My Baby and Me!

Robert was due to arrive today. Thank goodness though; he's already been out and about for 5 days! We are so so so pleased to welcome him into our family. All of us could not be more thrilled.

          

 I was in labor for 12 hours and 15 minutes: a new record for me in a good way. It was hard, and there was a moment when I thought I would not be able to do it, but Robert was worth all of the pain and exhaustion. Robert Christian Phillips weighed 8lbs. 6oz. and were 21 inches long with a 15 in head circumference. My mom cut the umbilical cord when he came out at 11:37 on September 10, 2013. The umbilical cord was wrapped around tightly around Robert's neck, but Dr. Brown popped it off with no issue. His vitals always looked good (except for once when I laid on my side) and so Dr. Brown was never worried. That first cry of his brought tears to my eyes as they placed Robert on my chest. Francis just repeated over and over, “I’m so proud of you” as he held back tears and went for the camera. He watched Robert get cleaned up and be weighed and measured. There was no way he was going to leave our baby's side. My mom left to get me food, and we had an hour to nurse, cuddle and love on our new bundle. I will not forget the pride, joy and love on Francis’s face when he held Robert for the first time. It was a precious moment.

          

 We were moved to a new room and got settled in well after 1 am. None of us slept much, but it didn’t matter. We had Robert.

          

 The next morning, my mom and mother-in-law brought William to meet Robert. William gave Robert a monkey stuffed animal and cow rattle. Robert "got" him a toy train engine. William loved Robert already.

William begged to hold him right away. We set him in William's lap with a pillow and asked him who he was holding. He answered, “Rob!” Already he had a nickname for Robert. It was adorable. William stroked his brother, loved on him and kissed him. It was so adorable and made me so proud! William has wanted to hold Robert pretty consistently ever since. My father-in-law came to meet Robert later that day as did my Aunt Camille, Angel Davis, and Seth and Arlene Jennings. It was a great first day.

           

Robert's first full night was rough on me. He didn’t sleep and Francis went home to be with William. As I was her only patient, the nurse took Robert twice so I could rest. I think he may still have your days and nights confused (My mom has been watching him at night in between feedings and she is exhausted!). After Robert's circumcision the next morning and the doctor checked me out, we were cleared to leave around 4pm. We got home, had a burrito dinner with my mom, Francis and William and then settled in for the night. Around 8:30pm, I checked Robert's diaper and found he was still bleeding from his circumcision site, and I panicked. Francis, Robert and I headed to the emergency room where they put on more medicated gauze (they had put some on before at the hospital when we left to stop a bleed) and sent us home. The next morning Robert was still bleeding, so we met Dr. Brown at the hospital and she put some glue stitches to make the bleeding halt. It worked! From the hospital we went straight to the pediatrician and got a clean bill of health (no jaundice!!). I could not have been more relieved. We were then finally able to spend more than 8 hours out of the hospital with with our boys. Robert is one awesome kid. He barely cried through any of it.

           

Saturday, the whole family came to visit. Papa, Sweetie, Nana, Grandad, Mom Noble (my grandmother), Aunt Camille, Aunt Christian, Aunt Danielle, Uncle Chad, Aunt Cyndy, Uncle Chris and Cousin Abby. The house was full! Papa (My Dad) was completely thrilled to hold the other Robert, and Christian and Danielle were sweet baby hogs (with Christian being much worse!). It just shows how well Robert is loved that everyone wanted to be here with him. William got a new train set with tracks, and the men spent a great deal of time assembling it. William enjoyed playing swords with Chad, Danielle and Christian, and especially loved playing with Abby in his motorized truck. William loved showing Robert off to everyone and relished the big brother title he so richly deserves.

           

Now here Robert and I sit on a Sunday afternoon. William and Dad went to church while Mom and I stayed to care for Robert and recuperate from another sleepless night. I love his little faces and gentle snoring. Just looking at him brings tears to my eyes. We are so blessed!

       

William is adjusting pretty well to being a brother, but there are times I can tell he wants to be a baby too. We keep accentuating the positive things about being a big boy and that really seems to help. My back is killing me. It seizes constantly, but I try to push through. I really don't want to have to ask my doctor for stronger medication. Even laying down, though, I get no relief. Please be in prayer for me as I continue to try to adjust to our growing family. Pretty soon I will be on my own and I really need to be in tip top shape! 

So, in conclusion, welcome to the world, Robert Christian Phillips!!!!