Letter to Evan, T = 1 Week

Dear Son,

As I write this, you're lying across my lap and sleeping.  You've had a busy first week of your life!  One week ago, your mom woke up early in the morning with early labor pains, with the contractions getting worse and worse.  Luckily, we had an appointment with your mom's doctor that morning.  We went there and he immediately rushed us to the Summit Overlook hospital.  We got checked into Room 8 (a lucky number!) around noon.

At this point, your mom was going through so much pain during each contraction.  They rushed to give her an epidural, but I was pretty frightened seeing your mom lying there in pain.  I think she almost broke my hand when she went through a contraction.  I knew your mom was brave, but she amazed me with how strong she was.  After the epidural, suddenly she felt much better and was even able to get some sleep during the labor.

Around 6 hours later, you were in the right position and your mom started to push you out.  It was an amazing sight---you'll know what I'm talking about once you have your own baby.  It was a miracle to see you slowly push your way out and into the world.  Your mom and I had been watching you through ultrasound throughout the pregnancy, but this was the first time that I viscerally realized that you were real and more than just an image on a computer screen.  You were a live, crying little human.  The doctor delivered you at 6:57 pm on January 4, 2012, and that's when you said "Hello World!"

Evan at birth, 6 pounds, 4 ounces

Evan with mom

Still, you gave us some scares.  You had to go to the NICU for the first couple of days because you had low blood sugar.  They had you attached to all sorts of wires and monitors and it was scary that we couldn't be with you right away.  But you did okay!  You rebounded quickly and became a healthy baby.  We thought we couldn't bring you home until Saturday, but you did so well that you were able to come home Friday night, one day early!

Evan, 1 day old in the NICU

Since then, it's been a busy, tiring week.  We've had to feed you every three hours, so we haven't gotten much sleep.  It took a little time, but you're now able to nurse without too much trouble.  You are a smart baby, although you are a little fussy---you kept your mom and dad up all night last night with your crying.  You just didn't want to be left alone so we had to hold you close to us so that you would calm down.  It's been tough on us, but we understand---you're in a whole new world now and it's been a traumatic experience.  You used to be so safe inside your mom's womb, nice and warm with all the food that you needed.  Now it's cold and noisy and you have to work for your food!   You do have a strong little temper---if you're hungry and you can't get any food, you start screaming as loud as you can.  You want to have it all---eat, sleep, and poop all at the same time!  You hate it when we change your diapers, and it's at least a two person operation.  We sometimes call you Mr. Grump because of that.

But you're getting better and you're a smart kid.  You're only a week old and you're starting to lift your hand to hold your favorite Binky pacifier in your mouth instead of letting it slip out.  Luckily, your grandmother is here to help us.  She helps take care of you as well as us.  She's been able to watch over you while your mom and dad get some rest.  It's the three of us looking out for you, so you're in good hands.

Evan, 4 days old

I'm not sure if you'll remember her, but we also have Ms. Bumper, our snowshoe cat.  We rescued her from the shelter almost a year and a half ago.  She's older, around 15-16 years, and she was used to being the center of attention.  We thought that you wouldn't get along, but so far she's hasn't been too bad.  Mostly, she just ignores you.  Maybe if when you get older you'll have a nice, furry little sister to play with.

Mr. Evan with Ms. Bumper

Ms. Bumper, our snowshoe cat

So far it's been an adventure and it's only been 1 week!  You may not fully appreciate it until you have a child, but we wouldn't trade all of this for anything.

Evan, 1 week old, with Grandma Pau Pau

Love,

Your Father