Kasen is here!

Kasen Mikael Steele made his arrival on Tuesday afternoon at 12:44 p.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long (even though I sent out a text in my sleepless, euphoric state that said he was 22 inches long--oops). At the newborn appointment on Friday they said he was 20.5 inches long, so who really knows?

The labor process was long but rewarding. My first regular contractions started Thursday evening and intensified over the weekend. Saturday night they were bad enough that I couldn't sleep through them and by Monday evening, I would literally shake when another one started. Thankfully we went into the hospital at 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning and I got an epidural right away which made a world of difference. I loved watching the monitor and feeling my stomach get hard with each contraction, but not feeling any pain. I started pushing around 11:30 a.m. and at 12:44 p.m., Kasen was born into his dad's hands. We were so happy our doctor let Kai deliver Kasen. It was amazing to see Kasen for the very first time being held in Kai's arms--2 of the most loved men in my life meeting for the first time. It's a moment that will forever be imprinted in my memory.

Recovery has gone well so far. We left the security of the hospital on Thursday afternoon for the comforts of home. Being home now is so different than just a few days ago. I can't believe how many hours I've spent just staring into Kasen's beautiful face. His little gurgles, whimpers, and tiny noises make me melt. When he opens his little blue eyes and stares into mine, I feel like I'm holding the greatest miracle. When his fingers curl around mine and he grasps with all his might I remember that God truly is great and meticulous in every detail. I feel so blessed to have the privilege and challenge of being a mom and can hardly wait to watch Kasen grow.

Sunrise on the morning of Kasen's arrival from the delivery room window
In labor (with an epidural--previously, I was not smiling)

Breathing through a contraction

A few hours before delivery. Again--an epidural makes all the difference. We wouldn't have been able to be this happy without one:-)

Seconds after delivery--see the umbilical cord shadow?

Our first time meeting Kasen together. Kai actually caught Kasen when he was born, but this was our first time as a family.

Skin to skin time

Daddy skin to skin time. I love this picture!

First poopy diaper--there were 8 more in those first 24 hours! Daddy changed every one of them--what a great husband and father.

Squeaky clean--after his first bath

The best OB/GYN

Priceless moments

On the Bili bulb for jaundice

Getting ready to go home. It was a little scary to think about leaving the hospital.

The journey out of the hospital

Mom, Denver, and Katie had this waiting for us when we pulled in the driveway.

Getting ready to walk in the door for the first time as a "family".

Our handsome little guy

Special daddy bonding time

This is one of my favorite pictures. We think he's so cute!