Monday, August 10, 2009

Happy Birthday Levi!

Levi Glade Baker
August 7, 2009
8:09 am
9 lb 12 oz
20 1/2 in



We went to the hospital on Friday morning for a scheduled cesarean section. My doctor thought this was the safest way to deliver because I had a previous shoulder dystocia with Elijah and this baby was measuring even bigger.

It was quite a different birth experience this time around. We scheduled the cesarean for Friday and were able to prepare everything ahead of time, like getting a sitter for Elijah. We even would have been able to walk into the hospital leisurely, except that we slept in and had to rush to the hospital so we didn't miss our scheduled time. After signing paperwork and getting hooked up to an IV, I walked into the operating room so they could prep me for surgery. They gave me spinal anesthesia, which started working immediately. After a few minutes they allowed Brian in and started the surgery. Brian brought the camera, and he documented the birth beautifully with these photographs. I am so grateful he has become such a good photographer.



I couldn't see anything with this large sheet in front of me. It's probably a good thing to not see what's going on. It was weird enough to feel all the pulling and tugging in my abdomen.



Our doctor allowed Brian to take a few photos of the baby being delivered. I love having these since I couldn't really see or experience what was going on at the time. One funny thing is that as soon as they started taking the baby out, he peed on everyone!



Cutting the umbilical cord.



When they weighed him, the baby was 9 pounds and 12 ounces! A pound and a half bigger than Elijah was at birth (8lb 3oz)!! Our doctor said it was a good thing we had the cesarean. With the baby so big, it could have led to some major complications with a vaginal birth.



Brian brought the baby over to me to meet. We were lucky our anesthesiologist was a hobby photographer, so he was able to take our first photos together as a family. That's the drawback of our camera - most people are not able to operate it to take a quick shot of us.





In the recovery room, I was finally able to hold the baby and start to breastfeed him.



We discussed names and finally settled on Levi Glade Baker. We both love the name Levi and Glade is my grandfather's name. My only concern was how similar Levi and Eli sound. After talking about it, we decided to just use Eli's full name: Elijah the majority of the time.



A few details.





Elijah is so excited to have his little brother here. He exclaims "brudder!" each time he sees him and asks to hold the baby. So far, he has been surprisingly gentle, though I'm sure that will change as he gets more comfortable with Levi. I'm just glad he likes his little brother. Elijah is even willing to share his cars with the baby, which is saying quite a lot.



On his second day, we took some portraits of Levi. Isn't he adorable?! Look at those bright eyes - he is so alert and observant.















And finally, since everyone keeps asking if he looks like Elijah, I'll let you decide for yourself. Here is Levi at two days old in daddy's hands:



And here is Elijah at 4 days old in daddy's hands.



What do you think? Do they look alike? I can see some resemblances.

Thank you everyone for your prayers and kind thoughts on our behalf. We are so blessed to have two amazing, beautiful sons. We are so grateful Levi is here safely and in good health. More photos to come soon, so stay tuned...

20 comments:

corryfever said...

He is so beautiful! congratulations!

Jill said...

He's a beautiful baby boy. I look forward to more pictures.

Corinne said...

What great pictures! I loved them. Thank you so much for sharing - Levi is just perfect and Elijah is getting so big. Take it easy and recover quickly.

Love, Corinne

Unknown said...

These are unplaceable pictures/ moments. Congratulations on the new adddition to the family.

Michelle said...

Wow, he is really alert - and absolutely gorgeous! The picture of him and Elijah is priceless.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I can't believe how alert Levi is!!! All of your pictures are priceless. What a beautiful family :)

the momma said...

Congratulations! We wish we could have seen you in all your glory at the reunion, but know it is better to be safe then sorry. Grand nephews...keep 'em coming!!!!

Jeremy and Taren said...

He is absolutely gorgeous. You did a great job. Congrats momma.

Desirae said...

wow! Congratulations! I just read a few of your older posts too! It's been a while. You do such great photography! Very nice blog! Very artistic!

Creative Mama said...

HOORAY for babies!!! Hope your feeling well mama!

Unknown said...

He's beautiful! Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures with us!!! Congratulations! xxoxox
virginia and Artin

dpm said...

The birth pictures are amazing (so jealous) and Levi is beautiful. Thanks for sharing! Hope you're doing well.

Rachel said...

Congratulations Amber and family! He is perfect- so sweet. I love the choice to go black and white for this post too :) And let me tell ya- that doctor was KIND to do a c-section for you. My doctor was not so kind- Lyla was 9 lb. 4 oz. and she broke her collar bone coming out. It was so sad, and such a pain to take care of for the first month or so. Your doctor was a little more considerate :) Good luck with adjusting to everything. Can't wait to see more photos of Levi. I LOVE the name Levi Glade too. Take care of yourself!

JO*MOMMY*LONG*LEGS said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We so missed you at the reunion but he is worth it! How exciting. Hope you are doing well.

Justin and Roxanna said...

These are amazing pictures!! Congrats on such a beautiful family. Hope you have a speedy recovery and enjoy your sons :-)

Chris Fullmer said...

Wow! Such a beautiful little boy! We are so thrilled for you & excited for your adorable family. Have fun with those cute kids! -Fenna

Fergus and Tux said...

Congratulations. We are so happy everything went well.

raw mom said...

whaT A beautiful BABY!!! YOU LOOK ED SO BEAUTIFUL TOO!!! I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR YOU...I know YOU ARE BUSY...BUT I MIGHT CALL YA SOMETIME REAL SOON...WOAH! sorry about the caps!!

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Susan Lesley said...

What beautiful pictures - you must be so proud!