Benjamin David Goodwin

In an effort to keep Michelle's readership updated and informed as to the latest baby developments, I thought that I would write my inaugural post to our (read: Michelle's) blog.

As all of you no doubt read, we finished all of our preparations and left for the hospital at about 10:45 am yesterday (I am not sure about the somewhat rested part--Michelle was in bed much earlier than I was--mostly my own fault) Anyway, upon arriving at the hospital, Michelle went straight to triage, where she had some tests done and an ultrasound taken, while I did my best sherpa impression and lugged all of our various bags up to the room where we would be staying.

We waited in triage for a while, but finally, at 1:45 pm, the doctor arrived and we made our way back into the OR. I donned some attractive while coveralls, and the nurse put a little cap over my baseball hat (I wanted to take off the baseball hat, but the nurse insisted that I just put the cap over it--so the pictures look a little funny, but honestly, that was the last thing on my mind at the time).

Upon entering the OR, there were a lot bright lights and Michelle was in the process of receiving a spinal block that would eventually numb her from the chest down. I quickly put my camera on a table in one corner of the OR so that it would be ready when I needed it as well as a newly purchased video camera, which kept me up way too late the night before as I quickly read and tried to figure out the numerous features that I am sure justified the wallet-lightening price.

As the surgery began, the doctor and nurses placed a shield between Michelle's head and her abdomen, so that we could not really see the "opening up" portion of the surgery. The anesthesiologist was near Michelle's head, with me and we tried to keep her as comfortable as possible, me by holding her hand, him by filling her full of Oxytocin. As little Benjamin was about to be born, the anesthesiologist took my video camera and recorded the delivery, while I comforted Michelle (read: hid behind the shield).

After the delivery, a nurse brought little Ben back to meet his parents and I promptly took the video camera and followed him all around the OR, as he was weighed, measured, cleaned, etc. Afterwards, Michelle, Ben and I posed for a couple of pictures (taken by the anesthesiologist) and then Michelle was taken up to our room and I carried little Ben close behind.

The rest of the day was full of many tests, some nursing (Ben is not the greatest eater in the world) and many family visitors (thank you all for coming).

Unfortunately, the night brought very little sleep for Michelle and I, although Ben did sleep somewhat between us waking him up to attempt to feed. He is getting better at eating, but most times it takes him awhile to figure out what he is doing.

Anyway, I am sure you all are tired of my rambling, here are the pictures that you have really been waiting for!