Kale Thomas Helling arrived in our lives on April 15, 2010. He weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and was about 20 inches long. We couldn't be happier. We have waited so long for this moment to arrive and we couldn't feel more blessed. God has blessed us beyond compare.
Kale ended up arriving by C-section. As my contractions increased two things happened: my heart rate increased and established a tacchycardic rhythm and Kale's heart decreased. They were most concerned with the changes in Kale. At one point his heart rate went all the way down to 60 beats per minute. I was then rushed in for an emergency C-section. During the C-section they discovered that the cord was wrapped around Kale's neck and each contraction sent his heart rating plummenting due to lack of oxygen. The doctor also said that my pelvis was way to narrow to ever deliver and that a C-section would've been needed regardless. We were all so nervous and I was very scared that something would happen to him, but he came out just perfect!!
It is amazing how rough they are with babies. You can see the fluid coming up in streams as they "ripped" him out of my belly.
This is him right after birth. This is all I got to see of him for 4 hours. Immediately after a C-section, they take babies for a four hour observation. It was very frustrating and hard to wait for him. Fortunately, I was able to sleep some. Apparently I have a very high tolerance of anesthesia drugs...they had to give me 4 times what they give the average adult because I would feel everything they were doing. Who would have thought? So, needless to say, after all of the drugs, I was feeling pretty exhausted.
And...introducing Kale!! After 39 weeks of waiting (longer if you count the months we tried getting pregnant), the lack of sleep, the weight gain, the scary, emergency C-section, he finally made it into my arms. He was well worth the wait.
His shirt says it all. Kris and I are so in love. I know that we both find ourselves staring at him saying, wow, we did this? He is just perfect!
Kale is in great condition. He doesn't particularly like to breastfeed, so we have been supplementing him with formula. He eats extremely well and sleeps great. He has established his routine already. The pediatrician told us he looked extra hard and he couldn't find anything wrong with him. He said he is "pretty perfect." I am doing well also. I am still sore from my incision and contractions--I am still having a hard time getting up and down. My heart is fine now that the labor portion of things is over.
We are enjoying spending every possible moment with our boy baby. He is such a joy to watch and we love learning his little personality. Today, Kris was helping to change the diaper and Kale peed all over Kris' face. It was hilarious! I know it will be the first of many more fun, amazing, and hilarious moments to come.
