Our family has grown by 2 feet...

Benjamin Maxwell Hatch

9 November 2010

9.17 lbs 21 inches

Little boys are so much fun, we thought we'd have another one. And boy, oh boy, are we feeling blessed that this little tough guy has joined our team. He is absolutely adored.

Our angel (aka Mom, grandma, Cindy) came to help. And help she did: cooked some "delicious" (as per Isaac) food, played football, trains, and cars, walked "on the path with foot prints where the marines let you drink their water in cones", washed a lot of laundry, cleaned AND was wonderful to have around. We LOVE her!
Benjamin is a smiley little gent. Often all it takes is a brush on the cheek, or a finger around the ear.
Shortly after his first cries, Benjamin started to whimper/grunt. The nurse kindly explained that was a sign of distress and that he wasn't getting the oxygen he needed. He sounded sweet, but we understood the need to take him away. He went to the NICU, where he was started on 30% oxygen via a copula. Nurse Judy said it took four of them to get it on him, and she also said he shook the bassinet to let them know he was not pleased "even when he couldn't breathe." She promised him his parents would make up for it on later birthdays as he sure didn't enjoy his original one. Eric would go check on him. I didn't get to see him until the evening of the 10th, after I had received a blood transfusion and could finally stand. He was such a welcomed sight, and a great motivator...I had a mission to mother him. I feel VERY blessed.

One of my favorite memories of this time was when Isaac and Seth got to meet Benjamin for the first time. Judy got the okay to have Isaac and Seth come to the NICU and meet in a special family education room. Eric is a champion daddy and let the boys go to the store and choose a present to give to Benjamin. Seth chose a giraffe and Isaac chose cars. They were both so excited to see him!

We both got to leave the hospital together on Saturday! Benjamin had been off air for almost two days. His CRP was finally in check as well (it had started of as 2.4 and needed to be under 1). Eric, the little men and grandma came to pick us up. I get all gushy just looking at him. I think he is such a handsome little fellow.

Benjamin came home to a party (thanks Jessica and Clayton). Isaac LOVES a celebration and what better reason than to welcome home our newest teammate. I like this picture of all the main men in my life. Boy am I blessed!