Here he is!!

We welcomed Lexington Benjamin Doran (aka Lex) at 7:45 PM on Feb 13, 2009....Friday the 13th!!! After my water broke and I didn't go into labor after 27 hours, I had to be induced. They stuck me w/an IV and introduced Pitocin to my system. Holy crapoly....my body took to this drug verrrryyy quickly and I started contractions w/in 45 min. Now, in a natural birth, you begin contractions every 15 min or so, that last 20-30 seconds, then they gradually get closer and longer and more intense. With Pitocin, I ended up getting INTENSE contractions coming about every 30-45 seconds, lasting about 45 seconds to a minute each, within the hour! Therefore, my little body was unable to build up a tolerance for them and the pain was ridiculous. After about 4 hours of this, they checked and I had only dilated to 3 centimeters, so I quickly opted for the epidural. As soon as it was administered, I was relieved for about a minute before the baby's heart rate dropped dangerously low, they shot me with about 200 drugs, had me flipping all over the place to help the baby readjust, called for an emergency c-section, then finally his rate came back up and we settled down. TERRIFYING!! And that was one of the main reasons that I did not want an epidural. But it worked and I settled in to 4 more hours of contracting w/no pain. Unfortunately, I stayed at 5 cm for the entire time, the child was not going anywhere, so we had to get a c-section anyway. I was very disappointed but knew there was no other options so went in to the OR with a good attitude and looked forward to meeting the child w/in 15 minutes!

Gabe was in there with me dressed in full scrubs (which he chose to wear most the entire night), holding my hand and chatting it up w/the anesthesiologist filled with great energy and excited to announce the sex upon the baby's arrival. After about 10 minutes, we heard the cry and we both were overwhelmed! I've always been told that that moment is one of the most powerful moments of motherhood but there was no way to thoroughly understand it w/o experiencing it. Then our friend, the anesthesiologist, says "Look at all that muconium and that scrotum!!!" So much for Gabe announcing the sex!!! ;) Then we started hearing the doctors say things like, "He's GIGANTIC", "He's a moose!" "My god, that boy would have never come out!" Turns out, our little angel weighed in at a cool 9 lbs, 13 oz and 22 inches long. Thank GOD, I didn't have to push him through!!!! So much for the "Birth Plan"!

In Recovery, I was greeted w/my parents, my doula and Sonia and Erika! It was a great time and we all chatted and cooed and celebrated. They all left (aside from Gabe) and I was checked into my room and motherhood began. I stayed 4 days in the hospital, almost every day packed w/visitors. Lex was passed from person to person without a peep. He became very acclimated to large groups immediately and seems to enjoy the noise over the quiet. Pretty amazing!

Now I'm home, he's going on 9 days of age, we're adjusting to the new schedule (the best we can) and trying to figure out the best way to change his diaper w/o getting peed on! He's still a precious little bean, sleeping often, crying infrequently, and eating well. He's already up to 10.2 lbs and can't wear any newborn items anymore!!! Attached are a few great shots. Eventually, we'll post a bunch on Kodak Gallery and email it out. I can't wait for everyone to meet him...he's a pretty cool cat if I do say so myself. The only thing is that he doesn't really look like either one of us....hmmmmmmmmm....well, at least he as Gabe's hair!!!

Thanks for everyone's support and love.