Welcome To Our New Beginning

Ryleigh Joseph Stimmel

December 15, 2003

6:32pm

8lbs, 9oz

20 3/4 inches long

My Labor Story

Dr. Miles scheduled me to be induced 15 days early on December 15, 2003 (you were so big and growing fast). I was given Pitocin to stimulate contractions, but the drug also slowed down your heartbeat. I could only lay on my right side, which helped you to breathe property. When it came time to push, dad was in a corner in shock. And I had no idea how to push you out, but  it finally happened. All I could think is how beautiful you are, and how I'm so in love with you!!!

You're in our arms for the first time and it feels incredible. I can't believe how much your daddy loves you, he never puts you down and wont let the nurses take you without him coming too. I know he will take care of you forever. We are so lucky to have him. 

Thinking about how to describe your birth puts me into tears. Happy tears of course, but makes me so emotional trying to find the right words to express how much I love you and how special you are to me. When I first found out I was pregnant with you, the joy and anticipation of your arrival was the only thing I could think about. When you were born, I didn't know who you'd, but I knew you'd be my everything and our life would only be better with you . You give me purpose. The moment I saw you for the first time. all I could think about is how much I love you and beautiful you are. 

Visitors

The richest gifts of all is the love of friends and family. It was such a blessing to us that so many of our friends and family came to visit after you were born. 

Nana and her first grandbaby, she is so in love. 

The Paulsen's came to meet you. 

Uncle Joe

Papa Herb

Uncle Zach

December 17, 2003: Going Home.

My Dearest Ryleigh, 

You, sweet baby boy, are sleeping right next to me in the hospital. At any moment, you could wake up and that is OK. You make my heart soar already and you are only one day old. You are so very sweet, beautiful, squishy, yummy, and angelic. I am in love with you, my son. Here at the hospital, where I am able to give you my undivided attention, I am soaking in every moment, every morsel, of your baby-ness. I hold you for hours, talk to you, sing to you, nuzzle your warm baby neck. I know that when we get home, both of our lives will get just a tad bit busier as your family waits for us as well as life. But here, in the quietness of this room, I am lapping up every single minute with you, and you only.

The moment it was time to drive you (our little bundle of joy) home, it was a surreal moment. The outside world seems different as we drove away from the hospital, dad went 10 mph under the speed limit. We were excited and scared all at the same time. Could we protect you always and forever? No, but we are going to try. And there is no doubt you are loved deeply.