Well, Katie, Renna, and I came home on Tuesday the 26th. We spent 4 nights, including Christmas and Christmas Eve in the hospital.
Everyone is doing well. Katie is recovering from the surgery. She has been very mobile. Renna is wonderful! I cannot even begin the explain what it feels like to have her with us. Our 4 days together have been busy, exhausting, intense, and deeply meaningful. It is amazing how important the smallest things become. She feeds well and we are relieved and happy. She has to have her foot pricked to take some blood for routine tests and it is awful to see her in pain, if for only a few minutes.
Anyways, more thoughts on parenting later. Now down to the pictures.
Here we are in the operating room. I was able to sit right next to Katie as she had the c-section. The medical staff was really great.
Here we are in post-operative recovery just minutes after the birth. We were both so stunned, elated, and overwhelmed. Renna was relaxed and calm. She figures she'll leave all the worrying to Mom and Dad for a while.
She's a sleepy little girl. At 5 weeks early she has done great. Thankfully, we did not spend any time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Renna stayed with us in the regular hospital room the entire time. She is premie, so she sleeps alot. Everyone says that we will remember this quite fondly in a couple of weeks when she is more active
We've been making it on very little sleep. Here I am catching a quick snooze. Despite all of the sleep deprivation and all of the work, Katie and I both really enjoyed the first 4 days. It is incredible to just be together the three of us and to share with your partner in such an important and vital task.
Katie's family has been a great help. Auntie Em is here holding Renna. Katie's parents and Chris and Molly have been a big help too. We never lacked for food or help or support or encouragement over the first few days. Here Em is holding Renna for a bit.
My family has been great too. Grandma, Grampa Howard, and Aunt Robyn are coming very soon from Chicago. They have been great with emotional support and enthusiasm over the phone and in e-mails. We can't wait to see them.
Here is Katie looking very happy and content. She and Renna are my much loved girls. Katie has been SO patient with our sleepy little feeder.
We spent Christmas in the hospital. The Russells brought the good cheer. Katie's mom is here with Chris and Molly's kids, Chloe and Anna. They were excited to meet the baby.
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