Finn was born on November 9 at 10:41 am. I went into labor at midnight the night before. He was almost 1 week overdue and I had been so anxious for him to arrive safely. I was doing yoga every day hoping it would make my water break. Then it broke while I was sleeping, and hour after I went to bed. I had been hoping so much that Jeremy wouldn't have to go back to work that Monday, and he didn't!! My mom and Jeremy were present throughout the labor and delivery and they were absolutely wonderful. The labor nurse asked me why I wasn't yelling at Jeremy more but there really was no reason! He was perfect! Labor was a tough experience but strangely a very happy one as well. There were tears of joy, but none of pain. (disclaimer--I did have an epidural eventually). I was crying when the nurse told me it was time to push-- I couldn't believe we would be meeting our son so soon after waiting so long. Jeremy and I both burst into tears when he emerged-- our sweet baby.
Finn got to meet 3 of his 4 grandparents within 2 hours of his birth.
Our little boy remained nameless for his first 24 hours of life. We didn't end up using any of the top 3 names we had come up with. Instead we used two of the middle names together. His name suits him perfectly.
Finn slept in the nursery as recommended by our nurse so we could get some sleep after being up all night. I did sleep, but I have to say, I got so excited every time the nurse came in at night and woke me to feed Finn. I couldn't believe he was a reality. Speaking of feeding...he is a natural! He latched on perfectly within 30 minutes of being born!
48 hours after being born, Finn was ready to come home.
He loved his first car seat ride.
I was again overcome with emotion as I carried our new baby into our home for the first time. Bringing him home made it so real.
I carried him into the house wrapped in the beautiful hand-made blanket his Grandma Bates made him, and placed him in his crib, which was covered by a beautiful quilt made by our friend Heather.
Over his first week I fell in love with all his unique little features. Love his scrawny little legs and feet (he has his dad's feet).
Love the little swirl of hair (well, fuzz) right in the middle of his forehead.
My heart was ready to burst when he opened his eyes. Also...so weird to see a little baby with my eyes! Every time I looked in the mirror that first week I saw my baby.
Also, it was so wonderful for me to watch Jeremy fall in love with his son as well. I really never envisioned how Jeremy would be as a new father, but the reality has been awesome.
Jeremy was so excited to introduce Finn to the beach. So as soon as I could handle it physically, we took a walk to the beach. Finn LOVES being carried in the bjorn. He settles right down and falls asleep promptly. Jeremy LOVES carrying him in it! His turn to carry Finn on his belly! But his is removable...
Finn wore the t-shirt his Grandad Bates sent for him from Vera Cruz Mexico. It has been fun to dress him in things people picked up especially for him!
He spent most of his first week sleeping. When he wasn't, he was eating or being changed. Somehow he made all of this lovable! He was a champ sleeper at first, going 3.5-4.5 hours between feeds at night! Thanks Finn, for helping with the recovery process! Also, huge thanks to my mom (who is SO good with Finn) for dinners, grocery shopping, putting Finn back to sleep at night after his feeding. What a difference that made in the whole experience. We were able to have the energy to enjoy this sweet little guy so much more.
Finn went to his first doctor's appointment when he was 3 days old.
He had lost an inch (bye bye cone head) and regained 2 ounces from the 6 he lost after birth (7 lbs 11 oz). What a champ.
He had his first sponge bath (which he absolutely hated). After the initial photo op, I lost it. It was too hard watching him scream like that. Jeremy had to finish it up.
Here I am with my boy
What an enormous responsibility we feel caring for this precious little life. But we are so grateful and humbled by the opportunity. Wish us luck!!
Here's Finn when he was exactly 1 week old: November 16, 10:41 a.m.
More updates to come (after all, he's 3 weeks old tomorrow!)
4 comments:
What a wonderful post about your dear little Finn! Kia and I are so happy for you both and that he is finally here! We were so impressed with you both being so in-tune with Lauren when you were here...I know you are both amazing parents! Congratulations again - hope we git another visit so we can meet him! :) For now just enjoy his cute little self and all the tiny snuggles! :)
So glad to see this post! Now I get to gush a little. Guys, this baby is perfect, he is so yours - I see you both in his little face. And the sad thing - I totally cried through your post, I am so extremely happy for you two, what a blessing after some heartache. Love to you both, and look for a little something from Matt and I in the mail here soon.
Love to all three of you!
We're so glad we got to be with you guys this weekend and meet little Finn. He is every bit as beautiful and wonderful as you've been saying. What a little blessing. Congratulations
I loved reading this post! Sometimes I feel like my little Lexi's life is passing too quickly and I'm not getting pictures of all the things she does because she's #3. But I loved reading about all the newness and excitement you both have experienced. Congratulations and I hope little Finn continues to bless each day of your lives.
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