Saturday, June 06, 2009

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!

18 comments:

blaine and michelle said...

He's sooo stinking cute!!! I can't wait to meet him and hold him!

Anonymous said...

We are truly blessed! Charlie is beautiful--just as the rest of you. Wish we were there!
Gramma Judy

Devin, Naomi and Spencer said...

Congratulations! We're glad everybody made it through okay. The jetted birthing tub sounds awesome...
we might have to try it. We want to see him in August.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Congrats. Isn't life a miracle!! I'm so glad that everything's okay, and you have a new beautiful baby. Love you guys!!

Cathi said...

Congrats! I can definitely see the Larsen in him. He's very cute. I'm glad everything turned out okay. Hope things are still going well and I'll talk to you soon.

Joe and Christie said...

What a handsome boy!
Thanks for the beautiful post, Kyle.

QueenScarlett said...

I am so grateful that Tiff is well. Just reading your account made my heart stop. I hope Tiff recovers well. I love seeing your little ones - they are so sweet. Please give Anna and Tiff hugs for us. Also...remind Anna to take care of herself too. ;-)

Cheers!

Monica said...

Congratulations! He is a doll! We're so glad things worked out and that everyone is doing well. James sends hugs and kisses (especially to Hiep).

Noonans

Karrot Soup said...

Tiff is my hero -- and that's one adorable kid. I'm glad I can claim you both as family! (Good job Kyle, too.)

EJNielsen said...

Congrats to all of you!!!

sara said...

Wow! He looks just like me! I love it!
Kyle, you are never allowed to talk about how you contemplated life without Tiff and how to explain to the kids... I'm sitting at work (oops, I mean I always blog at home) crying my eyes out.
I'm so glad they're both ok!
T - try not to scare me like that again, I don't like it.
Congrats!

Marilyn said...

When Kyle called me and told me about the problems, I nearly had a heart attack. I'm sooooo glad that everything turned ok. What a relief. Anyway, I can't wait to come meet Charlie. Love you!!

Cristi said...

Oh, you guys. I read every word and am now close to tears. Congratulations! He is beautiful! You are wonderful! And we love you!

Bryce said...

Great post, Kyle! I wish I could give you guys a nice long-distance hug, and hear Ellie comment on Erik's baby virtues.

liso. said...

Welcome, Charlie! Glad everything turned out okay... beautiful pics, beautiful kiddo, beautiful mom ... good job documenting it all, husband!

Kallista said...

Tiff and Kyle-

Congratulations! I am so excited. He is adorable. I cant wait to see him. You are a wonder women Tiffany! I am still out of town, but will talk to you soon!

Thi said...

Congratulations guys. Charlie is beautiful. We are glad to hear both mom and baby are doing well.

Triet said...

1. Congrats to both of you on a beautiful baby boy!

2. We're so thankful that Tiff is doing ok. That's such a scary story.

3. I'm studying ob/gyn right now at LBJ hospital in Houston, TX, and my doctor mind is incredibly curious as to the "rest" of the story.

What happened with the placenta that required her to get a blood transfusion?

Why did she need to go to the OR?

How did the process of using a midwife work? Did you make sure the baby was coming out head first, and if not, do they have contingency plans?

Finally, given the jaundice and blood transfusion, etc., would you do it again?