Eli's Birth Story

Eli Alton Foulk

Born July 4th, 2011 at 3:24 a.m.

7 lbs, 10 ounces

20 inches

and absolutely perfect.

Hello world!  Mommy, will you tell me the story of how I was born?

Of course, little baby boy. It was a dark, stormy night in San Antonio, Texas. Just kidding. Mommy's funny like that. It was actually a sweltering hot San Antonio afternoon when Mommy went to the hospital, and a little over a week before your due date. Mommy and Daddy were pretty sure you were on your way though. Mommy's body was getting ready to have you and she woke up Sunday morning leaking her water.

Mommy is so happy you are here safe.

Daddy was ready to go to the hospital right then, but Mommy didn't want to be at the hospital forever, so they went for a walk, ate a really big breakfast and lunch, drank a lot of water, showered and put on makeup (okay, just Mommy did the makeup part). Daddy thought it was silly that Mommy was putting makeup on, but she wanted to look nice when you got here. Mommy's silly like that. Mommy and Daddy arrived at the hospital, and it took them a long time to find parking, so it's a good thing Mommy wasn't having painful contractions.
When Mommy got to the hospital at about 1:30 p.m., she went in to use the restroom and that's when the real excitement began - Mommy's water really broke! She had to put her purse in front of her as they walked the rest of the way to Labor and Delivery.
In Labor and Delivery, Mommy told the nurses that she wanted to have you more naturally so that you would arrive healthy and alert. The nurses were really nice, and the doctor too, so they let Mommy walk around and bounce on her birth ball for 4 hours. Finally, Dr. Satterfield came in and stripped Mommy's membranes (sorry, baby, if that's too much information for you). Dr. Satterfield asked Daddy if Mommy had a high pain tolerance because Mommy was able to be pretty calm during it. Mommy sure hoped she did with you on the way!
At about 8 p.m., Dr. Satterfield came in and said that she wanted to give Mommy just a little bit of Pitocin to help you make it into the world more quickly. Mommy was getting a little restless too, so she was alright with that. At 9:30, she took some pain meds that made her very sleepy, but she could still feel the pain. By 10:30 though, Mommy was exhausted. She was able to use lots of relaxation techniques and breath calmly, but was still feeling pretty tired. The nurses said that, since your heart beat was nice and strong, Mommy could still get a low dose epidural, which sounded good to her. Mommy was finally able to rest and at about 2:30, she got to start pushing. Only 45 minutes later, you came into the world!
You were so alert and instantly wanted to look around at the world. Mommy shaded your eyes from the bright hospital lights and you didn't stop admiring the world around you the whole time Mommy and Daddy got to be with you after your birth. 

6 Hours Old

I remember Daddy holding me right away. Was he there the whole time?

This is one proud Daddy.

Yes, your Daddy was amazing. He gave Mommy back massages when her contractions hurt, got to help hold her feet during the pushes, and even cut your umbilical cord. He was so sweet and was there every time Mommy needed him. In fact, Mommy only changed one diaper the whole time you were in the hospital because Daddy did such a good job. Changing diapers and burping you were Daddy's fortes. He loved holding you tenderly and laughing at all the sweet and funny faces you made at him. Since being home, Daddy makes sure Mommy stays hydrated and makes her a big, warm breakfast every morning. He holds you early at night while Mommy gets some sleep, and first thing in the morning so that she can sleep in after having stayed up with you during the wee hours of the morning. You are a very lucky baby to have a Daddy that loves you so much.

Seeing Mommy for the first time.

How was I the rest of the time we were at the hospital?

You were so beautiful. That's the word everyone used to describe you. Your delivery nurses and doctor mentioned that you didn't look like a newborn because your face was so round and you looked so developed. They thought you looked more like a 3-week old. You had the biggest hands and feet. During your circumcision, Dr. Heck commented that they called you "Crazy Feet" because of all of the contortions you were making with your little legs. You had a few visitors in the hospital, and since you were born on the 4th of July, Mommy and Daddy's friend brought them a picnic complete with Dad's Root Beer. Mommy and Daddy are looking forward to celebrating your birthday every year and calling you their little "firecracker."

I've been home almost a week now. How am I doing?

You are such a sweet, good baby. You got to nurse right after Mommy delivered you, and you have loved every second of it since. You make the funniest little noises and have gained 2 ounces a day since Mommy and Daddy brought you home - two times what you are supposed to gain! Your little cheeks are getting rounder, and so is your head. Your hair is turning blonder and getting longer. You have peed on yourself three times and Mommy already can see that she's going to be doing lots of laundry. You love to watch Mommy and Daddy and look at the world with your big, blue, alert eyes. Your Mommy and Daddy adore you, and since you came into the world, you have instantly become the most precious, beautiful part of their lives.