Aw, thank you all so much for the kind messages. Baby G was born at 5:53 am weighing 4 lb 9 oz. I don't know how long he is. He is perfectly formed, very sweet, and looks kind of French. He will be in the NICU for a few days, possibly for the week, while his breathing improves and the fluid in his lungs clears up. There is suspicion of infection as well so we are waiting for some blood culture results tomorrow which will tell us more. The premature rupture of my membranes (PROM) is the likely culprit if this is the case. According to the neonatologist, these are all typical pre-term or PROM baby issues and will resolve without problems.
It's still hard to sit in my hospital room without my sweet baby next to me, but all good things in time, right? He continues to look better and better, and now that I have held him in my arms and we looked at each other I am feeling better about everything and am confident that we will all be home snuggling together in no time.
Baby G is still unnamed, but today has been officially dubbed Naming Day so by nightfall this baby should be called something other than Baby. Due to his French look, we have briefly tossed out the possibility of Pierre or Jean Luc, but figure that might be a little much especially if the French look wears off after a few weeks. But we have other good candidates on the short list, so hopefully one will fit him well.
A couple thoughts on birthing without any medication except Cervadil to help dilation and increase contractions: exciting, excruciatingly painful, empowering, utterly and completely unforgettable. I am woman and yesterday I roared. (Seriously.) If you happened to be on the Upper West Side in Manhattan around Columbus Circle early yesterday morning and looked up into a hospital room without the curtains closed, yes, that was me standing naked on a bed in front of the window yelling my head off while in the final throes of some very painful contractions. Hope that you enjoyed the show. :-)
Overall, though, I'm glad I did it. I'm not sure I will try it again.
So...do you want some pictures?! Thought maybe... Photo album is in the sidebar. We'll keep it updated.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I can't tell you how happy I was when I saw that your signature had changed to say that "baby G" was here. I'm so glad to hear he is doing well and I look forward to seeing more pictures and hearing all the stories you have to tell:)
Posted by: beth | October 31, 2005 at 04:12 PM
Congratulations, Jen! (I'm an Ovusoftie from InStitches). Little boys are wonderful! Good luck on deciding on a name. I'm in suspense!
xoxo
Hilde, Bill and Karl (5 months)
Posted by: Hilde | October 31, 2005 at 03:22 PM
Aw, man, there's just too much cuteness on this blog! Cute dog, cute little baby, cute dad falling asleep and/or making eyes, cute mom -- so happy! Can't wait for the name -- I'm sure it will be CUTE!
I'm glad things are going so well. You'll all be home together before you know it. Get some rest, too, mama!
Posted by: Vicki | October 31, 2005 at 01:37 PM
Hi! CONGRATULATIONS! I read your blog, never comment, but wanted to say congrats on Baby G... he's oh so gorgeous! Also, i am thinking good thoughts for him (as is everyone else, I believe)... hopefully he'll get over this one little "bump" and it'll be smooth sailing from here on out!
Congrats again on a gorgeous baby boy!
Posted by: Kate | October 31, 2005 at 10:01 AM
Congrats, Jen! How wonderful!! I'm off to look at the pics...so happy for you and your family.
Posted by: Carrie | October 31, 2005 at 09:12 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Kathy | October 31, 2005 at 09:10 AM
oh my god, he is so beautiful...My wish for him is a long, healthy, happy life.....What an amazing mircacle...
congrats to you both...
hugs,
Posted by: lulu | October 30, 2005 at 11:08 PM
He is so adorable. I liked your description of the almost indescribable experience of medication-free childbirth. If you are like me, in about two months you will be considering doing it again (it takes that long for the PTSD from the pain to wear off). Looking forward to finding out his name, and more photos. Congrats!!
Posted by: Heather | October 30, 2005 at 10:40 PM
Jen ... He is just gorgeous! Can't wait to here the name.
~ Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | October 30, 2005 at 08:47 PM
Congratulations! He's so adorable, especially the yawning and the eyes. Best wishes to all of your (new) family!
Posted by: Sarah | October 30, 2005 at 08:36 PM
He looks great!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Anne | October 30, 2005 at 06:19 PM
Congratulations! The best days of your life are ahead of you both! All three of you actually! Blessings on you all! A new life is so very, very precious!
Posted by: Susan Maurer | October 30, 2005 at 04:28 PM
Congratulations! He is beautiful,and I'm sure you are worried about how absolutely little he is...but he will be fine and catch up in no time flat!
Posted by: Jaimi | October 30, 2005 at 01:34 PM
Congratulations! It sounds like you're doing really well, and Little G is too all things considered.
Take care!!
Posted by: Heidi | October 30, 2005 at 01:09 PM
Baby G is GORGEOUS! So glad to see you guys today and pseudo hug you. Could you feel it? ;-)
I can't wait until you're all home. We're going to have so much FUN! Wheeeee!
Posted by: Cara | October 30, 2005 at 01:03 PM
Congratulations!! And I love the "he looks kind of french" thing.
Posted by: Lauren | October 30, 2005 at 12:20 PM
Hi ya Jen,
He looks darling and you look like you are so ready to be a mother.
I thought you might be interested in this preemie article posted on someone else's blog:
http://screwholland.blogspot.com/2005/08/terrific-preemie-article.html
Thinking of you!
Ann
Posted by: Ann | October 30, 2005 at 11:44 AM
Congrats!! You're amazing!! Little one is in our prayers for a quick recovery from his early entrance. Take care of yourself!!
Posted by: Kristine | October 30, 2005 at 10:15 AM
looks like Oscar is going to have some fierce competition in the cute department! Your little guy is adorable ----- I think he looks like you. I don't know what you're talking about with the French thing, but maybe your knowledge of French men is vaster than mine ;)
can't wait for the name ---- good luck deciding!
Posted by: ann | October 30, 2005 at 08:25 AM