The Big Day

 
At 8:54 am, on Monday, the sixteenth day of June, 2008, Leonard Samuel Henry was born at East Alabama Regional Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama!!!!!

What a humbling, yet magical experience it was!!!!

Jessica and I have been focusing on this moment for the last 41 and a half weeks and were surprised at the relative calmness we felt on the way to the hospital.   We had found out a few days before that little Leo had gotten himself all turned around in the womb and would need a bit of help getting out.  We scheduled a C-section and finally saw the finish line.

We arrived in our room and the super friendly nurses and staff began the preperations.  Jessica was given an epidural and I communicated with all the friends and family who had gathered for the big event.

The operation was surprisingly quick.  Jessica was incredibly strong and brave, focusing on doing everything the doctors and nurses asked.  I was allowed to take pictures and even had help from the anesthesiologist on a few.

Leo was definitely enjoying his time in the friendly confines of Jessica's stomach.  He even gave one of the doctors a nice size poop stain on the shirt for interrupting that happiness........what a little fighter!!!!!  As soon as the cord was cut Leo was presented to his new mom and dad!!!!! After a few pictures, Leo and I were whisked away for some preliminary assessments and a meet and greet with the family then on to the nursery for a bath and a rest under the warmer. Jessica was taken to recovery and then on to the room she will be living in for the next few days.

                                  

Everyone was pleased with how healthy and large Leo is.  He weighs 9 pounds 10 ounces, and has some long fingers and toes.  He has a touch of blue in his eyes and his hair is beginning to look a bit blonde.  He sleeps more often that he cries, and he has a really firm grip!!!!  

                                    

It has been pretty much nonstop couple of days.  Jessica has recovered quickly, and is up walking a bit this morning (Tuesday).  She has already taught the little guy to enjoy food, the lactation consultant even gave her an A+ on her technique!!!!  I am getting better at changing diapers and hope to be a pro by the time we get home.

   

All in all I think we have done pretty well.  Leo seems happy, and I know his mom and dad are. I am going to take lots of pictures and try to post as many of the funny stories and inspiring moments that are sure to take place over the next few months, I sure hope you all will join me!!!!

Sweet sleep, with soft down

 Weave thy brows an infant crown!

   Sweet sleep, angel mild,                                       

    Hover o'er my happy child.

     -William Blake

              The road ahead looks bright...........