Wednesday, May 4, 2011

True Love

As I sit down at the computer for the first time since last Wednesday, tears of joy and happiness stream down my face. I look down to see my sweet boy staring up at me with his gorgeous eyes and big pursed lips. I collect my thoughts and try to put my emotions to words.

Last Wednesday, Steve and I dreamt about the changes and wonderful things that the following day would bring - we had no idea about the love that was about to enter our lives.

You can't truly imagine what parenthood is like until it happens to you and last Thursday evening all of those imaginations became reality and it was the greatest feeling I've ever had in my life.

Here's the story of our sweet son's arrival...
7am Thursday morning we checked in to Overlake Hospital in Bellevue for my scheduled induction (41 weeks - a week past due). Soon after arrival, I was hooked up to the heart rate monitor and contraction monitor and given an internal pill to get my contractions going. By noon, I had dilated to 2cm and was then given Pitocin to speed up the process. Around 3pm I was given an epidural for the contractions and only dilated to 4cm. Immediately after the epidural was administered our boy's heart rate dropped drastically and caused for a bit of commotion and urgency in our room. Suddenly, the Anesthesiologist, my doctor and five nurses were in our room contorting me into various positions in an attempt to stabilize his heart rate. About five minutes later his heart rate was back to normal and things were good. This scared both of us, but we knew we had to stay calm for our boy. At 7pm my doctor came back in to my room to check my progress and not much was going on. I was on track for contraction, but had only dilated to 4cm and did not seem to be progress and every time I laid directly on my back his heart rate would drop, slightly. My options were to continue as we were and see how the contractions would continue or go in for a c-section. Steve and I were concerned that a vaginal birth would cause too much stress on our boy because of the slowing heart rate so we opted for the c-section. Both of our families were already at the hospital, waiting on pins and needles for the news of the arrival of their sweet grandson and nephew.

At 8:21pm on Thursday, April 28, our lives were changed, for the better, forever and Raleigh John Rinabarger made his grand entrance at a whopping 7lbs 1oz and 19.5 inches long. This first photo is the very first look we got of our handsome boy and I've never seen anything more perfect in my life. The love that filled our hearts at that split second is indescribable. Of my 31 years of life, I can say with all of my heart that the moment I laid my eyes on my son was the greatest moment of my life.

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Mr. Raleigh is now requesting that we head off to bed (at least for the next few hours), so I must sign off, but I'll post more photos very soon. A million and one thank yous for all of the love and support we've received from our friends and family.  Raleigh is a lucky little man to have all of the amazing people that we have in our life now in his life.

25 comments:

Hillary said...

Erin, your post made me get teary and wish that i could relive both my boys' births. I am so happy for you and your family! A million congrats!
Hillary

The Johnsons said...

Bringing tears to my eyes. Love this post and love you and your new family of three. I cannot wait to meet Raleigh and snuggle him. Miss you! xoxo

Alexis Gradwohl said...

I just cried reading the post. It is completely life changing. I'm so happy for you guys. That first picture looks like it came out of Time magazine. It is beautiful. It caputures the moment of birth and the beauty of labor.

Melissa Moore said...

Erin...Congrats on your new precious baby boy. Nothing beats the story of how our kids come into this world. I loved hearing your story. Can't wait to see more pics and hear how things are going. Welcome to motherhood...there is nothing else like it.

Loosy said...

You're such a lovebug. And already an amazing momma. Keep doing what you're doing friend, because you're doing a fantastic job.

Big ups and fist pumps to you and yours. xoxo B

PS - He's pure perfection. Nice work you two.

Mama Megan said...

Oh Erin, what a wonderful post! It was such an exciting moment for all of us. He is the cutest little bundle of joy! I love you little Raleigh, welcome to this big grand world!!

morganbors said...

OMG I am crying, what a sweet post! I can't wait for this day! He is so handsome and perfect in every way I can't wait to see what his personality turns out like!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Congrats to your family. I cant wait to meet Baby R. Love you guys.

The Benzels said...

Being a mom changes you forever, and your post captured it perfectly! Thinking of you guys during this time. Hang in there, once you have a routine down it gets more managable...and if you can believe it, you'll love him more and more everyday!

Lyndsy said...

I am so happy for the healthy of arrival of that darling Raleigh! He is such a handsome boy and will no doubt be showered with so much love not only from Mom and Dad but all those who adore the Rina's!

Congratulations on your new arrival and all the adventures ahead! I can't wait to meet him in July!

Brie said...

I had a feeling this post would be a doozy! So happy for you guys, and hope to meet Raleigh very soon. I can only imagine what motherhood will be like someday, but your words definitely paint a vivid & wonderful picture. Love you tons!

Blyth Family Blog said...

I am crying and I've heard this story already. I love you. I love Steve, I love Boots With The Fur...but I especially LOVE without a question of a doubt, that little Raleigh the most (no offense Boots).
I am SO excited to meet my precious angel. I love you mama, with all my heart.

Stacie said...

Totally just welled up, what a beautiful post for a beautiful little boy! He's beyond perfect!!!! I'm still amazed that the doc is holding him with one hand, or that's what it looks like! Much love to you, Steve and baby Raleigh!

Megan, Ryan, Addi & Brady said...

Perfect words to describe such a wonderful moment in your lives. I love you and your family of three to the moon and back. I am thrilled to be on this little journey with you!

Kris said...

Oh Coffey, I am so happy for you and Steve! Love you both so much and I can't wait to meet little RJR.

DeLane, Kevin & Parker Lilly said...

What a wonderfully honest and beautiful post. I know what you mean. It is the greatest moment in your life! Congrats again, and welcome to the moms club:)

Aimee said...

Ahhh so lovely. What an amazing picture you guys got of him.

Welcome to mommyhood.

Lindsay said...

So sweet! Welcome adorable little RJR! So happy for you & Steve (and maybe BWTF - I still don't think he can be trusted - self-mutilator / pyromaniac). Anyhoo, I can't wait to meet my newest little buddy in 2 months! And remember, you said I had permission to hog him since I have to leave.

Coug Gal said...

Oh loved this post, happy tears for your family of three! Congratulations!!!

Kalamakis said...

Congrats to your new family! Glad to hear Mom and baby are doing well. Can't wait to see more pictures of the little guy. You two always seem to capture such great shots!

Jocelyn said...

huge congrats erin! and yes... you are right..(even though i think we are biased) but boys are the sweetest! so happy for you. take care

Melanie said...
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Melanie said...

Congratulations to you all! Raleigh is one lucky little boy!

Team Gibson said...

Congrats to your family. You will be a fantastic mama! I hope you had a wonderful mom's day :)

Kasie M. said...

Congratulations, Erin! Enjoy every minute with your bundle of joy. He is adorable and I love his name. All the best!