Introducing...

Aiden Michael Canada born August 24th, 6 lb. 11 oz and 19 3/4" long.



















I had a scheduled c-section on August 24th set for 10:30 a.m. At around 1:40 a.m. that morning I woke with contractions but was able to go back to sleep. Then at around 2:45 a.m. I was woken by contractions that were stronger and couldn't go back to sleep. I had some other signs that labor was definitely here so to be on the safe side, we went to the hospital earlier than my scheduled time to go in. I was put on some IV fluids which calmed down my contractions. It was a long morning but I eventually got into the surgery room around noon and Aiden was born at 12:24 p.m.! I am very grateful for my friend Stacy who works in L&D at the hospital and she came and was working in my c-section and taking care of me!! Knowing she was there to oversee everything made me feel so comfortable. I knew Aiden and I were in good hands!

My family was able to watch Aiden being born through a window. Sean was out of the surgery room for the first 20 minutes while I was being prepped. As soon as I knew they were going to get him, I put out my hand reaching for him. I was nervous and shaking. This c-section was very different than the first in the sense that I was completely aware and awake for all of it. As soon as I heard Aiden cry, I started to cry. Of course I knew I was pregnant and already had a connection with Aiden being that I was carrying him but hearing him cry brought everything to a whole new reality and joy in my heart.

Hailey was not there for the c-section but we planned for her to drop by the hospital later in the day once we were settled into a room. She likes babies so she was excited to see one but didn't know what to think of how I was dressed, that I couldn't hold her but I was holding Aiden. She saw Aiden for a couple minutes and then was interested in the toys that Nana had for her. :)

Our hospital experience was excellent. Except for the food that is. Because I have a mango allergy, I couldn't get the normal food that everyone else got. Instead I got a tray for allergy patients and it was DISGUSTING!!! Bleh! Next time I am not disclosing my mango allergy... I know not to eat them. The nurses were great, doctors great and overall the experience was night and day different from my first. Praise God for Stacy and her convincing me to change doctors and hospitals!!!

As time has gone on here at home (3 weeks), Hailey has adjusted extremely well to Aiden and the new family dynamic. It will only get better from here as I heal and am able to do more things! I can't wait to play on the floor with Hailey and Aiden and take them out places! Hailey loves to help with Aiden and always asks for him when she wakes up. She always has to know where daddy is, where I am and where Aiden is. When he cries, she tries to fix it with either his pacifier or wants me to feed him. She likes to bring him toys and wants to make sure he has his blanket. She also loves to "read" her Bible to him, hold him (with assistance of course) and get diapers for him.

I don't know where I would be in my healing process if it wasn't for my mom. She has been here every weekday taking care of me, Hailey, Aiden and cleaning my house. She takes us anywhere we need to go and carries all the bags. She gets here so very early in the morning before Sean leaves just in case Hailey wakes up and to let me sleep. She has been wonderful and I know she is sacrificing a lot and wearing herself out. I just hope I get the opportunity to do something for her that blesses her even more than she is blessing me. I love you mom!