Welcome Elijah Dufresne!!!

We were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on November 29, 2011.  Elijah decided that it was ready to come a few weeks early.  I was preparing to go to work and moments away from leaving the house when my water broke. I call the doctor after a few minutes of disbelief and anxiety.  I was not ready and did not have my bags packed yet. I woke up Rich and gathered a few things.  We headed for the hospital and then the contractions began.

I had two fears during my pregnancy: 1) being sent home after false labor and 2) delivering on the interstate heading to the hospital since we lived 50 minutes away. 

We arrived at the hospital about 8am with excitement and disbelief.  We had waited for this moment for so long. After getting checked in, the doctor determined that I was dilated to 4cm and 90% effaced. This was a good start.

I was surrounded by so many great staff members and a wonderful caring husband. They helped to create such a positive energy which kept me going through the challenges of labor.  Many words of encouragement and support. I had my own cheering squad as my labor progressed.

I labored on the birthing ball for a while and then headed to the tub for a few hours. The water was soothing. About 12ish, I was dilated to 9cm and 100% effaced. The contractions were right on top of each other and the pain was becoming unbearable. It was time for the epidural.  I was so surprised by how much that I had endured so far and still had a big smile on my face.  I was reminded of my on strength. All that the body goes through to bring God’s children to this earth is truly miraculous.

After the fourth attempt, the epidural was finally in place and life became much easier to bear.  I found it quite ironic that the anesthesiologist who was able to place the epidural catheter lived in the same neighborhood in SLC, UT at the same time I did. I had to move to VT to meet him.

The epidural slowed down my labor and after a couple hours of pushing, the doctor mentioned that if things did not progress further I may need to consider a C-section.  That was all Elijah and I needed to hear because in the next hour Elijah made his debut.  Weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and 20in. 

Through all the struggles of pregnancy that brought me to that moment, I never could have imagine how quickly they would fade and the extreme joy that would replace it.

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Elijah was very sleepy and struggling to breastfeed. We discovered that his Bilirubin was elevated, which is normal, but it continued to climb to a critical level. He was placed on UV lights to help his body process the Bilirubin.  The Wallaby was not effective and he was needing more intense therapy. My nurse advocated for me and encouraged the doctor not to send him to the NICU. Thanks to her, Elijah was able to stay with me and they brought in the isolette with the big light.  I had to have Rich bring my eye mask so that I could sleep at night.

 

Rich gave Elijah a priesthood blessing and my wonderful family prayed and fasted for him. The next day his levels started to drop. After a week Elijah and I were able to go home. We know that God had a hand in helping Elijah to heal.  He truly was a gift from God.

I also had my own challenges. After deliver, I began hemorrhaging and lost at least a liter of blood. I had a great nurse who quickly picked up on what was happening and got the doctor involved. Within a couple of hours, I had stopped hemorrhaging. My nurse stayed past the end of her shift to make sure that my needs were met.  I am greatly appreciative of the awesome nurses that cared for me. I was white as a ghost which is quite different than my usually rosy complexion. It took some time to get my blood count up and my energy back.

The pic above was taken a number of days after delivery when I was feeling a bit more perky,

Elijah’s Baby Blessing

This was a proud day in the Dufresne House.  Rich was able to perform his first baby blessing. He was nervous, but did an excellent job. Elijah was a angel during the process.  My heart was full and the tears flowed. I dreamed of this day for so long.  I am grateful for a wonderful husband who was worthy to hold the priesthood and perform this blessing.  Thanks to Grandma, Elijah was the best dressed little man.  We were saddened that family could not attend, but knew they were there in spirit.

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Elijah’s First Christmas

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We had a wonderful Christmas.  Elijah was the best present ever, and a close second was having Mom here helping with Elijah, feeding us, and organizing the house. We were sad to see her go, but I promised Dad that I would send her home.

The Santa Suit that Elijah wore was a pleasant surprise. I have no idea where it came from. It just magically appeared when Mom and I were organizing the Nursery just before Christmas.  Everyone ooed and awed when he wore it.

I also had a nice surprise when I opened my present and found a Kindle inside.  My jaw dropped.  I have used it quite a bit since.

Elijah

Growling like a lion. He was not happy that I woke him to change and then had the audacity to take his picture.

 

 

 

Frostbite is having Sibling Rivalry.  She has been keeping her distance most of the time. There is occasional hissing, but things are gradually getting better. Frostbite is quite territorial.

 

 

This is one of his favorite places to be. The swing was a heaven sent gift from a generous ward member. I love this bib ‘cause it is so true.

 

 

 

Grandma gave Elijah a nickname,  “Mister Grunt”  He always grunts when is falling asleep or waking up and sometimes when he is eating.  It is quite hilarious.  I guess he wants to make sure everyone is paying attention to him.

Ready for the Snow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved this suit. It was so soft and furry.

Preparing for Baby Dufresne

The time is coming closer. We have so much to do before we are ready. My co-worker has generously given us a crib that converts to a toddler bed. We need to assemble it and paint it a chocolate brown. Rich and I went to Babies ‘R Us and registered. I was so overwhelmed and excited about all the things babies need.  It was fun to dream and plan for the near future. I still need to go back and add more. It was more tiring than I envisioned it would be.  This little one is going to be spoiled by everyone around him.

Also need to set up a place for Mom to stay. I am so excited to at least see her this year. It was heartbreaking to cancel our Dec trip home to see the family, but what took its place is well worth it.  We are hoping to be moving to Utah by the end of next year God willing.

Sneak Peak!

Just 6 months ago on General Conference weekend, we were blessed with the news that our family was expanding. Wow! Time has quickly flown by. Rich and I are filled with nervous and excited anticipation for this sweet spirit to bless our lives. When I hear “Just Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble on the radio, I have tears of joy come to my eyes and start singing along to the baby.

In spite of the aches and pains, the pregnancy has gone well. Our little boy is frequently on the go now.  Hope it is not telling of a future of constantly chasing him around.  I have had the joy of listening to his little heartbeat through my stethoscope at home. This has added to our bonding experience.  It is still quite unbelievable that there is a living being inside me and watching him move/bounce in my belly is awesome.  He loves to be on the right side of my belly most of the time.

Here are some previews of what’s to come!!! (20 week Ultrasound)

Our Little One was very stubborn and insisted on moving away from the technician or covering up with arms and legs.  I did not mind since it meant the technician and to look a bit longer.  I was enjoying every second see this wonderful baby that was part of me. Waving to the world. Looks like he’s wearing shades. So excited to get this beautiful profile shot. Rich is certain that he will have my nose. Guess we will have to wait and see. Wonder if his toes will be short or long. He is growing so fast already!His heart is barely visible in this pic, but it is working hard at beating 150 times a minute.  The human body is so intricate and amazing. Officially, It’s a Boy! Rich’s heart skipped a beat when the word “boy” reached his ears. He has dreamed of having a boy to carry on the Dufresne genes.  I think that I was in shock. Happy to have a healthy boy, but also realizing that I wanted a girl a little more that I knew. No matter what, I will love this little one with all my heart. I have prayed and worked hard for so long to bring him into my life.  He is truly a miracle from God.

Baby Dufresne

Baby’s first Ultrasound at 8weeks. The fetus is upside-down. You can see the arm and leg buds. Measuring in at 8.2 mm and the size of a Lima Bean. The squiggles on the the bottom of the image represents the heartbeat. Even at this stage, the little one had brought us so much joy.

Nearly halfway through and I am finally starting to feel pregnant. I can feel the firmness in my abdomen. Soon I will be able to feel the baby move. Rich and I are so excited for our next Ultrasound in which we may be able to know the sex of the baby.  Can’t wait to see the fingers and toes.