Madison Emery Gribble was born Friday, December 16, 2011 at 12:05pm. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 18 3/4" in length. Mom and baby are both fine, and dad has been smiling ever since.
We arrived at the hospital Friday for our scheduled cesarean at 9am to finish up our paper-work, get settled into our room, meet the nursing staff, and learn a bit of what to expect. Shortly after which, Jeff's mom and dad arrived, as well as our good friend Lesley.
Around 11:45 we were heading into the O.R. to meet our little girl face to face. With dad sitting by mom's side, we patiently waited to heat her first cry.
Jeff hadn't planned on seeing much of the delivery process, but with a little prodding, stood to see over the sheet just in time to see Madison being brought out! Since she had been in a breach position, the first sight to be seen was her little bottom, within seconds that felt like minutes of anxiousness, she was flipped over so her face could be seen for the first time...his first thought: "she's perfect!".
Madison's nurse team then went to work with Madi while mom's group continued finishing up. It was then our tears began to flow with the sound of her first cry.
By now, dad had made his way to stand by as Madison's footprints were taken, tests were conducted, and measurements taken while mom curiously watched from the distance of her table. When all the necessary measurements were taken, the nurses brought Madison over to mom and placed her on her chest...our first visit together. One of the doctors was gracious enough to grab a picture for our first family photo.
Next was Dad's turn; I finally got to hold my little girl! What a beautiful sight seeing her little face. After a brief meeting, I was able to complete one wish I'd had, to say a prayer over her before moving into the recovery room.
In recovery we were able to spend more one on one time with our girl, and watch Becka, one of our great nurses, give her first bath before leaving out to meet her grand parents still waiting patiently in our room.
Now on day three since her birth, we continue to be amazed at just how much of a blessing she is!
LaWanda is improving by leaps and bounds (most likely a testament to the shape she was in pre-pregnancy); and has been doing a super job in her new role as mom. Dad has been trying to help in anyway I can, changing diapers, helping with feeding, and giving an endless supply of kisses to those beautiful cheeks.
We can't wait to introduce her to all of our friends, see her grow into a beautiful girl, young lady, and strong woman; we thank all of you for the support you've shown us to this point, and thank you in advance for the positive influences we feel confident you'll put into her life.
With thankful hearts,
Jeff and LaWanda
