He's adorable! Congratulations!

Shee, you have a beautiful baby!
One of my best friends is an OB nurse supervisor and she can tell some stories, which I won't repeat. The fact that you have a healthy baby and you are ok, is a blessing and joy.
You did the right thing by not focusing in on all the things that could go wrong.

Give it time, the excess weight will disappear with some diligence, of course, but it's not important right now.

He is just adorable!

fwiw, inducing leads to C sections more times than not. DD2 had to have one since she was not progressing. Baby J will be 1yo next month. DS and K had a baby girl in June. Didn't induce, they actually hired a doula and she went natural for awhile, until she was in labor for 24 hours (then she got an epidural to rest) then at 40 hours her pelvic bones wouldn't spread wide enough to get Baby E out, so she had a C Section too.

Your tummy will go down, with time. Especially if it was mostly flat to begin with.

Congrats on the baby. Hee is adorable!

awww, hee is beautiful!!! congratulations!

The perfect little boy! Congratulations! Wondering how your famous (to me anyway) energy level is these days?

java

Thank you!

Allison - "inducing leads to C sections more times than not."
I know. :( I went in thinking that wouldn't happen to me. I am disappointed with how the birthing process went down. Even though I didn't know what to expect and was nervous, I feel slightly gyped that I didn't get to give birth naturally. I know the end result is what's important though.

They said his head was turned down in a position that wouldn't allow him to come out but I wonder if I hadn't been induced if he would've turned right on his own and we could've avoided all that.

I think the stats are 1 in 4 births in general end up in c-section now days. ?

Java - Ha! It's been much lower than normal but I'm dreaming of future things. The biggest one is this fall I plan on doing some serious cleaning out. All the stuff we've brought in and will continue to bring into the house for him is making me feel cluttered. I'm going to clean house! :) Today was actually the first day I looked at the large screw holes (from those pic frame ledges) and decided I wanted to take care of that in the near future.

*big sigh* Baby Hee is beautiful! Thanks for the update!

He is gorgeous! The birth process never seems to go as we envision it will in our minds, but as long as they arrive safely and healthy it doesn't matter. Congratulations to you and your husband.

Congrats! Your baby is adorable. Such a cutie.

FWIW, I was induced with my DD but delivered naturally. I think every delivery is different. Also, if another baby is in your plan, you don't necessarily have to have a section the second time. I have many friends who've had sections with their first and not with subsequent babies.

So glad to hear all is going well. Don't worry about the t-shirts, you'll be back to yourself, just takes time. It took you 9 months to get to where you are now, you have to give your body time to bounce back to your pre-pregnancy body.

Congratulations. That's a great photo of Hee.

I'm glad you're doing well. Sounds like it was a little scary for a bit but, as you said, so worth it.

Jennifer

A perfect child, God bless all three of you.

When all is said and done, the only thing that matters is he's healthy, you're recuperating and the Shee family is now 3! Congratulations and thanks for sharing that beautiful pic.

That's a great photo! Reminds me of an Anne Geddes shot.

Glad to hear all is well. Congratulations!!!

He is beautiful and you are both doing well - that's the important thing(s)!!

My friend I told you about - her daughter had her baby this past Tuesday. She was also induced. At hospital @ midnight, picotin @ 6:00 am,, water broke almost immediately after that and epidural was administered. Her little girl was born a little after 4:00 that afternoon. I'll have to email you a pic.

You were in good shape and small before the baby, so I'm betting you'll be back to normal size in no time. Buying a few new (and flattering) things will make you feel better!

tina

Hello Shee, what joyful news and your son is handsome enough to be on a greeting card, he's adorable !!! he looks big !!

give yourself time to shrink down a bit, it's so soon !

thanks for sharing this, I was so pleased to see your post.

*big sigh* Baby Hee is beautiful! Thanks for the update!

What a gorgeous photo of Baby Hee. I have been waiting to hear your update and was so glad to check in tonight and see your post.
Take it easy and enjoy every moment.

Your baby is beautiful! Congratulations! Well done!
It's interesting to me that you began "itching" after your epidural. With 2 of my 3 full term babies, I had epidurals. With my 2nd epidural, they gave me a shot of something, don't know what to make the actual epidural less painful. With THIS epidurral I began itching immediately, and terribly. My husband was scratching my arms and back for me so hard - at my request, that he almost drew blood and still no relief. They finally gave me a shot of benadryl to make the itching subside and determined that I was allergic to that initial medicine. Maybe that's what happened to you? Maybe store that away in your thoughts for next time.
Like other's said, it doesn't matter how he arrived, he's amazing and wonderful. Congrats again.

He is adorable!! How old is he now?

Congrats!

What a gorgeous baby ...you are so lucky and so is baby Hee . You both have the most wonderful life awaiting you. Birthing was only the first tiny step. Congratulations. c

Congratulations, he is a handsome little guy and thanks for sharing your story.

Try to not let the process of how he came into the world get you down too much. I wish I could let go of my experience, but at times it still gets to me as I wanted natural really bad, but with my medical complications I had to be in the hospital and wouldn't have dared anything else for the baby's sake and that is what I kept in mind the whole time.

I confess-- I don't think every baby is cute-- but yours is one BEAUTIFUL baby. You hit the jackpot-- wow. He is so gorgeous!!! I hope you are taking 2 million pictures a day!

I never had an epidural and I always start shaking uncontrollably after I give birth. I know yours happened during, but just be aware it could have happened anyway.

RE: inducing, yes, it does lead to more c-sections, however-- sometimes the reason you need to be induced is (as you said) because of positioning. "Maybe" the baby would have turned, but maybe not. Sometimes women go more than 40 weeks and the baby is not positioned right.

No one will be able to talk you out of your disappointment-- at the end of it all, you know you are lucky to have that cutie, but you still are justified in feeling whatever you do about your birth experience. The birth experience and the baby are two entirely different topics. In other words, I hope you know (and you seem so confident so I am sure you do) that it IS ok to be disappointed and mourn what you feel you missed. It's much better to be open about it an allow yourself to heal (in all ways!) vs. avoiding your feelings. You will always remember your experience (no matter positive or negative) but in time, I find the negative does lessen-- but don't rush it. Take the time and do what you need to process it all. No matter how he came into this world, you would need to process it! Why else do women remember their birth stories so well, even 50 yrs later?

Anyway, I am glad you are both safe and sound and starting this wonderful journey together!

He's a keeper! Congratulations on a beautiful new son. Glad to hear you're doing well. Hope you are getting enough rest, that is more important that bouncing back to pre-baby body.

Look forward to seeing more photos of the newest GW family member!

I was on the edge of my seat as I read every word of your story. My, what an adventure! You're a tough cookie, little mama! I offer you my sincere admiration for being such a brave trooper.

Then, gripping story ended...I scanned down further and saw Hee! I swear, my eyes immediately flooded with tears. What a glorious result of all that "labor" in the truest sense of the word! He's exquisite, Shee.

Welcome to the world, baby Hee!

You shared what it was like becoming a mom for you, now I hope you will keep us posted with your experiences of being a mom.

Congratulations to you and your dh!

Wow, is he beautiful! So perfect. Congrats Congrats!

I was wondering why it was taking so long to hear from you and now can understand why. I'm one of those who went a la natural so no C Section words of wisdom here except that regardless of how the baby is born our bodies do change in some ways forever, it's just part of the process.

Enjoy this time, it goes so incredibly fast and again, congrats, he's absolutly beautiful.

Your son is so beautiful and perfect. Thank you for sharing the picture. Don't worry, your body will recover a lot on its own, especially if you are breast feeding. Give yourself time!

Congratulations! Little Hee is wonderful!

ML

Hee is just beautiful ! Glad you are both doing well :)

Baby Hee is just precious! What a lovely addition to your family!
Congratulations!!

Your uncontrollable shaking was caused by the epidural. One of the side effects of an epidural medicine causes your BP to lower, and that causes the shakes. Doesn't happen to many people. If you ever have to have another, be sure to tell your Dr what happened. They can give you medicine to counter act that simultaneously.
In fact, I'd tell your OB/GYN so they can make a note in your chart.

As for your tummy going flat, well, as most Moms can tell you, that is never going to be the same :-)

Love on that precious child! They're only little for a short time!

Congratulations! Hee is absolutely adorable. My oldest DD had a c-section first and then 3 V-bac's. You just never know. Enjoy, they do grow up so fast.

He's beautiful! Congratulations!

May he sleep through the night so you can sleep ;-)

What a handsome baby. Congrats!

Shee, sorry, I disagree with the poster who thinks your stomach can't ever again be firm after having a baby. It can, I am living proof, along with quite a few of my friends - one of whom gave birth to twins and wore a bikini until 5 mos into her pregnancy (1st set born C-section, 2nd set vbac). No fertility meds, twins run in her family! She was back into her bikini after both sets of twins and a child between the sets of twins. Yes, that is 5 children under the age of 5 at one time, lol. It's up to you if you really want a flat stomach. Nutritionally balanced, healthy diet along with exercise, will lead to a flat tummy.

Shee, first let me say that little Hee is beautiful! :-)

But I also wanted to tell you that when I read your post I felt that you are struggling with your disappointment in how the delivery went. And that is understandable and normal. It is something that you will have to work through and don't let anyone make you feel bad for feeling that way. You said "I feel slightly gyped that I didn't get to give birth naturally." The experience that you looked forward to/feared did not turn out the way you wanted or expected it too. Also remember that there are many hormonal/chemical changes taking place in your body right now too, as it adjusts to not being pregnant. It is possible that you have the "baby blues" due to this. It can and does happen. Just hang in there and if it doesn't get better, talk to your doctor about it. I hope I am not out of line...if I am, please know that I only mean well.

Congrats Shee, Hee's a keeper ;-)

Thank you again everyone for you kind words.

Natal - Thanks! I love her photography!

Joanie -Hmm… interesting about the Benadryl. I figured they couldn’t give me anything since, when I mentioned it, they just said it was normal and seemed to be the end of it. When I was in the OR I questioned how itchy I was going to be once they upped the epidural and they said they’d give me something for it. I later found out it was Benadryl. Wondering why they didn’t help me out a wee bit earlier. Btw, that stuff makes me sleepy to being with so it was crazy difficult to stay awake after they gave me that along with all the other pain meds.

Pudgeder - Thanks for the info.! I’ll do that.
“They can give you medicine to counter act that simultaneously.”
I wonder why they didn’t. ? :(

Mary lu - No, you’re not out of line. I did have a bit of the baby blues going on and thankfully I believe it’s going away. I’ve never experienced anything like that before and sobbing for what felt like no reason wasn’t a good feeling. I didn’t feel sad at the time or like anything was wrong but looking back I’m sure there were a couple of things that weren’t helping. I was still in a good bit of pain when we first came home. Neither of us was happy with his Dr. at his first appointment as we didn’t feel he was very personable. I was really bothered by the fact that I hadn’t been able to record my birth story (finally finished the other day - it’s 12 pages). At the time I was upset that I didn’t get a chance to do a ‘photo shoot’ yet. Those first shots were important to me and they say it’s best to take them in the first 14 days of life. I finally got the above photo towards the end of that time frame. The days have been going so fast and I found myself thinking how fast he’s going to grow up. We had too many days with too many visitors. I got to the point where I didn’t want to see or talk to anyone other than DH and our baby. I was feeling like we were missing out on our special time and I wanted everyone to GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE and stop calling. I didn’t give much thought to the birth process until recently but that very well could’ve been a factor too.

Long story but months ago some out of state relatives had asked to live with us for a few undetermined number of months. They were looking for a new place and staying with us wasn't their only option - they thought they were being nice by offering to 'pay us rent' and 'help out with the new baby when he arrived'. I'm so thankful we politely declined!

Shee, it sounds like everything is starting to fall into place for you, I'm glad. Don't be afraid to let the phone go to voice mail or answering machine. Sometimes I think we feel we have to answer the phone, but I have finally learned that it is ok not to answer if it is not convenient. Otherwise don't be afraid to tell someone that it is not a good time to come for a visit or to stop in. You, your DH and little Hee need alone time together and do whatever it takes to get it. You also need your rest and that is hard to come by with a newborn wanting to be fed every couple hours! Most everyone should understand that.

It may take a little longer to get back in shape, due to the C section and the fact that abdominal tissue/muscles were cut, but that doesn't mean you won't get back in shape. It just means that it might take a little longer, that's all.

"Hee's a keeper!"

I love that and I agree! Hee is a darling boy, and you and your DH deserve major congratulations. Best wishes for a very happy future for your growing family. Don't hesitate to say no to anything that you don't want just now - instead, treasure each day, because babies grow very quickly. One month becomes six months becomes one year before you know it. Enjoy and savor the moments!

Shee, you are feeling things that are very normal, to whatever degree, they are your feelings. If they persist, talk to your doc. Ask your girlfriends for a pediatrician referral if you don't like the one you're with. I had to change when DD was 3, and so happy that I did so. The previous ped wanted to prescribe an antibiotic for a walk thru the door, not okay with DH & me. I found my doc profiled in a publication and he was on staff at the major children's hospital in the city, which was important. Your son will have this doc for a long time and you need to be really good with your choice.

As for your birth experience, the memory will fade. I know it isn't what you were expecting. However, I think there were a few things that may not have been in your control. Also being a first time mom is hard, and then there is the age-old hard to break habit of believing that all docs are doing a great job. They aren't. I don't want to comment further on your doc & your experience, but it makes me a bit frustrated for you.

Enjoy your DS, DH and turn the phone off. When my own DD came home (under very different medical circumstances), I did have help, but they answered the phone. I spent my time concentrating on getting well and caring for my new baby. Rest, I can't stress enough how much better you will feel with enough rest.

Also, maybe you can get outside for a bit with the baby if the weather isn't too too hot where you are. I know infant's inner temperature control isn't great, but maybe we will get a day where it will be cool enough to enjoy a bit of time outside.

It's a process, I wish you and your DH the best with your new adorable baby boy!

Awww, he's such a handsome boy. A plus to having a C section is babies come out perfect looking!

It's way too soon to even think about your tummy. You had major surgery, so you're going to be swollen for a while.

Even with vaginal childbirth, a woman stays swollen for a good month. But you will have extra swelling because of the surgery. Don't rush it, you'll be just fine!

I do suggest reading online about recovering from c-sections. My DIL had an emergency C, and her legs were swollen for two weeks.

She also misses not having a vaginal birth, but the end result was the same. :)

I'm curious though, why did they plan ahead to induce you? It seems a lot of women go in these days to be induced the following day.

Glad you checked in!

Work - We're considering switching peds. We know the guy is a good 'medical' Dr. but his personality just could be better.
And I do feel much better when I get sleep! :)

Oakley - Because I had gestational diabetes it's like a stamp was put on my forehead and I was put in the exact same category as everyone else. My sugar was controlled through diet changes (thankfully), my weight gain was within the normal limit, and at my 36 week ultrasound he was figured to be in the 7lb range (which he ended up being). Also in the few weeks before I was due they did monitor me twice with those non stress test things and he was fine. Why they made a big deal out of it based on my circumstances is beyond me. I wish I would've done more questioning and not just accepted how things went down. Also if you look up anything about the gel, it states it typically takes longer than 6 hours for anything to happen. They had me back in the hospital in 6 hours. IMO, I should've been left to stay home and not rush everything. I just figured this was my first baby and they were the doctors who knew best so I just went with it. ...

Oh, he's just so adorable. I'm so jealous!! Congratulations to you and your hubby.

Shee, it's great that you have lots of support and they all want to see the little guy, but I have to agree, there is nothing wrong with screening calls and taking a break. Baby Shee and these first few weeks come first. Follow your heart or instincts, especially when it comes to the pediatrician.

Congrats Shee! He's adorable and while your birth wasn't picture perfect, you can now share your birth story and all its details - a definite right of passage! :-)

I myself, never liked the birthing process and found it very stressful. Sortof like riding a roller coaster - the creeping up that first big hill knowing to get to the bottom I wasn't going to like it very much but at the end with a big sigh and smile it's done.

I had to smile at your visitor comments. I too was really glad to have family and friends out of my house! Thank God you didn't have house guests - that may have pushed you over the edge.

Take it slow, it feels like it's going so fast, but it will slow down once you get into a routine and feel more like your old self.

One thing I did for my kids that I really enjoyed looking back on was taking a picture of them that first year every month on their birthday. I recorded their weight and height and it made a nice quick photo album. the other thing I did for my three boys was have a studio photo taken of each of them at 3 mos., 6 mos., 1 year and 2 years. I just hung these in my upstairs hall and it makes me smile every time I walk by.

Ditto what Mary Lu said. Screen your calls and visitors. Have hubby help screen calls and visitors. You don't have to have a reason to say "no" to a visitor, today is not a good time is good enough. As far as your Dr's go, be in charge of your own - and babies medical care. Listen to your own instincts. Again, you don't even have to have a good reason to question a Dr.'s line of thinking. You can say "no, I'm not comfortable with that". It's taken me a long time to get there but when I look back at my and family's medical care, the times when I've been the most upset are times when I didn't listen to myself and speak up.
Enjoy this precious time with your baby. You have every excuse in the book to lie around on the couch and nap together. (You won't be able to do that when he is mobile) :)

OMG!! Yes, I have been away... Hee is so beautiful!!! You will be back to normal in time. I remember feeling quite overwhelmed in the first few weeks. The enormous responsibility and complete life change can be daunting. This will pass, but if it doesn't, talk to the Dr.

Hee is perfection personalized. Great photo.