Happy Late Easter!!!

Anthony did a great job summing up the birth of Eliot.  The only addition I would make is that Anthony was the best coach a girl could ask for.  He was my supportive, massaging, cheerleader through every contraction. I couldn't have done it without him.  In fact, he was so good that the midwife was very hands-off.  She didn't need to step in much at all until I started pushing, I think because she could see that Anthony had everything covered.  

So, back to Easter.  I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

I love this face.  Ira's trying really hard to balance the egg while attempting to smile for the picture. 

Mmmm.  Easter Breakfast.  Ira passed up his cinnamon roll for a bowl of jelly beans. 

The day before Easter, Grandma, Ant, and Ira went to the Danbury Railway Museum to ride the Bunny Express.

I'd be freaked out too Ira.

Hanging out at home.

Brother bonding?  And we were wondering if Ira would regress. 

Ira absolutely adores Eliot.  Sometimes to the point where it's hazardous to Eliot's safety. 

 Mom and Dad were lifesavers!  Ira had a blast with them, and I cried when they left.  

Hope everyone is doing well.  Next post, I'll try and keep the pictures to a select minimum.  I just can't help myself. 

Eliot Spencer Quinn

Our spring blossom has sprung! It's a boy so I don't know how welcome the analogy is, but we'll go with it.

The labor went well, below are the cliff notes from my perspective, for full details you can call and chat with Sharon, she would love it.

Name: Eliot Spencer Quinn
Weight: 8 lbs. 15 oz.
Height: 20.5 inches



Tuesday April 3rd, 2012
4:30 AM - About the time early labor started, this is when Ira woke up and Sharon couldn't get back to sleep.
10:00 AM -We already had an appointment with the midwives so we went in for that, they said it could be labor, but contractions weren't consistent enough to warrant staying. Probably still early first stage labor.

So we went to Costco and stocked up on food and treated ourselves to a Costco lunch.

~ 3:00 PM - Contractions became more consistent at about 5-6 minutes apart, Sharon got more focused. Del and Mary Lou arrived from PA to help out with Ira. - Perfect timing.

~ 6:45 PM - Checked-in to the CT Childbirth and Women's Center - They are amazing! Sharon described it as 'Heaven'. The midwife was supportive as was the nurse on duty that night. - Dilated: 5 cm
~ 9:15 PM - Waters broke (literally burst) - Dilated: 9 cm
~ 9:30 PM - Second Stage Labor started - big pushes
~ 9:50 PM - His head came out slow and after a few pushes the rest of his body was not following. The midwife sternly commanded Sharon to flip out of the sitting position she was in and to get on her hands and knees. One of the babies shoulders was stuck against her pelvis, known as shoulder dystocia. We had an anxious few seconds, that seemed a lot longer, as the skilled midwife did a few maneuvers and the baby was born.

9:54 PM - Official birth time.

He didn't look good after coming out, you can see he is still getting all his color.
The flash didn't help either.

Cheers to mom! Sharon did really well.

Happy new father

We are all home, healthy, and happy.

Ira has been taking well to the new addition. He was a little hesitant at first, but he now affectionately calls it 'My(his) Baby' after some bonding time this afternoon.

Ira was his usual observant self when we first got home, not sure what
to make of the new baby.

He warmed up fairly quickly after he was able to get some alone
time with one of us.

A proud older brother.

Ira loves holding Eliot.

Some good bonding time...
may he always be so gentle and protective...

Thank You Mary Lou for being here with us! 

Ira and Eliot have taken well to Mary Lou.

Celebrating Eliot's birthday with a yummy cake.

She has been a huge help as we start to adjust our lifestyle for a family of four.

I don't know how Sharon is going to survive the three of us.