Laboring

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For many, Labor Day marks the end of the summer. People attend parades and parties, or take the boat out for one last ride. For me, Labor Day turned into a day of reflection over all the things I’ve labored about the last few weeks.

I can’t believe just two weeks ago I was re-packing my bag for the hospital and laboring over what to bring. I was driving Matt nuts with lots of last minute favors. He was running to the store, cleaning things around the house, and organizing. I kept laboring over the fact that any minute the baby would arrive and we would have a house full of people. I wanted everything in order.

We only had a few things left on our list when we went to our last doctor appointment on Aug 21. In the waiting room we talked about our agenda over the next couple days and how excited we were to be parents soon. To our surprise, the baby was ready to start the process THAT morning. Off I went to triage!

After several tests, I moved into my room.The nurse told me to order my last meal.

More than 24 hours later, it was determined I needed a C-section. Matt and I were prepped for the operating room

and shortly after, I heard a newborn baby’s cry. I will never forget the look of shear joy on Matt’s face when he saw him. He turned to me and said, “He’s so cute!” over and over.

The baby was placed next to me and I was wheeled to recovery.

I stared at him in complete awe. I dreamt about him for nine months and here he was in front of me. What a miracle!

When we got to recovery, the nurses we’re dying to know the little one’s name. We told them, “Padraig David Baron” in unison. We were so excited to announce a name we had kept secret from everyone for so many months. The nurses had never heard the name, so we explained it is the Irish version of Patrick. The middle name David is after my father.

Matt and I spent a long time soaking in the awesomeness of our new little one. We just stared at him, speechless that we had made this beautiful baby. But this awe soon turned to excitement.  We couldn’t wait any longer to introduce Padraig to his family!

Matt, the baby of five children, introduced the fifth grandchild to his mother.

I, the first born, introduced the first grandchild to my parents.

My dad was so moved that the baby’s middle name is David.

Matt and I told our family about the birth and how amazing the doctors and nurses were. We also told them how everyone in the operating room couldn’t get over how cute Padraig was with all that hair! My mom pulled his hat off and was shocked!

Once we put his hat back on, Padraig slowly opened one eye to get a glimpse of his new world.

He melted everybody’s hearts with each new expression. When Matt placed Padraig back in my arms, he opened his eyes.

Over the next several hours, nurses performed lots of checks on me and baby. Padraig got his feet inked up

ready for official footprints. His feet are so large that the nurse had to do the prints on an angle to try and fit them in the box!

Afterwards, he got his first bath.

All of us found it very entertaining, but he was not so thrilled.

Padraig, Matt and I have been home since the 25th enjoying our new family life. Lots of friends and family stop by daily, offering love and support and an occasional hot meal. We are so happy to be surrounded by such great people!

We are figuring out how to manage on a daily basis with the help of my mom. She has abandoned her home and family to help us be successful new parents. We are eternally grateful. My dad comes on the weekends to see his wife, complete things off the honey do list, and of course spend time with his new grand baby. People ask mom how long she’s staying and she always replies, “until the cows come home.” Sorry dad, but I don’t think the cows are returning to this pasture any time soon.

Thank you all for the well wishes the last two weeks. I’m so glad Baby Knitspot has such a lovely and caring blog family.

Enjoy your holiday everyone! I will be spending the day staring at this face…

68 thoughts on “Laboring

  1. He really is adorable!!! Enjoy him tiny as much as possible……he’ll be walking before you know it. Best Wishes to all three of you!

  2. Absolutely adorable!! Congrats and enjoy every minute of these early years with your son:) Seems like only yesterday that I was looking into my son’s tiny little face. Now he’s 6’2″ and I have to look up at him.

  3. Such a cutie! I was really grateful to have my mom come and help out for awhile after my baby (now 4 months!) was born, too. It’s a huge help!

  4. I am crying, literally, over your beautiful miracle. He is a gem. Treasure him always. God bless all of you. Your mom is probably getting more out of her visit/extended stay than you and your family are, Erica.

  5. Awwww! He is insanely, crazy cute. Your family sounds lovely and it’s so wonderful that your mom can help! Best wishes to all of you.

  6. Erica, such a beautiful story & lovely pictures. I am close to tears. Congratulations to you & your husband & your beautiful boy. It is all purely miraculous.

  7. What a wonderful story, I could feel the joy and love in your words. Cherish every second. He is gorgeous.

  8. Congratulations to all of you!! Padraig is now a part of and surounded by two of the greatest families…life is good:-)

  9. Oh my goodness—what a precious little miracle you two have been blessed with. I LOVE his inked feet and his picture showing off all his hair. Actually I love all the pictures, thanks for sharing. God bless you Matt and Erica and your new little boy, Padraig David…

  10. Patti told me about this blog. I am so glad she did. What a wonderful way to introduce us to your son. He is just as Matt says, so cute. Congratulations to you all. I know just how your mom feels about staying with you. Ah grandchildren they are indeed wonderful.

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