Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Bennett's 1st Birthday! (Well actually, his 0th)

Today we welcomed Bennett Kay Smith into the world. He was due this Friday (the 21st) and did not seem in a hurry to come, but he came early after all because of some disobedient behavior.

Bennett was head-down for weeks until the doctor discovered yesterday (at Ashley's regular checkup) that he was suddenly head-up. (Bennett must think he is very funny!) The doctor recommended that we set up an appointment at the hospital for the following day (i.e. today) to try to move him around (head-down) and immediately induce Ashley. In the event that they couldn't turn him, they would need to do a c-section. Either way, we would see the baby the following day.

Well, after a night of sub-par, anxious sleep (but probably still better than we'll get for weeks), we traveled to the American Fork hospital for our 6:30am appointment. By sometime just after 8am it was evident that the doctors would not be able to turn him, so the doctors decided just to do the c-section right then. Less than 15 minutes later (literally), I was holding our boy in my arms. After I went down to the nursery with Bennett and the doctors fixed up Ashley and allowed her to recover a bit, we were finally together. Now we're just taking it easy in Ashley's room.

Bennett is a very little guy - only 5 lbs. 4 oz. and 16 inches long. However, he seems very healthy, and his blood sugar and temperature are right on target. The nurses say that the main thing to keep in mind with a baby so small is to keep him wrapped up warm and cozy.

Here are a few pictures....

Immediately after delivery:



In the nursery (within an hour of delivery):

And back in our room a couple hours later:


This is his first time in Mom's arms....


Nice and cozy with Dad...


At age 8 hours (a few naps and a few feedings into life):

22 comments:

  1. What a beautiful boy! We are so happy to hear the great news, and we're excited to meet him in a couple months!

    Great Aunt Angee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations! Nothing like a baby to make you start a blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. He's the cutest baby I've ever seen! I'm already in love with this little guy! He has some pretty spectacular parents too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a wonderful day! Welcome, little Bennett to the family -- we think you are a keeper. Great job, dear Bug.

    Congratulations to you both. We are so proud of you.

    Love,
    Grandpa-great and Nana-great

    ReplyDelete
  5. He's adorable! Congratulations and enjoy!! Boys are so fun! --Gary & Ondalynn Vance

    ReplyDelete
  6. Welcome, Bennett!!! We're so excited to finally see you! I'm looking forward to meeting you in July! Congratulations to Mom and Dad - especially Mom. :-) It's fun to have such a new little one. Rachel was about that size when she was born. Enjoy every moment. There's nothing as peaceful and close to heaven as holding a newborn (who is content or sleeping). :-)
    Love,
    Great Aunt Shauna

    ReplyDelete
  7. He is such a cutie! I'm glad Ashley is doing ok. congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations! I'm glad everything turned out okay after the scare. He is beautiful and I am so so happy for you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow - you are good looking Bennett! :) We are happy you came into the world to join our fun family! You weigh less than cousin Josh did (and he was 7 weeks early!) But, we are glad you are happy and healthy! Your dad's cousins Megan and Allyson both decided sitting up was preferable to the "down position", and so they were c-section babies like you!! Way to be different! :)

    Love, Great Aunt Kristy

    ReplyDelete
  10. He's adorable! He looks like a Smith...especially his head shape. I'm so glad everything went well and Ashley is doing well. Have so much fun with him!

    ReplyDelete
  11. How exciting!! I am so happy for you guys! He sure is a cutie!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a perfect little one! Welcome to the family Bennett! Congrats to Ryan and Ashley :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. How exciting! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Welcome to you, LITTLE Bennett Kay Smith! What a beautiful baby boy! Your eyes are open and with that alert look, you appear ready to meet the world.
    In case you can't remember, you are now blessed with handsome, beautiful, accomplished parents to guide you forever. As you see from all these welcoming wishes, you have many loving relatives and friends waiting in line to meet you. Our arms are already aching to hold you, and of course we agree you have a very fitting name. :)

    Hugs and kisses from GREAT (Yikes!) Grandpa and Grammy (Sheldon Kay and Leah Kay) Smith.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ryan and Ashley!!!!
    What a sweet little boy you have! Sorry to hear about all the ups and downs with his arrival, but I'm so glad it went smoothly. Thank goodness for experienced doctors. I can't wait to hold him in a couple of months. Good luck with all your transitioning in the next few weeks. Keep us posted with news and pictures on MyFamily!
    Love,
    Aunt Cyndi

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a beautiful little baby! Welcome baby Bennett!

    ReplyDelete
  17. How exciting! Congrats to Ryan and Ashley and baby Bennett. No doubt there will be plenty of people to give hugs and kisses. He won't know what hit him.... Looking forward to seeing all of you soon-- in June--before Bennett gets too big (they're little for such a short time!)
    Love, Aunt Glenda & Uncle Garry Winn

    ReplyDelete
  18. congrats smith from derek and haley may

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats to you and Ashley on your baby boy! It's a beautiful child and I bet you and Ashley must feel incredibly happy! My mom told me that when I was born I weighed around the same. I'm glad both the baby and Ashley are doing well.

    Jaime

    ReplyDelete
  20. You've been so successful at getting great shots with his eyes open! We'll just imagine that it means he has a very cooperative temperament. :-)

    ReplyDelete