Monday, July 20, 2009

Finally!

Garrett was born on 7/9/09 (and I was hoping he'd be a 7/8/9 baby), following 43 hours of labor capped off by a c-section. He just wouldn't come out!

Once the doctor pulled him out the reason he wouldn't budge became obvious - our little guy wasn't so little! He was a very unexpected 10 pounds, 3.8 ounces. No, that's not a typo, he really was that big. Since L was 8 pounds 6 ounces, and I was 6 pounds 6 ounces, we're not sure what happened with G.

Unfortunately, G had inhaled some meconium, and we knew he'd have to be immediately suctioned out. What we hadn't known was just how much he'd inhaled, and the fact that he would end up with a collapsed lung and other breathing issues that sent him to the NICU. L got to accompany G to the NICU as they worked on him, but I wasn't able to see him for several hours, and even then we couldn't hold him until the next day. On the 10th I was able to hold him just long enough to shift him to be weighed, and then back into his oxygen tent.

Saturday (the 11th) he'd improved enough where he could come out of the oxygen tent, so we were both able to hold him. L gave him his first bath (helped by the nurse), and I started attempting to nurse.

We were finally able to bring G home on Tuesday, so he spent 5 days in the NICU. We're recuperating, and G is doing great. Nursing is ok; because he was supplemented with formula while I was unable to hold him (and obviously nurse), I'm still working to get my supply up to what he needs. It's been a bit of a struggle.

I'm also slowly recovering from the section. I'm gradually feeling able to accomplish a little more during the brief moments of time I have between feeding G and feeding myself. ;) I hope to be able to start posting semi-regularly again soonish.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers. We needed them.

The picture is of G in his NICU room, just before we left for home. His going home outfit choice was limited because he was so much bigger than we'd expected; those cute newborn outfits just wouldn't fit!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an absolute cutie!! Congratulations! I can't believe he was so big - no wonder you were ready to have him arrive.

I hope you all enjoy getting to know each other over the next few weeks. I look forward to continuing to follow your lives.

Big hugs.
kx

Giggles said...

Welcome back and welcome to Baby Garrett! He is very handsome! Thanks for sharing. Missed you while you were gone.

Jennifer said...

Yay G!

Susan said...

I'm so glad that you guys are home and doing well! I'll give you a call sometime and check on you.

One of my friends from undergrad just delivered a baby 5 weeks early - he's in the NICU too and will be there for an indefinite time. I'm glad that your baby decided to stay in long enough to not be a premie! Glad he's come into the world strong!

Di said...

Congratulations Renee! You have done really well and G looks great! Hope all goes well in the next few weeks as you adjust to this whole new life!

Love Di x

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!