Elliot's birth story (Paul's perspective)

The first time we did this, I was nervous as a cat. We spent a long day trying to get Noah, and a much longer night once he came. Followed up with a hellish 4 days in the hospital with an ever shrinking room.

This time, I kicked back, took a little nap as they were getting Mandy prepped, took some pictures, posed for a few photos and went home to a nice bed and had the best three nights' sleep I've had in over two years. I really wasn't all that useful...

If it were this easy the first time, we wouldn't have sold all of Noah's baby stuff so fast.

Elliot's birth story (Mandy's perspective)

Paul had time to post a few pics, but we've been understandably pre-occupied this week, so we spared details. For those wanting all those details, here they are from my perspective.

Well it's a lot different to have a scheduled c-section than even a scheduled imduction. First of all it was at noon. We didn't even have to be to the hospital until 10am. WOOT! We were able to leisurely get ready, feed Noah his breakfast, etc without rushing out the door at the crack of dawn. It was nice being able to say good bye to Noah. We left him with Aunt Rara and Charlie and sent them to Pump it Up for some bouncy fun.


A family photo before leaving for the hospital.

We were checked into our "room" which was less than glamorous. It wasn't a labor/delivery room, but a recovery room. I was bummed there was no TV to kill time with. There was plenty to watch with Obama being sworn in at 11am. So instead we twiddled thumbs nervously. It wasn't till after 11am before they really started getting me ready. Why we had to be there so early is beyond me. Paul messed around with his crackberry while I was just tapping my toes.


We got my IV going, got some fluids going and then they collected a bunch of blood samples for the cord blood. We banked Noah's privately, and since we have that insurance policy we decided to donate Elliot's to a public bank, which means it'll go to the 1st person that matches his type that has a need for a stem cell transplant.

Getting the IV in - it took a few tries.

It was getting really close to noon when the nurse announced Dr. P was on his way over. We were still waiting for anesthesia to come get me. Turns out I had a delay because some chick in labor wanted an epidural. I guess I understand. So by the time they brought me back it was probably 12:25 or so. It took the guy THREE times to get my spinal in the right spot. Ouch! It's a weird sensation and I hate it so I was relieved to get it in.

Once it was in, things moved fast! I felt SO much better this time (as opposed to Noah's after laboring all day and pushing 2 hrs). I was alert. I had no pain. No nausea. No exhaustion. Just a little bit of excited nerves.

Compare Noah's delivery:

With Elliot's:

Elliot Henry was soon born and everyone in the OR was saying how big he was, but Dr. P didn't think he was quite as big as Noah had been (9lb7oz). He was right. Elliot was a petite 8lb 10 oz. Paul & I were both surprised. Paul cuddled him and held him up to me while I got stitched up and I was able to hold him in my arms as they wheeled me back to recovery. He was able to latch on and nurse right away and I was alert enough to do it without a nurse this time.

Again, compare last time:

To this time:

My only issue with my recovery was itching. Bad itching. It was from the morphine in the spinal and lasted till the next day late morning. I also had some pain, which should be expected with major surgery, only I really never felt anything but mild soreness with Noah. Still I can't complain.

My hospital stay was much different this time too. Paul was sent home that night to put Noah to bed. I stayed by myself. It was actually quite calm and relaxing. I had helpful nursing staff to help me when I needed it. Noah came with his babysitter for the day every afternoon/evening along with Paul and some family. I had a few friends visit too, but mostly it was just me and my little guy.

The only bad part of this whole thing was being away from Noah for 3 nights. I really missed him and hated that part. But, he was a trooper and did really well. He was excited for me to come home today though. I was being wheeled out with Elliot in his seat in my lap and Noah walked next to me holding my hand smiling the whole way. He definately is "adjusting", but he loves holding baby "Ed-Uh-Wit" with his special "pippow" (the boppy).

Going home...

When we first brought Noah home, Wally didn't know what to think. He seems to have taken Elliot a little more in stride, and just kept an eye on him to make sure he wouldn't pull any fast moves.




Giving Elliot a kiss...

And some advice. "Don't try the broccoli."

"And stay out of my toy room"

"What was that noise? Did Elliot just toot?"

"I'm not changing it..."

Brothers...

Now the real work and excitment begin!