One week old already!

Chase is one week old today!

Needless to say I have been a bit too busy to update our blog....though it has been on the top of my to do list :) Chris and I checked into the hospital last Sunday at 7 pm with plans to be given cervicil to soften my cervix and prep me for the early morning induction. They checked me and realized I was dilated to nearly a 4 already so they were not able to give it to me. After a good nights sleep they started the pitocin Monday morning at 5 am. From 7 am when the contractions began until 5 pm when I gave in and requested an epidural is a total blur. I was curled up on on side of the bed- if I wasn't squeezing Chris' hand I was clenching the rail of the bed. We had family arriving from Dallas and Austin and I had no idea who was there and honestly didn't care! When they checked me at 5 pm and was onlydilated to a 7 and a half and baby's head had not dropped yet I knew I was a long way from pushing and had to have enough energy to do so. I was a totally different person after the epi...all smiles and chit chat. My contractions actually slowed after that...so did my progress. At 9 o'clock I had barely dilated to an 8 and a half and surprise surprise baby's head was still too far up there. By that point the doctor suggested a c-section- I had mentally prepared myself that a c section might have to be an option so I think I handled it well.

Within minutes they had me prepped and daddy was suited up in his blue "painters suit" and I was being wheeled to the OR. Dr. Fitzpatrick gave us play by play details through the delivery process, mentioning he was a big guy. With Chris by my side we waited to hear the cry of our first child...and he surely let us hear it. Chris got the first look ( and picture) and I watched as they cleaned him up and weighed him. I could not believe my eyes, 9 lbs and 8 inches- much larger than I could have ever imagined. Daddy eagerly followed the newest Henderson to the nursery to introduce him to his fan club patiently waiting. Chase Christopher arrived on 3.9.09 at 9:44 pm weighing in at 9 lbs 8.1 oz and was 21 inches long and a head full of dark hair.

For those of you who are mommy's you know that words cannot describe the emotions you feel holding your baby for the first time. I wish I could bottle up that feeling and experience it everyday. He is absolutely beautiful and a part of the love Chris and I share- what an amazing blessing!

We were in the hospital until noon on Thursday and could not WAIT to get home. Chris has been incredible, taking care of me since I was somewhat immobile due to the c-section and very hands on with baby. My heart was so full Thursday afternoon holding our son with my husband next to me....my cup runneth over!

Now we are just taking it easy enjoying our time with Chase and trying to get on some kind of schedule.

Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. we tried to include everyone on our mass email announcing Chase's arrival, but we are sure we missed a few. More updates to come!