It all started out just like an ordinary Saturday. But this Saturday, May 21st was special. We weren't headed for our traditional bagel breakfast, which was our normal Saturday morning activity, but instead, Sophie was headed to Pau Pau and Gung Gung's house for a special 4 day/night sleepover and Mommy and Daddy (Andrew and I) were headed to the hospital to welcome a new member into our family.
My final #2 pregnant photoHard to believe that I was so big ...
and that it was Blake who was inside!
Admittedly, I had a really rough morning. Andrew and I had caught a cold earlier in the week and I was felt so terrible (all congested) that I was just praying that I would make it through this special day. I was feeling nothing short of horrible and was afraid Baby J's special arrival would be ruined by how terribly I was feeling physically.
Besides feeling like a wreck physically, emotionally, I was a mess as well. Most of my first thoughts after waking up were not of what was about to happen to our family but rather, thoughts of my sweet Sophie. We (Sophie and I) had never spent a single night apart and though I knew she was being left in the most excellent care with my parents, I was just anxious to leave her. My heart was breaking because I knew how much I'd miss her during the 4 days we were apart. I was also feeling that I was just about to wreck her life by adding a little brother and all that attention she was receiving, was going to be divided into two - which I felt terrible about.
I was an absolute mess ... I cried during my morning shower, while I was getting dressed, as I was driving to drop her off and especially cried while handing her over to my parents. But as Andrew and I reached the end of our my parent's street, though my eyes were at least slightly red rimmed, all my thoughts turned to the gravity of what was just about to happen ... in a matter of hours, we'd go from a family of 3 to a family of 4 ... Sophie would be a big sister! And it was going to be a good day indeed.
Going into the c-section, Andrew and I were really prepared for just about anything. Baby J was almost 2 weeks early (due to high blood pressure issues for me and activity levels for him) and though he was considered full term, he had been doing so poorly at our 3-times a week Non-Stress Tests, I actually anticipated that Baby J would end up with a stay in the NICU just like his sister. But unlike with Sophie, I was prepared and ready for anything and knew that we had great people caring for us ... and that no matter what, Baby J would be just fine.
Besides feeling like a wreck physically, emotionally, I was a mess as well. Most of my first thoughts after waking up were not of what was about to happen to our family but rather, thoughts of my sweet Sophie. We (Sophie and I) had never spent a single night apart and though I knew she was being left in the most excellent care with my parents, I was just anxious to leave her. My heart was breaking because I knew how much I'd miss her during the 4 days we were apart. I was also feeling that I was just about to wreck her life by adding a little brother and all that attention she was receiving, was going to be divided into two - which I felt terrible about.
I was an absolute mess ... I cried during my morning shower, while I was getting dressed, as I was driving to drop her off and especially cried while handing her over to my parents. But as Andrew and I reached the end of our my parent's street, though my eyes were at least slightly red rimmed, all my thoughts turned to the gravity of what was just about to happen ... in a matter of hours, we'd go from a family of 3 to a family of 4 ... Sophie would be a big sister! And it was going to be a good day indeed.
Going into the c-section, Andrew and I were really prepared for just about anything. Baby J was almost 2 weeks early (due to high blood pressure issues for me and activity levels for him) and though he was considered full term, he had been doing so poorly at our 3-times a week Non-Stress Tests, I actually anticipated that Baby J would end up with a stay in the NICU just like his sister. But unlike with Sophie, I was prepared and ready for anything and knew that we had great people caring for us ... and that no matter what, Baby J would be just fine.
After we arrived at 8am at the hospital, we learned that we were 2nd in line for the c-section so there would be a little bit of a wait. While we were waiting, Andrew enjoyed our time together and chatted with our nurse, Maureen, who had also played such a big part in Sophie's birth. Since then, Maureen and I have become friends so when Baby J was on his way, I definitely knew I wanted to have my very special nurse friend by my side! No Jamieson could be born without our Mo! We began talking about my c-section with Sophie and Maureen told me that she remembers that the reason we had gone in for a c-section with Sophie after 18 hours of labor wasn't because of Sophie's 99% head size, as I remembered it, but rather because of my high blood pressure. She told me that Dr. Growdon, my OB, told her, "We've got to get Charlotte into surgery now ... she's going to seize"! Wow, I wish I had known that earlier - sounds so much more dramatic than how I remembered Sophie's birth!
Before the c-section ... getting ready!
Daddy-to-beAt about 11:20am, Maureen told me that it was time to get ready for the c-section. It was almost a surprise knowing that Baby J's big moment was about to arrive! So I went to the bathroom and after a quick kiss for Andrew, then they wisked me away. Unlike the previous time, I was able to walk to where they were going to do the c-section and take a look around the room where our son would soon be born. With Sophie, it had happened so quickly and I had been so drugged, that I didn't remember any part of the surgical room - with the exception of the humiliating part where I was unable to get myself onto the surgical table because the epidural had already taken effect. Back then, I had to be lifted by 3 nurses onto the table - did I mention humiliating??? - but this time, I was able to get myself up onto the table all by my huge pregnant self. And this time, the worst part of the whole c-section was the waiting and getting the actual epidural which the anesthesiologist told me would feel like "a spa treatment with a birthday at the end" ... uh, not so sure about that!!!
The funny thing is that I didn't realize how long I had been gone as I was being prepped but Andrew, who had waited so long (about 40 minutes) to be let into the c-section to watch his son be born, began to pace the halls, wondering if they had actually forgotten about him! Believe me, I wasn't THAT out of it where I'd actually let them forget about him!!! What we learned today that dads don't get led into the surgery room until the second before it begins!!!
And a little after 12pm, they began my c-section and after a few tugs, at 12:35pm, our son was welcomed into this big wide world... crying heartily nearly the moment he arrived! Such an incredible sound ... so different than when Sophie was born who had nearly silent for minutes after her birth. Baby J's beautiful cry meant he was alive and well ... there would be no NICU for our little man!
And though it sounds almost wildly crazy but I was really enjoying every moment of this birth. Nothing hurt at all ... the drugs were working! And though I hadn't seen my son yet, I knew he had arrived and that he was completely and totally healthy - even if he was nearly 2 weeks early. I was enjoying that Andrew was running back and forth between Baby J and myself, so excited that I had to bug him to show me photos of our son. I appreciated that with Sophie, I had told Andrew that since I had been through so much, the only thing I asked was to hold our daughter first, Andrew initially refused to hold his son ... until I told him that he should be the first to hold Baby J. I especially appreciated the fact that the surgery was done in about 40 minutes and I didn't feel a single thing - just enjoyed the birth of my son!
And though it sounds almost wildly crazy but I was really enjoying every moment of this birth. Nothing hurt at all ... the drugs were working! And though I hadn't seen my son yet, I knew he had arrived and that he was completely and totally healthy - even if he was nearly 2 weeks early. I was enjoying that Andrew was running back and forth between Baby J and myself, so excited that I had to bug him to show me photos of our son. I appreciated that with Sophie, I had told Andrew that since I had been through so much, the only thing I asked was to hold our daughter first, Andrew initially refused to hold his son ... until I told him that he should be the first to hold Baby J. I especially appreciated the fact that the surgery was done in about 40 minutes and I didn't feel a single thing - just enjoyed the birth of my son!
And, the moment everyone has been waiting for,
Introducing to the world ....
Introducing to the world ....
Baby J is HERE!
Daddy's first photo with his son!
Our first photo with Blake
My OB, Dr. Growdon, with Baby JDr. Growdon is the BEST ... a complete blessing.
Blake Rhys Shang Yi JamiesonBorn May 21, 2011
Weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces
and 19 inches long.
Weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces
and 19 inches long.
After the c-section was complete, we were wheeled into the recovery room, where we had began the day, and since Blake was totally healthy, he also came along with us and we were able to spend the "golden hour" with him. The "golden hour" is hour or so after birth when you're left with your newborn to bond with him or her. Since Sophie had been rushed to the NICU after her birth, I never had had this experience of the "golden hour" ... it was an incredibly special moment for me ... overwhelmed with love for Blake.
And after the "golden hour", we were visited by some incredibly special people - Big Sister, Sophie, Gung Gung, Pau Pau and Auntie Nanny, who was visiting from Hong Kong. I was a little skeptical about Sophie visiting me in the recovery because I didn't want her to be scared that Mommy didn't look her best and might even look slightly worst for the wear but the new Big Sister, my sweet girl, was prepared and was so excited to meet Baby "Bake". It was totally unexpected that she would love him so much right off the bat but she did ... and I was thrilled. My two babies will always be one of the biggest blessings in my life. I hope that Sophie and Blake will always love each other and I will always cherish their hugs and kisses that they (or rather Sophie) give each other now.
A very proud BIG Sister ...I was SO proud of HER!
Our first family of 4 photo
Our nurse, Maureen ...she has helped us bring 2 babies into the world now!
No Jamieson will ever be born without her!
Proud Grandparents!
Auntie Nanny also happened to be here!So glad she could share in Blake's birth!
Daddy and his babies!
Mommy and her babies!
Family photo :)The rest of the 4 days was a complete blur ... Sophie did so well in my absence and visited me two times a day - once in the morning and once before dinner. When she visited, she always asked to "Hold Baby Bake", covering him in kisses and loving on him. Sophie had a great stay with my parents who I am SO thankful for.
Mom and Dad ... thank you, thank you, thank you ... for easing my fears and loving my baby just as much, if not more, than me. Mom, thank you for sharing your king sized bed with Sophie ... Dad, thank you for being banished to the guest room! I know she is a lot of work but your 4 days together will be something I know that even at this young age, she will always remember. Sophie loved the special sleepover. Your sweet care of Sophie soothed my nerves - thank you!
Mom and Dad ... thank you, thank you, thank you ... for easing my fears and loving my baby just as much, if not more, than me. Mom, thank you for sharing your king sized bed with Sophie ... Dad, thank you for being banished to the guest room! I know she is a lot of work but your 4 days together will be something I know that even at this young age, she will always remember. Sophie loved the special sleepover. Your sweet care of Sophie soothed my nerves - thank you!
This photo basically describes how Sophie hasbeen since Blake's birth ... happy, happy, happy!
All Sophie wants to do is "Hold it" ... or "Hold Baby Bake"
Sophie LOVES her little brother ...
So happy to be holding "Baby Bake"
Kisses, kisses and thousands of kisses!
My babies ... I am in love ... so blessed by the sweetest little ones
So cute!One of the funniest things that happened was the first night, at about 9pm, the nurses told me that they would allow me to walk at midnight. It had been a long day with the birth and all that time spent in recovery - the question was, should I sleep and wake up to walk groggily or not sleep until I get my chance to walk. I chose the later. At about 11pm, the nurse told me that my walk would be to the bathroom and back ... all 10 steps and back. Seriously? I waited 3 hours to walk 10 steps? It was almost funny - I would have chosen the sleep option!
Our sweet Blake has been an amazing baby so far - so mellow and quiet ... easy and completely enjoyable. Our first night, we had a little scare with him vomiting up amniotic fluid, which I found out was actually normal. After that incident, we sent our little one off to the nursery so that Andrew and I could get some sleep instead of constantly worrying about every single sound Blake made. Apparently, everyone was tired - because 6 hours later, Andrew and I woke up and we hadn't seen Blake since 3am despite requesting him to be returned to our room for a feeding at 6am! Apparently, there was a mix-up with Elena and Priska, the overnight and day nurse ... so Blake slept 6 straight hours that first night ... and so did we - and I felt like a new mommy! Each night, we continued to send Blake to the nursery but because of his potential jaundice, we saw him every 3 hours to be nursed.
Over the next few days, we rested, relaxed and hung out ... spending our time getting to know Blake. We also had a few visitors and enjoyed getting to know the nurses - many that we had met when we were in Post Partum after Sophie's birth. We were so lucky to have such wonderful nurses and doctors that cared for us for the birth of both of our babies. It is so impressive ...
Blake's first bathI think the only part he enjoyed was getting his hair washed!
Jake (my cousin) and Blake
2 of my small group girls came to visit - Christy and Jenn
The twins - Megan and Mallory came to visit Blake.Mal is pregnant with Eloise, due in a few weeks!
Blake can't wait to meet his girlfriend!!!
My friend, Christine, came from the OC to visit us!
Grand Uncle Wing, Auntie Hannah and Blake
Nurse Priska and Nurse Maureen with BlakeOur sweet day nurse and L&D Nurse Maureen
Nurse Maureen, Blake and MommyNo Jamieson will be born without our Mo!
Nurse Elena (our night nurse for 2 nights), Mommy and a sleeping Blake
Sue, our nurse on the final day with Blake
Our favorite nurse, Claire.Claire was our nurse when Sophie was born ...
and again when Blake was born.
After 4 days, we were released and headed home for our new reality - a new life with 2 new kiddos. And so far so good ... Blake is a sweet, mellow and calm baby - just as he had been his first few days of life. And to my complete surprise, Sophie is an amazing big sister, completely obsessed with her little brother. We are so blessed ... there is nothing no greater gift to Andrew and I than our children, Sophie and Blake. We are so lucky.
Blake getting his security tags taken off so we can be released
To my amazing husband, Andrew,
Thank you for loving me and always so patiently caring for me.
I am so incredibly thankful that you are my partner in life ... and so lucky.
For 4 nights, you slept on a very uncomfortable pull-out bed and when I asked you to watch Sophie or leave the hospital to be with her, you did so without complaint.
I wasn't always in a good mood and you allowed me to snap at you.
When Blake arrived for a feed, you woke up.
When I needed to get out of bed, even in the middle of the night, you were there to support me.
You made me feel beautiful even if I definitely wasn't feeling remotely so.
I was skeptical to add to our family ... and you convinced me that Blake belonged to us ... I am in love all over again! Sophie and Blake are simply the most precious gifts.
For all these things ... I thank you.
I am simply amazed to call you husband and am so excited for our new adventure
... as a family of 4!
Mommy and Blake
Daddy and Blake
Blake getting his security tags taken off so we can be releasedTo my amazing husband, Andrew,
Thank you for loving me and always so patiently caring for me.
I am so incredibly thankful that you are my partner in life ... and so lucky.
For 4 nights, you slept on a very uncomfortable pull-out bed and when I asked you to watch Sophie or leave the hospital to be with her, you did so without complaint.
I wasn't always in a good mood and you allowed me to snap at you.
When Blake arrived for a feed, you woke up.
When I needed to get out of bed, even in the middle of the night, you were there to support me.
You made me feel beautiful even if I definitely wasn't feeling remotely so.
I was skeptical to add to our family ... and you convinced me that Blake belonged to us ... I am in love all over again! Sophie and Blake are simply the most precious gifts.
For all these things ... I thank you.
I am simply amazed to call you husband and am so excited for our new adventure
... as a family of 4!
Mommy and Blake
Daddy and Blake
We're coming home!
And .... when we arrived home ...
Both our babies were asleep ...
Welcome home Blake!We love you already!
And to my son Blake,
I am so glad you are here and a part of our family ....
We worked so hard to get you here and you are SO wanted.
I wasn't sure about having a little boy until you were born.
You are such a treasure to me ... you have stolen my heart.
Mommy LOVES you forever and ever - and I always will!
I am so glad you are here and a part of our family ....
We worked so hard to get you here and you are SO wanted.
I wasn't sure about having a little boy until you were born.
You are such a treasure to me ... you have stolen my heart.
Mommy LOVES you forever and ever - and I always will!
No comments:
Post a Comment