Unconditional Love

A little bit of heaven, drifted down from above.

A handful of happiness, a heart full of love.

The mystery of life, so sacred and sweet.

The giver of joy, so deep and complete.

Precious and priceless, so loveable too.

The world's sweetest miracle, baby boy is you!

P.S.  Thanks for the beautiful photographs Jeannie!!

Who could ask for anything better...

...than a gift like this for their birthday?  Charlie has brought so much joy into our life that we/I simply can't find the right words to express how we/I feel!

Can we go home...

...together as a family?

Due to Charlie's prematurity we were given the heads up from day one that there was a possibility that we would be released before lil man.  We hoped and we prayed that this would not be the case.  Sunday morning (12/5/10) I was released but Charlie still had a battery of tests/appointments to complete before the nursing staff could/would give us the official verdict.  To keep our mind off of everything and while Charlie was away, we packed up our belongings, showered, relaxed, and attempted to nap until his return.

All I can say is that even though Charlie is little he sure is strong!  Much stronger than I could have ever imagined a preemie to be.  He passed the car seat test with flying colors, his circumcision went without a hitch, and he somewhat passed (more to come on this soon) his hearing screening.  It was official, Charlie was coming home with us!  Whew, what a relief as I don't think that either of us were mentally prepared to leave without him!

So, on our way we went (yes, I rode in the back seat) ready to start the next chapter of our life!

Our first night together...

...was special and eventful!  After only 36 hours in the special care nursery we were pleasantly surprised when the nurse showed up in our room with our STRONG lil man.  It was time for our first sleepover!  But first...

We had our FIRST bath and the Hep B vaccination..

We checked Charlie's weight...

All though he dropped a few ounces since birth (typical for newborns) they were not concernced because he was taking to breastfeeding VERY WELL!

Daddy calmed him down...

We put on his first outfit...

Yeah, it's a little big!  Looks like we will be shopping for some preemie clothes!

Mommy snuggled me up nice and warm and I fell asleep!

Every two hours we were up feeding, changing, and comforting Charlie.  While we were both highly exhausted the wait was well worth it...our little family had finally been united!!  The piece to our puzzle had been found!!

The next 36 hours...

...in special care (NICU) were very intimidating and critical due to Charlie's 4 week prematurity.

As I previously mentioned, immediately after birth he was placed into the hospitals special care unit for close observation, stabilization, and evaluation.  After the epidural had finally worn off and once we were both rested a bit it was time for Mommy to examine her precious baby boy up close and personal for the first time; I couldn't have been more excited!  Although, looking back now, I don't think that I was quite prepared for what I was about to see/feel.  Upon first gaze, my emotions ERUPTED, I have never felt so much joy and sorrow at the same time ever in my life.  It just broke my heart to see him with cords/monitors attached every which way to his tiny little body, just helpless, yet so very handsome at the same time.

Once I got my emotions in check and finally got to hold Charlie my heart melted all over again; he is/was absolutely perfect in every way!

Daddy on the other hand didn't let either of us know if he was intimated or not.  He did a great job of helping Mommy and Charlie adjust to the situation at hand.  He truly is a natural and we couldn't do it without him!

Over the course of the next 36 hours we spent as much time as we could between naps and visitors tending to Charlie's every need.  The staff was so very friendly, helpful, and highly encouraged us to have as much physical contact and interaction (Kangaroo Care i.e. skin to skin contact, breastfeeding, diaper changing, temperature control, and etc.) with him as it was the key to him being able to come home sooner rather than later.

While the situation at hand may not have been ideal, we managed, coped, and worked as family!  Who could ask for anything more?

I would like to introduce...

Charlie Matthew Trumbull; born on December 3rd, 2010 @ 4:36 am at 5 pounds 3 ounces 18.5 inches

Once we can get home, get settled, and/or have some time to process little man's early arrival we will post more details.  Until then, know that our little family is doing GREAT and have never been happier!  Until then, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Ready or not here I come...

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at our 36 week checkup I was dilated 1 cm, there was NO concern/signs of preterm labor, and I finally managed to gain some weight (4 pounds) for the first time since October; a total gain of 12 pounds to date.

Thursday, December 2, 2010 it was business as usual all day...that is until I got home!  Daddy wasn't feeling the greatest (flu like symptoms), Mommy was extremely/unusually tired, and the cat was acting strange.  So, after a light dinner we were off to bed for the evening.  Around 8:30 p.m. after using the bathroom I felt an unusual "popping sensation" followed by a constant light leak.  Hmm, what the?  Jokingly I told Bob that I think my water broke and he insisted it had not!  Unsure of what was really happening I retreated back and forth between the bathroom and the bedroom for the next hour.

Finally, after having had enough, and no signs of improvement, I called my Mom and she advised me to call the hospital to speak with the on call physician.  Per their recommendation I was advised to get to the hospital as I was in the early stages of labor.  YIKES, that is not what we expected!  Within a matter of minutes Daddy pulled himself together (as much as he could), he packed us a bag, and we were on our way.  During our drive to the hospital the contractions started, were becoming very uncomfortable, and were now minutes apart.  "Oh boy, is this really happening?  I'm not ready!  I hope we make it!"

Upon arrival we were immediately admitted into labor and delivery; I was dilated 3cm. The next few hours are kind of a blur.  From what I can remember I was keeled over in pain waiting for the IV to deliver enough fluids so that I could get an epidural while Daddy made a quick trip to Wal-Mart for some meds i.e. Pepto Bismol, Gas-X, Tylenol, and etc; anything that would make him feel better.  Let me tell you, a puky/poopy Daddy + a Mommy in labor = NO GOOD!  Once Daddy returned and assisted me through some more contractions the anaesthesiologist arrived!  Whew, it's about time!  After a mild (okay, maybe severe) panic attack, some deep breathing, and some more calming words from Daddy I managed to take one for the team and was immediately in a euphoric state, free of pain from the waist down!  After yet another exam I was now dilated 5cm.  Everything was progressing fast!

Knowing that Mommy was finally at peace (for the time being) Daddy stepped out to collect himself.  Upon his return he was surprised to find that all hell had broken loose!  Charlie's heart rate had dipped to a concerning low point and immediate action was required.  To ensure accurate monitoring, a probe was inserted and attached to his head along with a catheter to relieve my bladder.  Once Charlie's heart rate returned to normal another exam was done and I was now dilated to 7 cm.  We are almost there!

In preparation for Charlie's arrival the nursing staff advised us that it was now time to get some rest.  After an hour or so the pressure increased as he was making his way down the canal.  Ensuring that Daddy was well rested for what was yet to come Mommy solely worked through the pain all the while trying to find a position that did not dip Charlie's heart rate.

At 4:00 a.m. it was time, time to push.  Again, another panic attack, deep breathing, and kind words from Daddy and I/we were ready!  After only pushing through one set of contractions Charlie was crowning.  36 minutes later, Charlie Matthew Trumbull was born (4 weeks early) with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice (may have been the cause of his dipping heart rate) at 5 pounds 3 ounces 18.5 inches long.

After holding our sweet lil baby boy for just minutes the nurses swept him away to the special care nursery (NICU) for observation.

All in all, surprisingly, labor and delivery was nothing like I had anticipated or built up in my mind!  Daddy was a trooper and Charlie is perfect in every way!  What more could Mommy ask for?

And life as we knew it, will never be the same!