Meet the newest member of our family.

A week ago, at 0425am on September 2nd, I had a baby boy! Meet the newest member of our family:

Alejandro Eduardo Rama. (Alex for short.) 

6lbs 4.5oz, 20" long. (36+6 weeks.)

(And by the way, NO! We didn't get his name from that darn Lady Gaga song! The idea for his name came long before we had even heard of it...I don't even listen to the radio!)

The labour and delivery of this little fellow went very well, thanks to some wonderful people. First, to my friend and neighbour Bev who we called just seconds after my water broke. Within about 2 minutes she was at our door ready to spend the night with Ysabella while we were off to the hospital. To Jarka, my dear friend and colleague who took the best care of me while I was in labour (and who didn't take a break until I was delivered). I was 4-5cm dilated at 35 weeks and so I was very, very pleased to have been able to make it to the hospital in time to get an epidural. And Jarka worked hard to make sure that my epidural worked well on both sides before I gave birth to this little one. (She also helped to calm my nerves when I thought I wasn't going to have time to get the epidural.) To Yvonne, one of my bestest friends (who was also present at Bella's delivery), who was called in the middle of the night to join us again for this little one's entry into the world. She made it to the hospital just after we did, and again, took the most amazing photos for us, not to mention being such a great support and cheerleader. Thank you again for giving me the gift of photos. I am so happy to have them to be able to look back at in the days, weeks and years to come. (Did I mention that she was up all night with us, then she had to work a crazy busy 12 hour shift on the unit?! I think delirium set in at one point for her during the day, but I very much appreciate the fact that she stayed with us the whole time!) To Dr. A. Black. I was so glad that she was there to deliver my baby and to ensure that all went smoothly. And of course, to Ed. My best friend, my rock. He made sure I got to the hospital in time (after I woke him up in such a state of panic! I seriously thought I was going to deliver this baby at home or in the car...)  He remained calm, cool and collected. And he was a bit of funny guy too, which helped the whole situation. After my epidural was in, we laughed and laughed and really enjoyed ourselves, even though it was in the middle of the night and we were all sleep deprived. (p.s. Ed wants to know why I can't just have our babies during the day...I say, at least I'm consistent!)

Here are some more photos, with so many more to follow in the days to come.

A few minutes after delivery. It's a boy! (Ed seemed so surprised!)

Ed was able to return home by 630am to tell Ysabella the news of her new baby brother. She couldn't wait until after daycare to come and meet him, so she returned to the hospital with daddy and we were all able to have breakfast together. She was smitten right away, and (thankfully!) she still is. She gave him a ton of kisses and hugs and she even sang to him! (I just about bawled...)

Bestowing kisses on the newest family member.

Helping Auntie Yvo listen to Alex's heart.

Bella holds the baby at every opportunity. And those smiles...oooh! they make me laugh! (I think she's a proud big sister, what do you think?)

Little man. That was his name for almost 5 days while we took our time to decide from a shortlist.

The t-shirts.... (just in case you weren't able to figure it out yourselves...)  ;-)

Discharge Day...excited to bring the baby home!

That's all for now, but there's lots more to come. It just may take a bit longer than usual. Life has suddenly gotten a bit more busy and complicated and I feel like I'm still catching up, a week later. I can't believe he's a week old already. It seems crazy to me. Life can slow down any day now...