Saturday, November 9, 2013

Luke William Payne

Our little man is finally here!!!

Much like the night before I went in to have Maggie; I couldn't sleep a wink. Not to mention I was the most uncomfortable I have been the entire pregnancy in those last few hours. I'm sure that those little babies know they're about to be here and they are as anxious and jittery as you are. Two anxious jittery bodies in one makes for a long night.
I got up at 4am to shower and make the final preparations.
And then we headed to the hospital!
This is right before they wheeled me into the operating room… 
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BOY!
 photo DSC_6628copy_zps8ea61c03.jpg
I'm going to take a minute here and speak a little about my C-Section experiences.  Having Rachel was an extremely painful experience for me- emotionally and physically. I agonized for years after having to have an emergency C-Section with her, mostly because I feel so strongly that it could have been avoided. Sometimes I feel as if something so sacred- natural childbirth- as been denied me. Every time I become pregnant this sorrow comes back and I fight feelings of trying to go for a natural birth regardless of the risks. However, every time I pray I know that this isn't the answer for our situation.
I am a very strong and independent person. I like to get things done myself.
But this is something that I've have to lean completely on the Lord and my husband to overcome.
With all this being said, I move forward and think of all the positive and beautiful moments I've had with my C-Sections. Each time it gets easier- mostly because I know how to prepare myself and because I research and find the best doctors. I am so grateful for my opportunity to be a Mother and a healthy body that allows me to have children. I still am in awe in all that the human body is capable of, and how quickly people can heal. It's just remarkable.
 The fun part about C-Sections is knowing when the magic is going to happen. I love the knowing. As we drive to the hospital and the moment draws closer and closer, there's a spirit in the air that can't be denied.
This time was the best of all because this time Tyler got to be here with me. For Rachel, I was put under and neither of us experienced her first moments. For Maggie, Tyler was at Ranger School. And this time for our Luke, we both got to do it together.
There was a peace that came over me as soon as Tyler entered the operating room and they began the procedure. My amazing doctor had the biggest smile and my husband was squeezing my hand.
Doesn't get much better than that!
And then, before we knew it… Luke arrived!
A whopping 7lbs 14 oz! 20 inches long!
 photo DSC_6670copy_zpsd7450dea.jpg
It felt like an eternity before they handed him to me, although it was only a few minutes.
For me, this is the strongest craving, biggest urge, and most earnest desire I've ever felt----
GIVE ME MY BABY!
 photo DSC_6677copy_zpse420bc2d.jpg
First kiss…
 photo DSC_6676copy_zps4ae55679.jpg
After my first kiss the whisked him away to check his lungs… he wasn't crying as loud as they would have liked due to the amniotic fluid in his lungs.
Tyler got to go back with him while I was still getting stitched up.
He took lots of cute pictures… only MINUTES OLD!!!
 photo DSC_6682copy_zpsc125f05d.jpg
They kept trying to make him cry but he wasn't having it…
"What do ya'll people want? I'm chilling out here!" hehe
 photo DSC_6681copy_zps7a482965.jpg
I was going crazy in recovery waiting for them to come back.
Luke will you please cry for the doctors?
Then came all my demanding texts to Tyler---
I WANT TO HOLD MY BABY! Give me my baby! What in the world is taking so long? Is he okay??? Punch a nurse and bring him to me now! (okay, not that one but I thought about it… haha)
Isn't he the cutest baby ever???!!!
 photo DSC_6678copy_zpsa5a3b212.jpg
Awwwww, finally.
Hey there little man, I've waiting a long time to hold you in my arms.
 photo DSC_6683copy_zps559e1d93.jpg
Momma and baby…
 photo DSC_6686copy_zps18a8ec2d.jpg
We did it!… Again!
 photo DSC_6690copy_zps0afc8e0d.jpg
Having a few peaceful moments with Daddy before the girls arrive...
 photo DSC_6726copy_zps5e3fa488.jpg
We could hear the girls coming from all the way down the hall. It was like a stampede! 
Of course Rachel was more than ready to finally hold her baby brother.
 photo DSC_6698copy_zpsb01e6a27.jpg
She's been asking every night before bedtime for months now… 
"And when is Luke coming again, Mom?"
Look at her face… love at first sight.
 photo DSC_6699copy_zps62821279.jpg
Kisses for Luke...
 photo DSC_6705copy_zps0ee5bde0.jpg
Maggie's turn to hold him! 
She thought he was pretty cool too...
 photo DSC_6708copy_zps4aaab3e7.jpg
She loves the baby… but gets tired of him real quick. Unlike Rachel who is willing to pass on dinner to keep holding the baby.
 photo DSC_6709copy_zpse9fb8412.jpg
Counting fingers and toes… Yep, they're all there!
 photo DSC_6711copy_zps9952d778.jpg
Nana and Pop with their first grandson...
 photo DSC_6722copy_zps96328e0f.jpg
Grandma Payne getting her first dose of little Luke… with Rachel nearby of course...
 photo DSC_6719copy_zps1c3c9572.jpg
The next couple days in the hospital were wonderful with Tyler there. 
He was so helpful and supportive. Made me feel like a champ when I stood up for the first time, encouraged me as I took my first unbearably slow walk around the nursing station, and held me up as I cried in the shower. Oh and don't forget assured me I was as beautiful as ever and that I'd be feeling better in no time. 
Husband of the year???… ahhh, YEAH!
 photo DSC_6734copy_zpsea07e9a9.jpg
I always forget just how tiny those little feet are.
Pure perfection.
 photo DSC_6739copy_zpscc9ddfcf.jpg
Welcome to the Payne Family little Luke!
We love you more than you'll ever know.
 photo DSC_6755copy_zps4043070e.jpg


5 comments:

Shelley said...

Congratulations, he's gorgeous! The girls are adorable holding their brother.

I had c-sections with both of mine and a lot of people pressured me to go for the VBAC, but it just wasn't right for us either. I appreciated what you wrote about your experience, there's not a lot of other people who feel that way.

Pop and Nana said...

Wow! That was such an amazing post! We love you Jess! Welcome little Luke to the family! Thank you so much Tyler for taking care of our Sugarbear! Love, Nana and Pop

Glen and Kris Payne said...

It was such a joy to be there! Love that baby! Love that whole family!

Sutherland Family said...

Okay, if your intention was to make me cry, it worked! I have been waiting and waiting, checking your blog every couple of days to see if you blogged about Luke. It was worth the wait! What a beautiful boy! But I think what made me the most emotional was to hear about Tyler's role in the whole thing. You two have surely earned this…doing this amazing thing together, in the same room, in the same city…you know what I mean. Oh, I love you guys. Thank you for doing it right. The Lord surely has blessed your little family!

Marcos said...

Hey, I didn´t know about a new baby! Congratulation to my dear Payne family! Tyler you rock! I´m a "grandpa" again "son".
Hugs