He’s Here!
So sorry to have left you all hanging on Wednesday after my last post about my daughter being in labor, but having a baby is serious business that takes the intense concentration of many people, (most notably the Mom) and there hasn't been time to write until now.
My beautiful grandson, Henry Rains Hopman, arrived yesterday, December 8th, at 5:17 PM. (I have a grainy photo of him taken from my Iphone but I'm not posting it out of respect for my daughter and her husband. They are feeling very private and protective about this baby. Suffice it to say that he's the most beautiful baby ever born in the world. Ever. Really.)
We arrived at the hospital Wednesday afternoon and didn't get home until last night after 10 PM. My daughter labored for over 24 hours, with no pain medication. Let me repeat that: with no pain medication. She really wanted to have a natural childbirth and nearly accomplished it. But then it turned out that Henry's heartbeat was dipping dangerously with every contraction. They tried slowing labor down and finally gave her an epidural, but the same problem remained.
The three of us attending the birth (besides her husband) had been up all night with a few minutes of dozing here and there and yesterday afternoon we'd gone to the cafeteria when they gave her the epidural. With full tummies, we came back to the room and all three of us fell asleep in various awkward positions on chairs and couches. Only to be awakened by a sudden flurry of activity–the room had filled with nurses and doctors.
They had decided that Henry needed to come out immediately and were prepping her for a C section. In mere minutes, she was gone and we were left behind to pack things up and wait. They got him out quickly and both mother and baby are fine and healthy.
And now I have to answer the gazillion emails that came in while I ignored the world. And, of course, draw a name for this week's contest. I'm going to give everyone a little more time and cut off the time to enter at noon today. So hop on over there if you haven't yet entered! And thank you for all your comments and good wishes about my grandson.
Zan Marie
Congrats to one and all! I’m glad he’s here and fine and she’s fine. How about you, Grandmom? Or is it Grandma, Granny, Ma…? ; )
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks, Zan Marie! I’m going to be called Nonni. My daughter and daughter-in-law decided that we should choose grandparent names ahead of time and that’s the winner!
Patrick Ross
Congratulations! I’m so glad things went well for all parties, and you have a new little one to love in your family. I admire your daughter for doing things the way she wants to do them, but if I were a woman in labor I’d be asking for the epidural before I even began to dilate.
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks, Patrick! And yeah, it was pretty amazing to watch her breathe through those contractions.
Lauri
Welcome to the world, Henry! And I’m so glad everyone is doing fine. Congratulations!
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks, Lauri, he’s a keeper for sure!
J E Fritz
I’m glad mom and baby are doing well. I don’t doubt your word. I’m sure he’s the most beautiful baby ever : ) Congratulations to all.
Patrick Ross
“Amazing” would be one word for it!
Jessica Baverstock
While we don’t want to intrude, and we respect your family’s privacy, could you at least pass on the congratulations and best wishes from your blog readers to Henry and his parents?
We’re all very excited and happy.
J.D.
That’s great news, Charlotte. That’s a writer’s name if I have ever heard one!
Charlotte Dixon
Lauri and J.E., thanks for the congrats!
Jessica, I will definitely pass on all the good thoughts and wishes from my wonderful readers. And you are not intruding in the least!
Charlotte Dixon
J.D., I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it certainly is a good writerly name, isn’t it? Perhaps his grandmother can exert a subtle bit of influence to steer him toward the creative arts as he grows up. :-)
Square-Peg Karen
Charlotte – I just read about your dear Henry – and the experience of his birth & was thinking what a GREAT name he’s got. Then read the comments and saw what J.D. said – so true – little Henry has got a writer’s name for sure! How cool!
Congratulations to the whole family – and what a dear gram name you’ve got; you’ll be a wonderful Nonni (it’s so obvious that you’re devoted!) – so sweet!
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks, Karen! I absolutely love the name Henry, too. Its classic and hip at the same time. I can’t wait for the Nonni adventures to begin!
Amanda
Sorry I’m so behind, but a late congratulations to your family!
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks, Amanda,congrats are always welcome!