Fit to the Beats: Levi Robert Gresham

You know I had to post a blog about Levi: born September 29, 2011 (his Grandpa’s birthday) at 7:02 p.m. at Fair Oaks Hospital weighing 7lbs, 9oz.

I wanted to share some pics we’ve taken over the past few days of our first days as a family of three (still can’t believe I’m saying that) and type up a few thoughts about this new journey we’ve begun.

This whole process has been one of the most challenging events of my life – from being pregnant to going through labor and delivery, and now to being parents. As I sit here on the couch typing to you my son (so weird to say that!) is sitting in his bouncer sleeping with his precious scratch mittens on. He’s too little for it at the moment so we had to put blankets on each side of his head to prop him up. It was a sight to behold.

Although you hear many women say what an amazing experience giving birth is and how they can’t even fathom the depth of the joy of bringing to the world the little miracle they carried inside them for nine months, it really is the most amazing thing I think a woman could ever live through.

The way a baby is formed and fashioned from conception is a miracle in and of itself but then the way he grows and nurtures himself inside you on his own is something we will never understand. From feeling the first kicks to the hiccups and seeing the deformation of your stomach into various shapes and sizes are things that actually can be painful and weary to endure, but are rewarding and captivating.

While I did enjoy the firsts of all those things, it is definitely so relieving to be back to normal, albeit flabby. Bending over has never felt easier and a beer never tasted better.

The labor and delivery of Levi was very memorable as his Grandpa and dad and I waited six centimeters long in our living room. Unbeknownst to us, by the time we got to the hospital his birth was only seven hours away. That period of waiting at home, although painful, was relaxing to be amongst family and the comfort of familiarity.

I hadn’t the first clue what to expect with labor, but to my surprise it was not as bad as I envisioned. A woman’s body can do amazing things.

As Levi was being born into this world it was painful – although I was drugged it did not fully help. Of course at the time there is nothing you want more than for it to be over, but enduring what I felt makes my love for him that much stronger.

Laboring and the pains of childbirth are something no one can prepare you for, but also something you will never, ever regret. You feel like a champion. You can do anything.

And Isaac was a warrior.

On a final note, one last thing that has stuck with me through this memorable time is family and friends. The amount of love and warmth we have felt is overwhelming to say the least. Loved ones from near and far who came to visit made us feel so special. The time that each of them took out of their day and schedule to make the trip to the hospital, cook us dinner, or shower us with gifts is beyond what we could have imagined would ever be done for us. Each and every person who played a part in his birth is a blessing to us.

What we now feel as parents is exhaustion, busy-ness, lack of time and energy and ability, and constant worry. We knew those things were coming, but we had no idea just how much work taking care of a little one would be.

The rewards, however, of seeing him smile, studying his hands and fingers and toes, looking into his eyes, trying to figure out which features of ours he has, and holding, swaddling, and smelling him are far worth the energy it takes to raise him.

And most importantly, we are so grateful that he is healthy, happy, and full of life!