Monday, June 23, 2008

Happy Birthday Brayden!

Nathan and I are excited to announce the birth of our son, Brayden Lewis Maugel. Born on June 19th at 4:18pm, weighing in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring in at 20 1/2 inches tall.



You'll have to forgive me for not getting this online sooner. As you could imagine between the doctor's visits to our room every 20 minutes, feeding, pumping, changing, visitors, cat naps, etc. I literally never got to look at a computer.

The whole birth experience was really overwhelming emaotionally, something I know we'll never ever forget. My C-Section time was pushed back due to some emergencies that came up with other couples after me who needed my doctor's time, so we waited about 4 hours for my turn to go in. As we waited in the recovery room for my deli ticket number to be called, we heard a newborn crying behind the curtain next to ours and both Nathan and I cried, thinking about how our son will sound just like that. My number was called ;-) and I went in to get the epidural. Wowm talk about an awkward experience! I felt needles go in my back and my feet all of a sudden got really warm. Then I couldn't move my legs. I was strapped to the operating table and the rest is history!


We're now home. Nathan's taking a nap and I'm uploading all our pictures to share with family and friends and updating my blog while Brayden's fast asleep next to me. It's past midnight and I'm eating Sour Patch Kids and drinking lots of water.
I need to pump soon because my breast are rock hard! And persistance paid off! I have a new found respect for women who persevere through the agony of attempting to breast-feed. It's definitely one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. He's still having a hard time latching on so I'm sore but thank goodness my milk finally came in. It felt like it would take FOR-EVER! But I'm so glad I didn't give up as much as it hurts and takes away from my sleep, and is taxing on me physically.
You'll have to forgive me if I'm slow at updating the blog for a bit. Checking email and getting online is now a luxury for me. Both Nathan and I are working hard at being a team and helping each other through learning how to be parents.
As I finish this email, I'm looking over at Brayden and realizing how even his face changes day-to-day and how these precious moments will one day be a memory. He looks a lot like me and my side of the family (woot woot!) but I'm sure he will inherit all the amazing qualities that his father has.
Thank you all for your well wishes on my last blog. I appreciate and NEED your support and friendships. With love, Jen

11 comments:

Lea said...

I'm so happy for you all! Brayden is beautiful!

Lindsay said...

This made me cry! I am SO happy for you two and your beautiful little Brayden, and I'm so relieved that he did just great when he was born. The first couple of weeks are so tiring, but keep with it. Congratulations! :)

RoxC said...

OMG what a beautiful baby!! Congratulations to you and Nathan, I can't wait for you to come back to Sugar with more pix. We love Brayden!
Rox-Shiloh :-)

Sica said...

Ommmmmmmmmmmg!!! Congratulations honey! I'm so happy for you!
Brayden is so tin, so cute.
You and Nathan did a great job!
I'll be waiting for you on Sugar for more updates! Take your time!
Lots of love!
Sica

Moi said...

What a gorgeous little human you have there, girl! Best wishes to you Momma and Daddy N. *Hugs*

Tonya

Lauren said...

Aww, that made me cry too! He's so precious and I'm so happy for you two!

Unknown said...

Awww Jen this blog is so sweet and Brayden is absolutely gorgeous!!! HUUUUUGE congrats to you and Nathan, I'm so happy for you guys!! Can't wait to see more pics!! XX

Anonymous said...

How beautiful is he! Such an amazing experience. You guys are going to be such great parents! I know you'll be busy with your little blessing, but keep the updates and pictures coming! :) And get some rest when you can!

Sarah Caserta said...

I cannot believe you are APOLOGIZING for not blogging or posting pictures sooner. You realize you BORE A CHILD on the evening of the 19th, got home from the hospital only 4 days later, and posted all of this (and picture albums) on the same day?

Jennifer - I order you to take a vacation from all electronics. Pronto. =)

Anonymous said...

Yay! What a gorgeous baby and a wonderful name too. Oh I am so happy for you and Nathan. I cant wait for more updates! :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you and Nathan! He is absolutely adorable. I can't wait to see more pics and hear all about him.