It's a boy!

Shepherd Michael was born Monday morning and weighed 7 lbs 4 oz and measured 21 in. long.  

I can't say enough good things about my docs or my hospital (Fairfax) - the entire experience was really good, just as it was when Amelia was born.   

I'll write more later about what it is like to bring a fourth baby home.  Reflecting for now, I'd definitely say that each pregnancy got harder but each C-section got easier.  I'm feeling really well and also feeling really comfortable with Shepherd and all the things that go along with a new baby.  It seems that experience does make a big difference.  In some ways, there is a small feeling of victory, like "finally, I got this."  But there is always something new to tackle with each child.  Having a boy is wonderful, we are already so smitten by him.  He came out looking like our kid - lots of dark hair, very round face and cheeks, Matt's feet; all things he has in common with his sisters.  Strangely, he has a cute little cleft chin.  We have absolutely no idea where that comes from.  

He emerged screaming (not crying, screaming) and peeing everywhere! He continued to scream/cry (really, he's a screamer - he was furious about being born) for nearly an hour....but has been the most content baby ever since.  He sleeps great, eats great, burps great - and has peed on his father at least once.  We are both still working on the diapering technique which is so new to us.  

We are happy to be home although our new baby is a little bit yellow.  All of our kids have had some jaundice, though none of them have ever had to go under the lights.  So, we've got extra appointments this weekend for Shepherd, which is a little annoying.  His skin was so red for the first few days and then with the yellow, he kind of looked a bit like a sunset :)  But he is absolutely gorgeous and I am so very grateful for him.  Our family feels complete and we are just settling in to enjoy these early days.  

 

 

Comments

[Kate Coveny Hood]

He is darling! Congratulations!

[yue]

congratulations!

[Morgan Humble]

What a cute baby! Congratulations! Oh my, I think there are no words to describe the joy you're feeling right now. Believe me, I know the feeling. When my son was born, I felt like I was on top of the world. There's just nothing like it!