D-Day

Many years of yearning for a baby were finally fulfilled, as the lifelong dreams of a patient Mom and Dad ultimately came to fruition. Thus, the pregnancy of Kelli was watched intently with joy, interest and occasional anxiety, as time closed in on the due date of July 6, 2012.  Approximately eight months into the pregnancy, the report from Doctor Mc Alpine indicated that the baby boy was measuring approximately 8 ½ pounds. Such size and petite build of the Mother would indicate the necessity of birth by Cesarean Section and was ultimately scheduled to occur in late June, 2012 at noon.  Since the birth was planned several days in advance, the grandparents from Colorado were afforded the luxury of traveling eagerly to Lake Charles prior to his celebrated entry into this world.

On a late June morning, 2012, D Day, grandparents Yvonne and Michael picked up the expectant parents and drove to the hospital, arriving at about 9:45.  After admission, the party was joined by the other grandparents, Donna and Craig, as well as, a host of family and friends.

Excitement filled the air as the time grew closer and enthusiastic imaginations wondered what the new addition would bring.  The hospital room was filled with approximately 15 people, all overflowing with anticipation of the big event.  The decision had previously been made that the father would accompany them in the delivery room.  But at the last minute, Kelli announced to both the grandmothers that she also wanted them present for the experience and to photograph the happy occasion.

Thus, at about 11:30, Dad, Grandma Yvonne and Grandma Donna all three began adorning themselves in the cute little blue jumpsuits, hats, booties and masks.  While jovial pictures of their outfits ensued, Mom laid nervously waiting and slightly trembling in bed a few feet away.

At 11:45, Mom was wheeled into the Operating Room for final preparation.  Unbeknownst to the rest, Mom began trembling uncontrollably as they proceeded to introduce the required spinal block.  Fifteen minutes later, Dad and both Grandmothers also made their way into the Operating Room, while other family and friends remained and waited anxiously.

At 12:46, Declan Michael’s head emerged for the first time and his cries could momentarily be heard, even faintly by those waiting across the hall in the labor and delivery room. Devoting utmost attention to the momentous details, Dr. McAlpine remarked that playing in the background was the song “Dream On”, by Aerosmith.  Dad was granted the crucial task of cutting the umbilical cord and actually succeeded on his second gallant attempt.  Grandma Donna excitedly snapped photos, and Grandma Yvonne watched as the doctor offered an explicit tutorial of the procedure underway as he restored Momma’s belly and internal organs back to an appropriate human configuration.  As grandma Yvonne later stated, huge tears welled in Dad’s eyes as he first saw his beautiful baby boy and shortly thereafter introduced him to Momma cialis for daily use cost.  In fact, no-one in the delivery room was free from tears at that moment.  Truly, it was a joyous occasion for all, seeing the infant, now calm and relaxed, in the arms of Mom and Dad.

Across the hall, family and friends heard brief cries, but still yearned for the official verdict that would explain the details of health, weight, size, etc.  Several minutes later, mom was rolled back across the hall, with Declan in hand, a happy health baby boy, 9 pounds 7 ounces and 22 inches long.  The room was filled with excited people gawking at the first glimpse of the new face that had just arrived on planet Earth.  As a nurse gave the first bath, Declan cried momentarily, then again calmed as the bath continued.  As was quickly learned, little Declan was never thrilled to be disrobed for any reason and offered his objection with a brief verbal outburst … “C’mon, can’t a guy have a little privacy around here?”  Following the obtrusive bath, Declan was passed around to virtually everyone in the room, inspiring smiles, laughs and beams of joy in the eyes of all who held him.  Later that day, other family members in Colorado, who were not able to travel for the birth, joined in the celebration via computers using Skype.  They too, were thrilled to participate in the birth and marveled over the visions of the new little fellow.

Aside from the opposition to a sudden removal of clothing, baby Declan was immediately a model citizen.  Rarely did he make a peep, only an occasional cooing noise during sleep, feeding or while just relaxing in someone’s arms.  Even during stressful moments such as the upchuck of stomach contents or loading a diaper full, he was simply the most content baby one could ever imagine.  In fact, since his birth, crying from parents, grandparents, and friends has far exceeded crying from baby.  As with most babies, sleeping is the foremost event of the day and Declan slept peacefully much of the time.  Also like many infants, he did have some issues at feeding time, sometimes orally rejecting the nourishment provided.  Yet, he bravely spit up without a sound and then quietly returned to his normal calm state, quite content in his sometimes wet clothes … until someone rudely decided to remove them for some dry replacements.

During the waking moments of his first few days, he watched Mom and Dad intently, as well as many others who were fortunate enough to enjoy his company.  Declan went home with Mom and Dad at the age of two days.  At three days old he surprisingly raised his head slightly and turned to look at Mom, a feat that left parents and grandparents gleaming with pride at the tremendous fortitude of this extraordinary accomplishment.  The world anxiously watches and waits with anticipation of Declan’s future extraordinary accomplishments.

Hello Declan!  Welcome to Planet Earth