In The Hospital

Since Baby was born so early on Monday morning, we were able to stay in the hospital until Wednesday afternoon.  While I could have gone home on Tuesday, I wanted to stay as long as I could and take advantage of all the great help the nurses were giving me.  We had lots of visitors during our stay.  Tessa was thrilled to introduce her best friend to her baby brother.  Each day we had people from church who came and prayed with us.  Dr. Harley's prayer made me cry it was so beautiful.     

Many of my coworkers came upstairs to meet my new little guy.  My friend Cathy was the first of them to visit.  Everyone wanted a report on me and the baby, most especially what we were going to name him.  But, we still hadn't decided on a name, so Cathy went back with not much information to share.  We all laughed that they were giving her such a hard time.  Cathy ended up being a huge help that night.  Ryan discovered a pipe had burst in our house, thanks to the cold weather, and that our basement was flooded.  My mom was helping with Tessa so Cathy stayed with me.  Ryan and our very helpful neighbor fixed the pipe and cleaned up the water.  It was almost midnight before Ryan could get back to the hospital but Cathy stayed with me the whole time.      

Over those few days, Gamma spent many hours with us at the hospital getting to know her new grandson and taking care of me.   

And, of course, Big Sister Tessa visited each afternoon.  She loved holding Baby Brother. 

My mom has a great eye for aesthetic design.  As flowers and presents arrived she arranged them to look pretty on my dresser.  One of the lactation consultants was so impressed that she said my mom should open a shop.  I was especially amused when my mom arrived later that day in a outfit that color coordinated with her "shop."  Tessa beautifully colored a picture of a new baby and a big sister.  We hung it on the wall so I could see it from the bed. 

When Tessa was born Ryan surprised me with a Momma gift, a gold and diamond watch that I love.  While I told him that I didn't need any gifts this time, I love that he ignored me.  He bought a gorgeous solid gold bracelet by Texas designer James Avery.  Now both of my arms wear symbols of the children I hold and love in those very arms.