Introducing Our Precious Child

On Wednesday morning at 8:17am, we joyfully welcomed a baby boy into this world. He weighed 8 pounds, 4.5 ounces and is 20 inches long. I say that we welcomed a baby boy because at that point, we did not have a name. We had a girl name the whole time and could never decide on a boy name. Some commentary from the doctors and nurses when he was delivered were-

"Oh, look at that beautiful head"

"A boy, definitely a boy!"

"Wow, he's big."

"He's 8 pounds, 4 ounces."

"Are you sure? Weigh him again. He looks big."

"8 pounds, 4 and a half ounces."

"He's beautiful!"

I listened to all of this without being able to see anything but my husband's face. He looked fascinated by what was going on. I must have looked anxious because at this point the anesthesiologist decided to give me some anti-anxiety medication. I wish he would have told me. Instead he whispered it to my sister. So as I went into the recovery room for an hour (after wheeling by the 30 family members waiting outside), I was freaked out because I couldn't focus my eyes on anything and felt totally loopy. My face started itching really bad.  All I could think about was that my baby needed a name. So I went over the names Jason and I had talked about and decided on one. But, I was irritated because I couldn't talk to Jason about it for an hour. My face kept getting worse so by the time I reached my room, my face was extremely swollen and red- like Rudolph! And I could not stop itching. Okay, I know you want pics and I am rambling on so here are his sweet little feet. Look at those long toes!

                                             And here is our sweet boy.

                                                      I just love that face. 

Then when I got to my room, they offered me some ice chips. I vomited them back up. So my first day consisted of a very itchy, red swollen face, vomiting, blurry vision, being spaced out and a lot of visitors. My husband sat next to me and all I wanted to do was be alone with him for a minute to decide on a name. It was difficult. We finally got a moment and named our sweet boy Vance. 

The next day when I was told about the anti-anxiety meds which explained what the deal was with me, I started thinking, "Wow, I decided on his name when I was high. This is a big decision to make. I hope it is okay." I think it is a big name for a little guy, but will be a very cool name when he gets bigger. Jason's comment to my fretting was, "I like the name. He will grow into it." He's not a big talker, but is decisive. Okay, I'll let it go. 

Here we are this morning getting ready to come home from the hospital. Sorry, I won't post any of the swollen, red face. I'm not over it yet! 
Here's me with my FOUR, yes FOUR, did you hear me?- FOUR BOYS! Three of them look a little scraggly because they came straight from a baseball game to pick me up. Don't worry, I'm over the girl thing. They have all promised to give me granddaughters. Yes, I even made Vance promise. I look a little tired here. I am saying goodbye to the relative peace and quiet of the hospital room. It really isn't quiet because the nurses are always coming in, doing vitals, giving meds, changing sheets, etc. But, relative to the volume and business level of my home, it was peace and quiet.
And he slept all the way home!
So, my sweet baby Vance- welcome to this world and welcome to our home. You are loved with an overwhelming, overflowing, unconditional love that cannot be contained. You have a family that now feels complete because you are here.