All Quiet on the Hospital Front

All is well in room 3014, except that the heat is on so we're moving to a new room. That is music to my ears!! It's a sweat box in here!! So you've seen the pictures, now it's time for the story of Graeme's arrival. After a quick walk to get my blood flowing and Jenn's brief visit with Janice this morning we decided that we couldn't sit around and look at each other any longer. So at about 9:30 we loaded up the green dragon (our kick-ass 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon) and headed to INOVA Alexandria to see about having a baby. We checked in and got to the paperwork that always accompanies any trip to the hospital. At about 11:20 Jenn asked, "Can you see where Mom and Gary are?" About the same time I thought I heard a familiar voice, that distinct New York accent many of the readers of this blog proudly embrace as a sirens’ song. It was Gary, in his first day of school outfit; plaid shorts, golf shirt buttoned to the top, a brown leather nap sack and a re-usable shopping bag filled with goodies for our stay. Perhaps the most important of which is an 8x10 color photo of Kayla that we can prop in the room. I'm sure it seems like an unhealthy obsession with our dog, but until today she was our one and only. It's hard to break that habit so having her here in spirit was great! Thanks for the support Mom and Gary. Our procedure got off to a late start, but once we got the call Jenn was whisked away to get her epidural and I was given a white suit that looked like HAZMAT get up. By all accounts Jenn did not particularly care for the epidural, but true to form she gutted it out and within about 15 minutes I was brought into the OR. Jenny our nurse anesthetist gave us the play by play, keeping Jenn calm and prepared for the moment of truth. With some pressure and a bit of pulling out he came, Graeme was pulled feet first into the world. I've never had any real spontaneous emotional release like I experienced today. Once I heard him cry I immediately cried, overcome with such a sense of joy that it is impossible to describe. Those of you that have been through this (and most of you reading this have) can relate, but trying to put it into words is something I just can't do. It was just amazing, that's the best I can do. We moved to recovery, hugged with Mom, Gary and Kate Pick (my neighbor turned Sister I never had), made the required phone calls and took our first pictures. Jenn powered through some serious nausea and fatigue brought on by the drugs administered during the section. After about an hour we were moved to our recovery room, or recovery sauna would be more appropriate. Jenn got some rest and Graeme got his first bath and first diaper change. A much needed diaper change as he had over 2 oz of poop in his first bowel movement (way to go Graeme!). Once he was ready to come out of the nursery we settled into a pretty good routine of feeding, napping and feeding some more. He's feeding right now and hopefully will hit the bassinette for some shuteye in a bit. Graeme has been a really good baby so far and I can honestly say he's everything I ever could have imagined he'd be. I am totally stoked to watch the NFL Draft with him next week! GO BROWNS!!

Thansk to everyone that has called, texted and emailed to express their best wishes. Especially to our family Dad, Kath, Mom, Mom, Gary, Bruce, Lynn, Jay, Mike and all our friends, thanks for all the prayers and godd wishes.

More to come... we're now in room 3018 come by after 11.

Peace