Matthias' Birth and Hospital Stay

As promised, I finally went through the photos of Matthias' birth and our hospital stay.  I realized that with an approximately 36 hour stay in the hospital with a singleton there are a lot less photos to share than with the four day stay we had with the older boys.  Eric and I commented how much more mellow the whole experience was this time.  It has a lot to do with the fact that we were second time parents (really third time parents?) this time around and had a singleton.  We really got to soak in the whole experience with Matthias' birth and it was an immense blessing.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.  I know going through them made me already nostalgic even though it was only just over five weeks ago.

  

Last belly shot--39 weeks and 6 days based on my official due date.

I was obviously in between contractions here.

Meeting my beautiful son.

He got a lot of kisses.

I was so happy. 

Healthy 9 lbs. 4 ozs.

After his wipe down and eye ointment.

Good morning!

Those sweet little cheeks!

Meeting Grampa Guddat

Meeting Aunty Ally

Proud Papa

Grandma and Grandpa Sybrandy arrived that afternoon

Proud and happy parents

In his going home outfit--it says "Awesome Brother"

Ready to go home for the real adventure!

Matthias' Birth Story

Our little Matthias is a month old today!  Oddly enough for having had a baby so recently, it feels like the time has been much longer than that.  I think it is because we cannot imagine him not being here with us. He brings a huge sense of joy and completion to our family so it is hard to remember that he was not here just a little while ago.

Matthias is doing great and is growing like a weed.  I need to get cracking on his one month update but I finally just now got his birth story done.  The birth story has been added to the blog's pages near our description but you can also click here and check it out.  Just please be forewarned that it is novella length and it actually could have been even more detailed if I had not shown restraint. I have been piecing together the story of his arrival for the last three weeks but it is hard to finish a writing project with three kids two years old and under.  I was really hoping to get through some photos of his birthday to add to the blog tonight still but I am already barely making the midnight cut off.  Matthias went to bed about an hour ago...finally.  I think I should join him.  Hopefully I can add some photos here soon and you can enjoy his birth story for now.

Our Son Has Arrived!

With great love and joy we welcome our son, Matthias Theodore Guddat. He was born September 9th at 9:11 pm weighing 9 lbs. 4 ozs. and 20.25 inches. We had a great birthing experience at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Right now we are just getting settled into life with three children and remembering the sleep deprivation that comes with having a newborn. We are absolutely loving the experience of having a singleton. It has been so special thus far. I am definitely looking forward to writing out the birth story and sharing more about our little blessing.

Right after his weigh in, Vitamin K shot and antibiotic eye drops.

Middle of the night snuggles with papa.

The morning after he was born.

First photo with our new son.

The Boys' Birth Story

Well, the little guys are now 7 weeks old.  I began working on their birth story a couple weeks ago. I figure it was time to get the birth story down in print before I start forgetting all the details.  Be forewarned that it is long because it is really two birth stories, one for each of our sons. 

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. -John 16:21

Birth Story

A&W Pics from First Two Weeks

The last two weeks have been exhausting but a whole lot of fun at the same time. I may or may not have worn my pajamas all day. The boys are doing great though and we are enjoying them so much.  There is something about the bleary eyed hours of the morning and being joy-filled at the beauty of your children. They are really developing appetites and all the anxiety about them not gaining adequate weight has dissipated.  Our regular pediatrician was on vacation when the boys were born.  We loved the on call pediatrician but she was fresh off of her residency and very by the book. I felt like a horrible mother because my sons who were less than a week old were not gaining weight fast enough according to her schedule.  Our regular pediatrician made it clear he was happy with their progress and planned on seeing them again for their 4 week check up.  That made this mama very happy. 

My mom came to stay with us for a week after the boys were born and her help was invaluable.  She would take over in the morning so that Eric and I could get some sleep.  Any parent of twins will tell you the first couple weeks are rough and I would heartily confirm that.  Abraham and Winston have sleep and eating patterns that are about an hour separated.  Even when we feed in tandem, one wakes up sooner than the other and very ready to eat.  I realize each week we will develop more of a routine and their needs will synchronize more.  The thing I am happy about is that they are eating and Abraham is beginning to catch up to his brother.  Individually they are both very "good" babies.  They do not fuss unless they want to eat, have a dirty diaper or have an air bubble hurting their tummy.  I feel very blessed.  If there are parents out there that have lived through colicky multiples, you have my deepest sympathy. 

Eric played the role of photographer for the birth and he did a great job.  We have hundreds of pictures and there are so many I love. I can take credit for some of shots.  I am just slightly stubborn...even shortly after delivering Winston I took one of Eric cutting his cord. We have more pics of Abraham shortly after his birth than Winston after his because of the need for Winston to be stablized in the nursery. I am selecting just a few favorites to share.  Hope you enjoy. 

DH took tons of pics of me.  I think I am slightly amused by him here.

One of the final bump shots- 37 weeks and measuring at nearly 48.

My sweetheart of a nurse made me a personalized pitcher.

My hottie of a husband on the narrow bench bed in the hospital room.

Waiting to really touch them.

Go time- shortly after 5:00 pm.

Delivering in the OR just in case.

5:37 pm. Meeting Abraham Simon. 5 lbs. 15 oz.

Winston Carol coming into this world more than 5 hours after his brother.  7lbs. 9 oz.

A very proud papa.

A proud mama with Winston.

The first of many, many smooches.

Big man Winston

Our first family picture.

Sweet Winston.

Brothers.

Heading home from the hospital.  Abraham seems a bit reluctant.

Abraham makes the best faces.

My arms and heart are full.

Love those little feet.

Abraham has snuggle time with papa.