Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Stella Drew

July 3, 2012.  5 lbs. 13 oz. 18.9 inches long. 

Stella3

Stella1bw

She was due on July 28.  Then she was scheduled to arrive July 13th.  She has proved once again that she is on her own timeline.

I was sitting at Cooper’s swim meet, sweating in the bleachers visiting with friends, waiting for the meet to start.  A quick trip to the bathroom confirmed that all was not quite right.  A quick phone call to Denten had him taking over at the swim meet and me on my way home to pack a bag and find someone to watch the kids.  Ward families are fantastic when your biological one is far away.  Upon arrival at the hospital, things moved quickly.  Within an hour we had a new baby.  A tiny, tiny little girl who moved our name-decision conversation into high gear. 

Heaven answered my prayers with her beautiful dark hair and a delivery that will leave far fewer emotional scars than the last.  My first week of recovery is by far the best I’ve experienced leaving me both physically and emotionally more available to soak up all the beauty Stella has brought with her from heaven. She left the hospital at barely over 5 pounds and was the same at her appt. this week.  Sometimes her tininess scares me a little and I know that she needs to put on weight and grow, but part of me is holding onto every minute she is little because I know the growing part happens way too fast. 

I’m grateful my mom is here to handle meals, laundry and kids so that long awake hours during the night do not become frustrating, they become moments I can afford to simply stare at her and be completely amazed that she’s here and she’s mine.  I’m very grateful for Denten who handled everything I couldn’t after delivery, both with Stella at the hospital and with the kids at home.  I’m grateful he was there with me and that he continues to balance his time incredibly well, even through his own sleep-deprivation.  I had to return to the hospital on Monday night to remedy a spinal fluid leak that occurred during the delivery process.  His calm presence eased my fears and made that experience much better than anticipated.  Stella is one lucky little girl to have Denten for a dad during her time here on earth, and we are two very blessed parents who get to enjoy her sweet little spirit.  Welcome, Stella Drew… be patient with me.  I love you more than my heart can handle. 

26 comments:

Katie Fritzsche said...

::tears::
What an incredible blessing.

The Malone's said...

How very exciting that she is here and so tiny. I can't wait to meet her.

Unknown said...

thanks for sharing. loved it.

Unknown said...

Beyond gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness she is perfect! Good job mom...and dad. :) Love you guys.

Debi said...

She is beautiful Ambers! I love all the hair. I'm so happy your delivery went so fast. You were very lucky. Congrats little Mother.

kimmalee said...

Oh Amberly, she's so lovely. So tiny and so perfect. I can't believe all her dark hair! I'm very glad that your delivery went so fast and your recovery is going smoothly so far as well. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations a thousand times.

marie said...

She is absolutely beautiful - perfect! Hope you are both doing well! I bet your kiddos are loving her to pieces. Congrats!

Kim said...

She's absolutely beautiful Amberly...congrats to you and the rest of the crew!!!

The McEnaney's said...

She is just beautiful! What a wonderful blessing from heaven!

Miss Melis said...

Congratulations! Stella is absolutely precious! All of our love to your family. We miss you!

Unknown said...

wow, she is gorgeous! So beautiful! Im glad everyone is healthy. Congrats!

Krista Hegstrom said...

She is so gorgeous! Having your mom there is SO the best! I'm glad you are doing well! Hope the transition to 4 continues to go smoothly!

Karen said...

Congrats she is just perfect.

Mallory said...

Oh Amb, this is beautiful. She's so darling. I couldn't be happier for you. She has two incredible parents and very fun siblings. I'm so happy for you. She's perfect. :)

Erin said...

She is beautiful! Congratulations to all of you.

Jess said...

Congratulations! I have another friend with a similar story--gave birth 3 weeks early on the 3rd to a little girl. Perhaps they were friends? So glad she is here!

Torey said...

She is be-u-ti-ful and looks so content to be welcomed into your family. Well done Amberly!

Annie said...

Where the freak did all that dark hair come from??? She's precious. Have so much fun with you're new ity bitty. What a little miracle she is. Gah, I need another one.

Cathy said...

So so cute! Whats the deal with leaking spinal fluid? That doesnt sound fun. Are you really ok?

Katelyn & Wade said...

Well she is exquisite and you made me cry.

Sandi said...

Staying positive is the greatest super power on earth. You have it. Can't wait to meet her.

Patria said...

congratulations!!! Stella Drew is perfect and I love her name so much. What a beautiful baby. You're amazing Amberly! Absolutely amazing. Sending love.

Amy said...

She is perfect & stunning. I can't stop looking at that first picture!

jayme said...

First, Congrats! I am so happy for your family.
Second, it's funny, my brother has a newborn as of the end of July and her middle name is also Drew.

Britta said...

What a sweet little beauty! I saw a picture of her on FB and had to come over and congratulate you (you may or may not have noticed but I'm quite absent in the blogging world lately - mine is about 7 months behind!). She is gorgeous and I hope I can meet her soon!!