Thursday, April 3, 2008

Thursday at the hospital

Thursday afternoon, Gayle and I, along with Granny Lyons, drove up to Pomerado Hospital. A little nervous and hoping for the best, the newborn staff put us at ease, explaining what was to come. At 5:40pm we were introduced to our new baby boy.

Driving up to the hospital we reviewed our shortlist of potential names. We figured once we saw wee Lee, one of the names would jump out at us. He was born with reddish hair and a healthy set of lungs. We thought he looked like a lil Caden. Caden is a Welsh/Irish name meaning spirit of battle or little fighter.
We enjoyed giving the him a quick bath and asked the nurses all the questions we could imagine. Once he was bundled up, warm and happy, the nurses opened up the nursery window for a family greeting. Auntie Kris, Granny Lee, Granny Lyons and Grandad Lee crowded the window for a peek.


We were assigned a room and off we went to spend our first night together.

Inside Room 206

So off we went to our room with our new burrito wrap asleep in the bassinet. Once settled in the room, we took turns passing Caden around. He was just as sweet and silent as could be.
Feeding time was fast approaching. We soon learned that Caden wasn't shy about expressing his desires. Quivering chin and all, he demonstrated his command of the upper register with great passion.
So with that, it was time for Mike's crash course in baby feeding. So there I was with a roomful of experienced mothers, simultaneously holding Caden, feeding all of 1/2oz of formula, flexing every muscle in my body and positioning each of my limbs as awkwardly as possible.
It appears I passed Neck Support 101, yet failed miserably with Burping 206. Thankfully the room full of graduate mothers gave a full tutorial. With a full tummy, wee Caden's energies diminished. He was out before we placed him back in the bassinet. The excitement, stress and awkward flexing took its toll on your humble narrator as well. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Gayle hit the light and the three of us drifted off into dreamland.