The birth of Levi, Pt. 2: Levi's first two days

Near the end of our hospital stay:  Ready to bring our 2-day old baby Levi home

Immediately after the daylong events of Levi's birth chronicled in Part 1 (link), we began preparations in the middle of the night to move from the birthing suite at St. Vincent hospital into our new room.  The new Mommy fed our newborn boy while I packed up our things.

Kathy and I remained awestruck at the sight of our beautiful baby Levi, one hour old.  As mentioned last week, Levi was no small baby.  Levi's 9 pounds, 6 ounces somehow managed to beat his older sister Lena's birth weight, although Lena retains the edge for her birth length.  Lena and Levi both made impressive entrances.

But until we birth a 16 pounder like this ginormous baby from the Bay Area, Kathy and I have no room to talk.

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Just after 3 a.m. on Wednesday, hospital attendant/ aspiring pro photographer Michael helped transfer Kathy and I down the hall to the maternity ward.  We bid farewell to the roomy comfort of our birthing suite.

Levi's first big move, at two hours old

Two hour old Levi faded out for this part.

Settling into our tiny new room in the maternity ward

Extra cozy digs

Levi's first morning, after a LONG day/night for Mommy and Daddy

Daddy's skin to skin time with Levi

Hospital visits from family and friends

Grandpa Doug/ Bo

Mimi/ Lora

Papa/ Tom

Grandma Susan/ Vive

Pastor Tim

But ultimately, it was just the three of us...

The proud Daddy holds his new bundle of joy-- those two cliches couldn't ring more true

Mommy gets some much need rest with baby Levi.

...minus Lena, who sadly had to stay home.  Thanks to her grandparents, she was in good hands.

At the end of our hospital stay with baby Levi (see our checkout photo above, at the top of this post), Kathy and I reflected on the miracle that had happened:  We were blessed with an unlikely natural delivery for Levi, even after our previous C-section with Lena!  The scary risks of a VBAC delivery had failed to live up to the hype.

It was a relief to finally deliver a baby while not in constant crisis mode (Yep, we’re looking at you, Lena. Glad you and your little brother Levi were born safely!).  Whether via natural or C-section delivery, we again thank God for giving us yet another wonderful child.  Kathy and I love Lena and Levi both beyond measure.

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Study, sermon prep, prayer, and a fun little excursion or two will occupy most of my free time this week.  And the next week, Kathy and I fly out to visit friends throughout Europe!  But check back here later in March for The birth of Levi, Pt. 3!

The moment when Lena first meets her baby brother Levi would turn out to be one of the highlights of my life.  We've saved the best for last!!