Here's Charlie!

Here's the scoop:

Charlie Kaiyuan Larsen was born at 4:01 am on Wednesday June 3rd. As many of you know, Tiff was super excited for the birth; this time she decided to do a waterbirth (gave birth in a tub, but not just any tub, but a comfortable jetted bath tub!).

Before showing any pictures, I just want Tiff to know how proud I am of her- during the birth she was amazing in every way; her attitude and maturity impressed the midwife and nurse throughout the whole experience. She has a true mother's love and I feel blessed to see her in action every day. I love you!

Ok- enough with the gushy stuff and on to the pictures already:
Here's Tiff in the birthing tub--as happy as can be (in between contractions...)Here he is, a little bruised (he decided to wedge his fist in front of his face on the way out- ouch!)Though the Charlie's birth was perfect, there were some severe complications relating to birthing the placenta, which required Tiff to be transferred to the University of Utah hospital where she received a life-saving blood transfusion (I found out later). I drove Charlie to the hospital in our car in somewhat of a daze, not knowing what just happened to Tiffany, besides the fact that she had lost an unnatural amount of blood.

As I sat with my newborn son in the hospital nursery unaware of what pain my wife was going through, I have to admit this was the scariest moment I can remember in my life. I remember wondering if Charlie would ever get to meet his beautiful mother, or wondering how I would explain to Ellie and Erik that mommy wasn't coming home, or most of all, how I could possibly raise my family without her. In these lonely moments of despair, I felt divine power gently comforting me to the point that I knew she was going to be okay, though it was sometimes still difficult to push these thoughts away.
It took 3 1/2 hours in the nursery before anyone let me know that Tiff was in fact out of surgery and was on the path to recovery. I can't express how happy I was to see her, even though she was desperately crying and in a tremendous amount of pain from the OR; I was just happy she was alive.
Because she was transferred to the ER in a rush, there was no time to be admitted with the correct personal info. At least that's how they explained why she was known as "Labor Risk" Quebec in the computers (which was at least later changed to "Labor Risk" Larsen on the board below). I was told they just make this stuff up (ummm...if I was given that job, I could come up with names much more creative than Quebec...). Also, she was supposedly born Jan 1, 1970. We giggled as workers--not in the know--called her "Quebec" when they came in the room. One doctor poked her head in briefly: "I have to ask... are you really 39????"
Tiffany's mom is in town to help make the transition from 2 kids to 3. How are we blessed with such great help? She is a miracle worker.
I have to say, Ellie is a little obsessed with Charlie. "Oh Charlie's so cute! He's so sweet and tiny! "Daddy, He's so... snuggly!"
Here's Charlie at home in his bili-bed- it uses phototherapy to help treat jaundice. He should be off it in a day.
Another person I want everyone to know about is our good friend Kjerstin who has sacrificed more than any one person should to help us out this week. I wish we could pay you more than just respect and some quality baby-holding time, but you don't accept our insurance provider; we could not have done it without you.Thank you for your prayers and support the past few days... We've felt your love!