So, I know it has been awhile since my last post, but we have been busy with the birth of our son: Henry James Allyn Bickel! He was born after almost 30 hours of labor via emergency c-section April 26th, at 8:11 am. He was 21 inches long and weighed just over 8 lbs. His head was almost 16 inches around.... thus the c-section.
Life with Henry has been awesome. Definitely challenging and tiring here and there, but as Blake has been saying, "I thought this would be harder. Everyone else makes the first few weeks out to be hell. I feel okay and very happy." I second that statement. Henry is a very agreeable chap who has taken to breastfeeding in stride and lets his Mommy and Daddy sleep 4 hour stretches at night (in his own crib). He cries (like any baby does), but is easily consoled with a cuddle and a nap or a change of scenery (or diaper). He sometimes uses a pacifier after feeds, but usually calms himself by sucking on his fist or blanket. He loves his swing and being in the living room while we listen to music and go about daily life. We were even able to go out to brunch when he was 11 days old. He's a champ in his carseat and loves his stroller. He loves to spend time staring at our faces in quiet repose.
The only thing that was hellish the first couple of weeks was my c-section incision. Having major abdominal surgery is the last thing I wanted as a new mom. It made things so incredibly difficult at first that I was in tears the better part of the day and night. If I didn't have such an amazing husband I don't know what I would have done! After being numb from the chest down for many hours, I had to be transferred to bed by nurses and be saddled with a catheter and bed-ridden for 3 days. I couldn't hold my son for the first few hours because my arms were numb. And even though they were numb, they ached to hold him! I could not give him his first bath or change his first diaper. I could not hop up out of bed to console Henry when he cried and had to rely on Blake to hold him or bring him to me. Blake changed all of his first diapers. Blake (and some nurses but mostly Blake) helped me take a shower and dry and clothe me. He selflessly took the responsibility of taking care of not one, but two people around the clock. My husband has always been my hero, but now it's even more defined.
