Henry's Arrival

Waking up and knowing it's the last morning without a child is a strange experience, which is why October 3rd will go down as one of the weirdest and most amazing days of my life.  I woke up super early (around 4:30 a.m.), which had become typical in the last days of my pregnancy.  I proceeded to scarf down some food, knowing I was going to be cut off from eating beginning at 9 a.m.  Needing to pass the time, I reverted to baking [brownies, cookies, rice krispie treats, and cupcakes] like a madwoman. 

A friend of mine advised that I bake goodies for the nurses to suck up - some of the best advice I received while being pregnant! I suggest any and all pregnant woman do this prior to the delivery of your child (or assign a friend/relative to do this for you), as you'll be spoiled by the nursing staff!  They apparently don't get fed very often....

Since we didn't have to be at the hospital until 3:00 p.m., Paul and I decided to have one last "hoorah," and we went to our last movie as a family of 2. As a side note, we saw 50/50, which is fantastic, but will make any pregnant woman cry like an idiot.

At 2:30 p.m., however, we packed up and headed to the hospital.

My chauffeur.

Arrival at Labor and Delivery.  I won the "Battle of the Bulge."

Waiting for surgery.....

 

...which was enthralling, as you can tell.

Paul was then prepped for surgery as well. Sexy. :)

My right left-hand man.  He got to keep his man card because I demanded a play-by-play throughout the surgery, and despite earlier hesitation as to whether he would look over the sheet, he managed to look over and keep me updated about what the doctors were doing during surgery.  I even have pictures to document Henry's arrival, but will spare the World Wide Web from such details. :)

My fabulous physician, immediately after Mr. Henry's arrival.

Henry Louis arrived at 5:48 p.m., weighing in at 8 lbs. 15 oz., and 19 3/4 in. long.

Our first meeting as a family. There's no other feeling in the world like this, especially with such a healthy boy! 

Gigi and Uncle Grant examining Henry for the first time.

Uncle Grant finally worked up the nerve to hold him.

Proud Daddy. 

Post-surgery in the recovery room.

First diaper change. If only we knew how many more were to follow.... :)



Gigi finally convinced Papa to hold Henry - he was convinced he was going to contaminate Henry with something he'd picked up from work, but he finally gave in!!  Looks like a natural.

And although we could have stayed 4 nights in the hospital, we were all ready to leave after 3 nights.   Henry was ready to head home!

The Paul Meredith family leaving the hospital.  Love these two boys more than life.

Headed home!



The newest love of my life.  Most kissable cheeks ever.