He was born at 6:27 pm, on Wednesday, January 23, eight pounds, 12 ounces and 21 inches long. The tears I shed immediately after his birth were the most thankful, relieved, and happy ones I’ve ever summoned. What had been abstract to me for so long was at once tangible, and so terribly loved.
It was not a particularly long labor, but things got complicated at delivery and we’ve been in the hospital since then. I’ll tell the whole story soon, but just not today. The highlights are: shoulder dystocia, blue baby, a cord wrapped tightly around his neck twice, and a subsequent suspected infection that landed him in the NICU. It looks like he’s going to be just fine, but the past few days have been an emotional roller coaster with a side of post-partum hormone crash cocktail.
I think I’m handling it well; I have verbally dressed down only one undeserving person. However, I have also ugly cried an unmentionable number of times in front of strangers.
I have been discharged, but Preston is still here on his sixth day of life. It was hard to leave the hospital without my baby (UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR), and on my birthday of all days, but if all goes according to plan he will be discharged on Wednesday, which is a hope I am absolutely CLINGING to at this point.
There are five of us now, and I’m hopeful that soon we’ll all be together. Finally.
Lauren
January 28, 2013 11:19 am
So many people that you don’t even know are praying for you and for Preston. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way!
Hillary
January 28, 2013 11:25 am
Oh A’Dell. He is just perfect. I hope everything goes as planned this week and you get to bring your boy home soon.
(LOVE his name.)
Susan Freel
January 28, 2013 11:27 am
Thank you for the update. I am praying for you both! Susan
meghan
January 28, 2013 11:34 am
Congrats again to the 5 of you! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope he comes home soon, he certainly looks like a healthy little chub of delicious newborn-ness…not that I want to eat you baby….because then I would deserve whatever you threw at me ;) Rest up momma…
Miriel
January 28, 2013 11:37 am
I love his little striped onesie! And I love this post. I cannot wait to meet him!! Love to all of you!
Michelle
January 28, 2013 11:38 am
Thinking and praying for you all and hoping you get to be a family of five TOGETHER at HOME as planned this week. Hang in there, momma.
Megan @ Mama Bub
January 28, 2013 11:53 am
Using all of my positive thinking this week to get him home to you as soon as possible. Congratulations on your perfect little boy, A’Dell.
Shauna
January 28, 2013 11:53 am
Oh man, A’Dell, he is absolutely perfect. So, so, beautiful. Congratulations!
I’ve been following along on Twitter but I don’t actually have a twitter for me to wish you guys well. Sending your whole family good thoughts. This will make Preston’s home coming even sweeter.
Becca
January 28, 2013 11:55 am
He’s beautiful! I hope the five of you are together soon!
K
January 28, 2013 12:03 pm
Preston is so very cute and precious and such a gift. Wednesday can’t come soon enough.
Erica
January 28, 2013 12:27 pm
Congratulations A’Dell and I hope baby Preston comes home to his family on Wednesday.
XO
Pippi
January 28, 2013 12:39 pm
Congratulations again, A’dell. He is beautiful! You guys are still in my thoughts. Leaving a baby at the hospital must be so hard!
Rebecca (Bearca)
January 28, 2013 1:03 pm
Oh, he is just so beautiful. Can’t wait to hear the news that he’s home with you this week. xoxo
vanessa napolitano
January 28, 2013 1:11 pm
I’m hoping the same for you as well. Home soon! Party of 5! I come from a party of 5 too and every time we went to a restaurant once that show came out I would think of it. Silly. He’s beautiful! What a great family!
BigP's Heather
January 28, 2013 1:31 pm
I’ve been stalking you on Twitter, loving the photos. He is so precious. Love Big Sister holding him!!!
Lots of prayers going up for you guys. I understand how devastating it is to be discharged alone. Super Sucks. Stay strong Momma. I have faith he will be home Wednesday!
Roberta
January 28, 2013 1:37 pm
Oh, A’Dell! Even though I’ve been anxiously following along on Twitter and have seen most of these photos, I’m still all teary here. I’m elated and worried and happy and heartbroken along with you. Does anyone have any ideas for WHY there was the breathing problem & the infection? Or maybe you don’t even care anymore, and just want it to be over, and have that beautiful boy HOME where he belongs. Hope all is still going well, and fingers crossed for a Wednesday release! Love and smooshy hugs to that gorgeous boy and you.
Reading (and chickens)
January 28, 2013 2:44 pm
Oh, he’s so beautiful. Sending prayers your way!
Molly
January 28, 2013 2:54 pm
A’Dell, he is beautiful. I am keeping you both (all!) in my prayers.
Noella
January 28, 2013 3:40 pm
I logged on to Twitter for the first time to follow Preston’s birth. Thanks for being plugged in during child birth…you are Super Woman. Much love and prayers to you, Preston, Chris and the girls.
You must blog about his name and how it was decided upon ;)
Allison
January 28, 2013 3:56 pm
Congratulations, you have a beautiful family and an adorable son! I hope that the Wednesday homecoming works out as expected, and this worry is soon a distant memory. He is precious!
Elsha
January 28, 2013 5:22 pm
He’s adorable! Fingers crossed for Wednesday!!
Annie
January 28, 2013 5:47 pm
You have such a beautiful family, A’Dell. And he fits in perfectly. I’m so happy that all is well & look forward to hearing that you get to bring him home where he belongs. Much love to you, friend. Praying for strength for you during this time of separation.
Manda
January 28, 2013 6:33 pm
Welcome Preston, and congrats family! You are in our prayers. Here’s to Wednesday coming FAST! xo
Home Sweet Sarah
January 28, 2013 6:58 pm
So glad he’s here and I’m hoping he’ll be released, healthy and happy, SOON. You’re a crazy-strong woman and your girls and boy(!) are lucky to have you. And happy belated birthday!
Caitlin
January 28, 2013 10:36 pm
Oh, I love him. I’m so sorry you’re all going through this, and I am sending lots of love and good vibes your way. Come on Wednesday! Happy birthday to you BOTH!
Jess
January 29, 2013 7:55 am
He is perfect and lovely and I’m so glad he’s here! I cannot wait for him to come home with you for good and I hope that he does very very very soon!
Laura Diniwilk
January 29, 2013 11:22 am
Oh, that picture with the striped onesie and the smile and the tongue! SO ADORABLE. Congratulations again :)
HereWeGoAJen
January 29, 2013 12:07 pm
Congratulations! He is just THE BEST.
Jesabes
February 4, 2013 5:30 pm
I don’t think I ever congratulated you here! (Just on Twitter.) I’m so excited Preston is here and such a perfect part of your family.