i finally met my beautiful baby- birth story and updated pics

[3_angels]

On Tuesday, August 1st, after 19 hours of labor, my Henry Oliver Brown was born at 36 weeks. Yes, that was supposed to be the day of the wedding! I always thought mothers were just gushing when they said this, but he really is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
He is having a little trouble with under-developed lungs (his respirations per minute are a little high), so he is currently still being cared for in the special nursery at the hospital. I was just released tonight, and it was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do to go home without him. I am pumping though and trying to keep my milk up and get ready to bring him home, hopefully soon.
I've only gotten to hold him once, but I can go in and talk to him and touch him whenever I want. It's hard but hopefully with enough prayers and love vibes from mama and daddy he will be all better and ready to come home soon.
I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of thier pregnancies and new babies. If anyone has any advice on premies and lung developement, I'd be so greatful for it.

[ColoradoMama]

Congratulations! I'm almost glad I had heartburn and had to get out of bed now because I got to read your post! Sorry your little guy is having difficulty. I wish I had any information for you - just good vibes for fast healing and hopefully a quick stay at the hospital, so he'll be home in your arms soon! Good luck.

[hajenkatt]

I just sent you a PM--I am glad that you have at least gotten to hold him once!! I am so sorry that you had to leave him in the nursery, but I am sending tons of positive thoughts your way for a quick homecoming!!

[eightyferrettoes]

Oh, congratulations! And may his lungs adapt as quickly as they can so he can go home and drink his milky in a nice comfy bed with his mama!

Yes, I always thought it was a little excessive when moms say their babies are the "most beautiful thing ever" but they sure are, huh?

[minimunklemama]

Congrats mama,hopefully little Henry will be home in your arms very soo.

[Robynee]

Congrats!! I hope is ready to come home soon!

[veganf]

Oh my goodness!!!! Congratulations! What a silly guy to arrive on your wedding day . I can't wait to hear that story!
I hope he improves quickly and is home with you soon.

- Krista

[Fluffyblueberry]

congratulations! I hope he's home in your arms soon!

[boobyfeeder]

Congratulations! I hope he gets to come home soon!

[carolina~mom2be]

congrats Natalee!!! We can't wait to hear the birth story and see pics of your little man!!!

[JenMidwife]

Oh my gosh, I could hardly believe it when I saw the title & author on this thread (I remembered that you were a "late-August" gal). I'm sorry that things didn't go to plan & you guys are having a tough time, but thrilled that you are so smitten w/ your little guy

Yes, I'd love to hear your birth story too... are you still in NY? Anyway, I'll be thinking lots about you.

Here's the NICU & Preemie parenting thread- I'm sure they'd be a great resource http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=371

[SummerTwilight]

Best wished to you and little guy!
Wishing him a fast recovery so you can hold him in your arms nonstop!

[jenmk]

Welcome to the world, Henry Oliver!

I'm sorry to hear that he's having a little trouble, but I hope he's able to go home with you soon.

Do you know about kangaroo care? It's holding premies in skin-to-skin contact. It's been shown to markedly improve babies' vitals because they are more relaxed, happier, less stressed when snuggled on mom or dad's chest. There was a recent article in Mothering about it (a few months ago). I'd ask your docs or nurses about it. Maybe it'll help little Henry come home sooner.

Here's a link to one source that looks good about kangaroo care: http://www.prematurity.org/baby/kangaroo.html

Good luck and Congrats on your beautiful little boy!!!

[secretresistance]

Congratulations, and best thoughts towards your little one and his hastened homecoming!

[3_angels]

Hi ladies! I don't have a lot of time ( I am the NICU's most frequent visitor ) but I thought I'd drop in with a quick update and some pics.
The ventillator is off Henry and they are just giving him a small amount of oxygen now. They say that tonight or tomorrow morning, they might let him eat! They won't let me nurse yet but I am pumping like crazy and his shelf in the breastmilk fridge has by far the most bottles . I am still hoping and praying- every good cue they give me or sign of improvement seems like a miracle to me. Thank you so much for all the warm wishes!

Here is Henry on his first day of life:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nm0829...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nm0829...e2.jpg&.src=ph
Visits from mama and daddy:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nm0829...e2.jpg&.src=ph
Ecstatic but extremely tired (especially me- whoo!- you guys weren't kidding) after the birth of our little guy:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nm0829...e2.jpg&.src=ph

[chumani]

He is beautiful, thanks for sharing pics! I am so happy to hear that he is doing so well!

Best Wishes
Sarah

[Kindermama]

you weren't kidding. He is a really beautiful baby! Congratulations!!!! I hope he is home with you really really soon!

[rebeccalizzie]

Oh he is beautiful, thanks for sharing pics! I love the last one of you and your DH (or is he still your DF ).

Congrats, and hope he comes home very soon!

[Bay Area Babe]

Sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way that wee Henry will develop quick so he cancome home.

Such beautiful pictures of your DF - I'm so glad that he could be there with you.

[JenMidwife]

Thanks for the update & the pics. Gorgeous guy! How much did he weigh at birth (I can't get a sense from the photos how little he is)?

Congrats on all the breastmilk you're providing him! That's WONDERFUL for him while he's in the NICU & you'll have such a great supply when he's ready to nurse

Hope you're hanging in there w/ the rollercoaster that is the NICU...

Originally Posted by 3_angels

Hi ladies! I don't have a lot of time ( I am the NICU's most frequent visitor ) but I thought I'd drop in with a quick update and some pics.
The ventillator is off Henry and they are just giving him a small amount of oxygen now. They say that tonight or tomorrow morning, they might let him eat! They won't let me nurse yet but I am pumping like crazy and his shelf in the breastmilk fridge has by far the most bottles . I am still hoping and praying- every good cue they give me or sign of improvement seems like a miracle to me. Thank you so much for all the warm wishes!