Sunday, June 7, 2009

Matthew's Here!

Because Alyson's busy being a wonderful mother, this is the first ever Todd post. On Wednesday, Alyson was admitted to Winnie Palmer Hospital directly from Dr. Snow's office with high blood pressure (first time all pregnancy). I worked on Tuesday night and was going to work that night so I was sound asleep and didn't know a thing. Luckily, Alyson got a hold of Kim and asked her to wake me up and tell me to get to the hospital. At first we both thought that a few tests would be performed and if everything checked out that we would be able to go home. Not so. We learned that hypertension during pregnancy doesn't go away until it's baby time, so Dr. Snow wrote orders to induce. I called in to work and told them I wouldn't be there that night or on Friday for my last shift of the week.
That night (Wednesday) about 6 they began induction with a medicated shoe lace (best way I can think to describe it) called Cervidil. And that was the last decent night's rest we will ever have again -- that's including the start of contractions from midnight to 3. On Thursday morning around 7, Alyson started feeling contractions again and...her water broke. Sometime in the early afternoon we were taken down to labor and delivery. By this time, Alyson was having some pretty intense contractions, but the nurse recommended that she sit on the "birthing" (exercise) ball to use gravity to encourage the process. Alyson was a trooper and stayed on the ball for a couple hours until she finally asked, "Can I get an epidural now?" Yes. She could.
After the epidural was in, we were both able to relax. Of course Alyson was doing all of the work, but I was trying to be as helpful as possible and seeing her in that much pain was stressful. She actually fell asleep during her every 2 to 3 minute strong contractions and I have the picture to prove it. She said that she couldn't even feel them anymore. So things were on auto pilot, I ate some Chipotle while she slept :), and about 8 when the nurse checked her progress, she was at 9 cm and would soon be ready to push. The pushing commenced a little after 9:30 and because of the excellent coordination skills that Alyson possesses, we were looking at Matthew at 9:49. It was surreal but amazing, and at least for me it took until early Friday morning to really bond with him and realize the tremendous amount of love I have for him already. Two striving to be one have become three striving for the same in the Todd-n-Aly Eichelberger family. It's incredible! All thanks to the Father of us all and His Son.
Matthew's first time in his mother's arms.

Right after they dried him off, made sure he was doing well and warmed him up.

Grandma and Grandad Eichelberger for the first time with Matthew.

"Papa" Rich and Alyson's brother Caleb. The last visitors in the labor and delivery room.

The hat is awesome. But it hid his equally awesome head of hair. When he first crowned I looked up at Alyson and said, "...he's hairy."

Our 5 year-old niece Sahara (my brother Jon's daughter) saying hello to our little man.

A good shot with his eyes open. I know everybody thinks their own kids are cute, but come on!

My son. A responsibility that I don't take lightly.

Grandma Rich on Friday in our "mother baby" room.

No "A-wee" adventure would be complete without Rexford (and a "turkey").

8 comments:

Dodie and Elmer said...

Congratulations!!! He is so adorable! I am so happy everything went well. Give little Matthew hugs and kisses for us! We love you and can't wait to meet him!

kimberly said...

We're so happy he's finally here! And he is so cute :) Looking forward to holding him more and watching him do cute stuff as he grows. You guys will be great parents!

The Spanns said...

CONGRATS! We couldn't be happier for you guys. We can't wait to meet him sometime!

Stacy said...

Congratulations! <3

heidiram said...

Congratulations! He is adorable. can we expect to see you at Aquatica on Thursday or swimming next Monday? Just kidding. Remember to rest when Baby Matthew is sleeping.

Carrie and Tyson said...

Alyson, how do you manage to still look pretty right after labor and delivery?? Congratulations, guys! We are so, so excited and happy for you! Glad all went well!

jennifer said...

I'm so excited for you guys. Congratulations! I can't wait to come out there to meet your little guy.

Jenn said...

Congrats you guys! You're life will never be the same, thank goodness! These little babies are such blessings. You guys will be/are awesome parents I"m sure. We're so excited for you guys! Enjoy it and keep telling yourself if you're having a rough day, it will pass. Make sure to go look at him when he's sleeping, it makes it all worth it!