Newborn Pictures

We had two sets of pictures made. At the hospital they offer a service to come in and take pictures. Sam was screaming and crying and didn't seem to participate at all, so I wasn't expecting too much from this set. The lady finished and we sat down to review the slide show... I cried. The pictures were beautiful, and I couldn't believe that was our baby boy. Here are a few of my favorites from the hospital portraits.

We also had our newborn shoot with Cameron of CWF Photography. Here are a few of those. I'll post more when we get our CD of images.

Sam's Birth Story

     So I went to the doctor on your due date, Feb. 25 to have a check. I had been feeling a few Braxton hicks and was excited to see if any progress had been made. The midwife came in to check me and I was still closed and no progress. She sent me over to have an ultrasound to check on you and make sure you were still doing well. When I went in for the ultrasound, I was excited to see you. The ultra sound technician began, and then gave me the news… you were BREECH!!! I was in total shock and began crying. I had been told previously that you were head down and ready, but you had apparently turned yourself back around to breech. I wasn't prepared for this news and it was completely over whelming. We then began discussing when we would do the scheduled C-section, because delivering a breech baby isn't an option. Leave it to you to totally destroy my all natural birth plan. : ) Dr. Grogan was available for Thursday, but after much thought and debate I didn't want to wait, so we decided on the following day, Tuesday. Dr. Middleton was the doctor that was going to do the surgery. She asked about my interest in an external version, and I was thrilled that she brought it up. I was excited to try. Dr. Trevett was going to be the specialist to attempt the version at 10 am on Tuesday. After the initial shock wore off, I called your daddy and told him the news. I also called Gram and Aunt Mally and they headed this way. Your daddy and I went to Taki (sushi) for our last dinner without you here, and prepared for the changes that were about to happen. 

(Headed to the Hospital)

     We woke up on Tuesday morning ready to head to the hospital at 10, but I got the call that Dr. Trevett wanted me there as soon as possible, so we headed out. Traffic was horrible and I was getting very anxious. When we arrived at the hospital we check in and were taken to the operation prep room. All the computers were down, and so it took a little longer for things to get going. Dr. Trevett came in and attempted the external version to no avail. You weren't moving. Dr. Trevett was very upset, but I was just glad that we had tried to do everything possible to have a vaginal birth. After the version was unsuccessful, I was prepped for OR. The  anesthesiologist came in and gave me the epidural. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. Soon after your daddy was dressed up and ready to meet you. The epidural kicked in and we were rolled to the OR. We were the only ones on the floor that morning having a C-section, so we were well taken care of. The nurses were great and had a great sense of humor and personalities. I was prepped for surgery and they brought your daddy in. At 12:21 pm, they pulled you out and you met the world. You were 8 lbs. 6 oz and 19.5 inches long. We heard you cry, and it was one of the best noises I've ever heard. They called your daddy over to meet you and he came back with tears in his eyes. I knew then you were perfect. After they got you cleaned up, they brought you over to meet me, and I fell in love. You were my baby boy! You and your daddy went to recovery to get all checked out and wait on Mommy. I was stitched up and met you soon. In recovery they washed you up, and then handed you to me to nurse. I couldn't believe you were here. We stayed in recovery for a while before we were taken to our room. Your Aunt Mally, Gram and Pops were about to have a heart attack waiting to meet you. Once we got settled in, your daddy went to get them, and they were beyond excited. We stayed in the hospital until Friday. We had the most amazing nurses taking care of us. Your daddy was a natural at taking care of you. He changed your first poopy diaper and several from then on. He is totally in love with you. The big joke is that you are stubborn and hard headed and was going to come into this work having it your way. So out went my birth plan and in came Sam Sheridan Hanna by a C-section.

                Breastfeeding you started out as the most challenging thing I've ever tried to do. You lost over 10% of your body weight. And lactation came in many times to help me out. I had to hand express my colostrum and give it to you by a spoon. The lactation counselor said you were the only newborn that could feed so well from a spoon. You were also wide awake. All the nurses couldn't believe how alert you were. Everyone thought you were beautiful. You had dark brown hair, a dimple on your right cheek and were perfect.

                Carolyn, Rori, Trish, Aunt Tina, and Holly all came to see you in the hospital. It was great to have a few visitors. Rori said you were perfect, so no more worries about an ugly baby. Though I always knew you would be so handsome.

     Sam you have changed our lives in the best way possible. We are more in love with you than anything in the world. We can’t wait to watch you grow and cherish every moment.