One week ago, on February 28th at 2:38 pm, Mr. Nathan Edward made his entrance into this world. He at 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long.
The delivery was a bit eventful in that his heart rate kept dropping dangerously low with each contraction once I was in very active labor. I had to move from side to side with each contraction to try to get him back up to a normal rate. Thankfully, I progressed very quickly and the decision was made that the best option was simply for me to push as hard and as much as I could to get him out of what was turning into a not-so-great environment for him. After only 40 minutes of pushing, he was out and his cord was wrapped around his neck, which explains the heart-rate issues. He took a little longer than I would have liked to get out that first cry, but when it came, my heart melted and I relaxed and took in the perfection of my beautiful son.
Nathan has been a wonderful newborn. He only cries when he is hungry or during diaper changes. He nurses very frequently during the day, but sleeps 2-3 hour stretches as night and there are times where I have to wake him to eat. I'm hoping this trend of sleeping at night continues! Right now, he is a very easy going little lad. I have learned from past experience that this could change though so I'm not banking on a sleepy baby for much longer :)
His awake time is adorable. He has the brightest eyes and seems to take in everything. He is particularly responsive to Noelle's voice and movements. In the womb, I also got the most movement from him when Noelle was talking so I think that bond has already formed for him. Noelle is pretty smitten with him as well and loves to look at his little feet, hands, ears, etc. She kisses his head every night and comes to see him as soon as she wakes up.
Prior to delivery, I had wondered how my heart could possibly love another child as much as I love Noelle. I knew that it would expand, just as it had when Noelle came into our lives, but I just couldn't imagine it. Well, it is possible for a heart to love more, and it happened as soon as I saw him. It feels right having him with us. It feels right to have Noelle look at him in excitement and talk about her "Baby Nate" to anyone that will listen. I can't wait to see how our family adjusts and grows with him as he becomes his own little person.
Cassidy has again been the best support I could have asked for. Since tending to a newborn is not as new and scary for me this time, he has taken on Noelle duty during the night as well as many of the household chores (my mom has also helped a lot with these). I love seeing him in the role of a new daddy and being so careful and delicate with such a little baby. He calls Nate his "bud" or "buddy" and I can't wait to see that bond grow between father and son.
Well, "Baby Nate", (wonder when we will drop the baby in front of Nate??) it's been a great first week. You have met both grandmas already and they are in love! We have had some small bumps in the road, but we're still driving and I am excited to see where we go. Welcome to our crazy little family. I hope you like it here!
Love you-
Mama
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