Our morning started early with a quick shower and some final packing before heading off to Wake Med to meet our little guy.
Madeline was still fast asleep when we left, so we peeked in on her and left her a note and some yummy celebratory cupcakes to take to Bozenna's with her for the day! And I cried. Big shock, I know.
We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 and got checked in and settled in our pre-op room. I was nervous about the surgery, excited about finally meeting Benjamin and overwhelmed at the blessing and miracle, really, of what I was about to experience. The nurses were beyond kind and calming and before I knew it, it was 8:30....and my surgery, which was supposed to occur at 9:30, was about to happen at 9 instead due to a slow OR morning. Dr. Maydew was on her way! My next visitor was the anesthesiologist. I cannot express enough how important it was for me to meet with her ahead of time. I explained to her what I experienced with Madeline's birth (violent shaking, vomiting - you name it) and we talked about options to make this c-section more comfortable. She was an angel, I'm convinced, because she listened to my concerns and heard every word I said. So, on to the OR we went. I prayed and I took deep breaths and all at once, felt a sudden calm. I was ready and no longer afraid. I got my spinal and they laid me down on the table. Dr. Maydew, the nurses, and Lashonda, my anesthesiologist, were all so excited and comforting throughout. And, not only did I feel absolutely nothing (except pressure when they pulled him out), I didn't shake and I didn't feel sick as a dog. My chest was a little heavy feeling from the numbness, but it was nothing like I had built it up to be in my head. Of course, it helps to have my sweet Derek by my side. What a support. He was so positive and sweet throughout the entire procedure.
Within minutes, I feel the pressure in my abdomen and hear the most glorious (and extremely loud) cry come from my son. Derek peeked over the curtain and ran over to take pictures as he was being weighed and checked out. He was healthy and ready for the world, thanks be to God.
Benjamin Mills, our blessing, was born at 9:49 a.m. 7 lbs., 13 oz. 19 3/4" long.
He has a head full of hair, much like his sister, but it's lighter like mine. And, he is the sweetest, most cuddly little guy I know. He loves to be held and snuggled and unlike his sister, adores being swaddled! We're so in love, and so smitten with him. I had a moment in the hospital when I was sitting on the bed with my two kids and my husband where I just felt whole. I felt complete and so content. I have been blessed beyond measure.
I'm breast feeding him for now and that has been going really, really well. He's putting on weight, latches like a pro and eats like a little piggy. And, my recovery this time around has been SO much better. Walking, and moving in general, are a lot easier this time and I feel really good. Are we seeing a pattern here? Everything has seemed so much smoother this time. Makes the transition a little easier for all of us.
Madeline has done really well so far, too. We've had a couple of moments ("my daddy!!"
"no mama!!" - this is where I cry some more - and some whining), but that is to be expected and for the most part, she's been amazing with him. She loves to hold her baby brother and give him kisses. So, joining his big precious sister, here he is! I look forward to my future as "mom" to these two amazing people.
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