Baby Thomas' tie onesie! I am excited about FINALLY getting to see u in September!
    Love u!
    ~Monica

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  15. Thomas Alexander is SO adorable and you look great! I would never know you just had a baby if not for the hospital gown! Congratulations again to you and Caroline.

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  16. Bonnie, Congratulations! He is such a handsome little man! Caroline looks so proud. And you have that beautiful new mama glow!

    Do you have a lactation consultant you can talk to about the latching on thing? For whatever reason, it was worse with Annabelle and I finally went a consultant and we solved the problem. I thought since I had nursed before that I'd be a pro! Ha! I'll definitely pray hard for you about that. I know that can be frustrating and painful.

    We love you and are sending up prayers everyday.

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  17. Bonnie,
    Congratulations! I'm so happy that everything went so smoothly on Monday. I had my whole Sunday School class praying for you! My prayers are with you as you go through the next few days of adjustments.

    Pam

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  18. Oh, Bonnie, he is just so precious. What a precious gift for you. I am still amazed at how it all worked out; God is good. You say the word, and I can be there with a little dip/apples in hand...I hope that little Thomas continues to sleep well. I love what a sweet sister Caroline is...I am not surprised though. Oh, I used a shield with our first child when nursing. It helped so much...

    Reba

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  19. Bonnie-
    Cannot begin to say how cute your family is. I found this blog through Reba's and it has been such a touching journey. Normally I just read but to follow what Reba said, i too used a shield with my first and it was a lifesaver. Not sure I would have made it without it.

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  20. I have had basically no time on the computer until tonight and just learned that baby Thomas was born. Bonnie, he is so beautiful! I am so thankful that he is here and healthy. Can't wait to see more pictures of him and Caroline. I can imagine the bittersweet emotions you are going through. I just know that Thomas is watching over all three of you and he always will be. Congratulations on your precious baby boy. He is certainly a gift from God and will bring so much joy to your life.

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  21. I have been following your journey and so happy Baby Thomas is here! What a wonderful blessing and story of faith! You are truly an inspiration to so many people! Praying for you and your beautiful family!

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  22. He's perfect! So sweet, congratulations!! I remember those first LONG 2 weeks of toe curling nursing pain! I specialize in pediatric feeding and worked with her latch and everything--no luck...some things just take time but find a lactation consultant if you can!

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  23. hey bonnie. i've been following you for a while and am always moved by your faith and honesty. i'm so sorry that you have had to walk this road. reading your post today i am speechless. i have wanted to post so many times, but didnt even know what to say, but just thought i should tell you that i am praying for you and rejoicing for this precious new life. so glad you have the comfort that is only from our FATHER.
    rachel lunney imbo

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  24. He is adorable! So glad he is here! Congrats!

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  25. Wow! I'm so thankful for you and so proud of you! What a joy it is to see God living in you and His glory coming out through you. I pray he blesses your new life with your two beautiful children. I can't wait for more pictures! I love you:)

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  26. I've never met you, but your sweet family has been so present in my heart and thoughts and prayers. So glad to see a post up with wonderful pictures of you all:)
    I had to see a lactation consultant with my daughter...best thing I ever did! I needed it from day one, but was too exhausted to go see one until she was 10 days old, but then it was like a miracle...so don't hesitate to see one if you're in pain. They are amazing at helping get things worked out and pain-free!

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  27. He is BEAUTIFUL, Bonnie! Congratulations! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  28. You are amazing. I know you are loving every minute of that sweet baby boy! Love you lots and praying daily.

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  29. Congrats Bonnie. What a sweet little baby! God bless you and your family.

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  30. Congrats! I love the pic of Baby Thomas in his daddy's tie! I'm sure Caroline will be a great big sister! Keep us posted and share the pics of that sweet handsome boy of yours. I'm glad everything went as good as possible, although bittersweet. I'm sure Thomas is looking down and so proud of you. Take care of yourself and praying for much health, love and comfort during these times. XX

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  31. I am not even sure how I heard about your story (maybe from Bring the Rain, but not sure) and I don't know if I even posted before, but I wanted to do so now. Thank you for sharing so candidly your pain and how God has sustained you. It helps me to trust Him more! I want to congratulate you and your family on the birth of your son! May He bless and protect the three of you. May He give you comfort that is beyond understanding.

    Also, if you will allow a perfect stranger to give you a little tip. I read this somewhere and it made sense, so I used it when my son was born 26 months after my daughter. Refer frequently to him having to wait for you to help "big sister." For example, "I know you are hungry, but Caroline needs me to ge her some milk first." It will help her know that she is not always the one having to wait for her needs to be met. It will fee trite at first, but I think it helps. Whatever you do, may this time just be more wonderful and much less painful than you have imagined!

    Virtual hugs from a "friend" praying for you all in MD

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  32. Congrats on the birth of Thomas! I'm glad things went well. Caroline is a sweetie!

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  33. I know you are busy and enjoying that beautiful baby boy. Just stopped by to let you know I was thinking about you.

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  34. Congratulations on the birth of beautiful baby Thomas! I am so happy to hear he is here and all is well. So bittersweet Bonnie, I am thinking about you and you are in my prayers.

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