Eden's First Week

Eden passed out sleeping!

The "Kung Fu Face"

Pretty baby Eden!
Daddy and Eden!

Today, I decided that I would start up a blog again. Since I am going to be off until October, I thought this would be a great way to document all of Eden's growth and changes. Which brings me to Eden Maria Stewart...our little angel child. When I found out I was pregnant, a lot of thoughts went through my head. I knew that life would change forever, and I knew that my world was already different, but in a good way. As my pregnancy went on, I worried constantly. I hated being that way, but the thought of something going wrong with my little "baby bean" made me worry sick. However, God blessing us, the only complication that I had was gestational diabetes. I had to really watch everything that I ate. In the end, after a bajillion finger pricks, Eden was measuring 2 weeks ahead of schedule...even though she was a WEEK late. So, the doctor did an ultrasound, and sure enough, she was measuring 9 plus pounds. The doctor decided that we needed a scheduled c section.

I was so nervous, and I think that Seth was too. I had never had surgery at all. I had a million questions, and as usual, I was worried and scared. I only found out the day before I went in that I was going to have one, so it didn't provide a lot of mental prep time! haha. I went in for surgery on July 1, 2010 at 7:00am. I thought that when I went in that they were going to have me sit in a chair and prep my blood, etc. NOPE. It was straight to the bed, undress, and I.V. in. Talk about increasing the anxiety. About an hour or two later (I lost track of time), they wheeled me in to the OR. I got my spinal, and surprisingly, it didn't hurt one bit. It was super fast, and it hurt less than a normal shot. Then, they put the cathetar in...which I didn't feel. Then, I felt this hot sensation move up my legs, and before I knew it the nurse was singing to me. haha. Seth came into the room, and I was pretty calm then. I felt a lot of pressure, and then, I heard Eden cry for the first time. I was in love from the first time I saw her. All I knew at that point was that #1: she was okay, and #2: I had made it through the surgery. Then....came the panic attack! I have no idea where it came from, and I didn't feel anything except my hands go numb. I heard the nurse say, "Ummm, put something in her I.V." Two seconds later, I felt normal again. I guess it was anti-anxiety meds.

Afterwards, they wheeled me into recovery, and even though I wasn't on any meds, I barely remember anything from that room. I remember seeing Eden and being really really tired. Once I stayed there for 30 minutes, I got to go to my normal recovery room. Then, the magic happened. I held Eden and stared at her. I could not believe that she was ours. Seth and I both got really emotional, and we just held her. She had red hair just like her daddy, and her nose and mouth looked like mommie. It was the best moment of my entire life.

She was 9lbs. and 22 inches long. She was born exactly at 10:00 am. What a big baby! I am glad my doctor suggested a c section!

The entire first day, vistors came to meet our Eden Maria. I was on ZERO pain meds, and I thought I was super strong. The I.V., cathetar, and calf socks were a pain, but nothing too big. However, the second day, I had to get up and walk. I stood up, and I shook so badly. I hurt so badly, but I knew that I had to make it to the shower. I was painful, and I quickly asked for pain meds. The whole day was walking and pain. I fed Eden, but she wasn't latching on very well.

On Saturday, we got to go home. I was feeling a little better, but I was soooo happy to be home. It was still hard to get around, but my mom, husband, and mom-in-law helped me shower and move and get the baby for me. She still didn't latch very well, so we decided to start supplementing with a bottle with formula. We also decided to pump and put it in a bottle. She is still gaining lots of weight.

Her hair keeps getting longer, and Seth and I are adjusting pretty well. We take shifts, and we nap when she naps. She has her days and nights somewhat mixed up, but she is getting better. She makes the cutest faces, and daddy calls one the "kung fu face." It is sooo cute. So far, she really really likes to be held. We are afraid that we are spoiling her, but we can't help but hold her.

Her 4th of July was great. As you can see, the fireworks didn't bother her a bit!

Seth has been fabulous! He has supported me in every aspect of this journey! He helps me constantly with Eden, and he even takes care of her for long periods to let me sleep, and thus, heal. I'm not sure what I did to deserve such a great family, but I praise God every second for this life He has blessed me with!

One thing is for sure, I love this baby girl more than life! She is perfect in every way! I know most mommies think that about their babies, but she really is a gift from God.