STAYVEN ANDREW OLSON

Ok, before pictures, we've gotta record the important stuff. It's definitely been an interesting/wonderful/difficult last few weeks. Stayven Andrew Olson was born on June 29, 2011 after a 6 1/2 hour labor. He has truly brought so much joy into our little family. He's such a sweet-tempered baby, and Atley loves her little brother so much.

I went into the Durango Mercy Hospital at 7 a.m. on June 29th to be induced into labor. Andy was with me the entire time, and helped me through every contraction... until the LOVELY epidural came. :) I could just kiss the man who helped develop those wonderful drugs. Anyway, labor went a lot more swiftly than I thought it would. This pregnancy had been soooo difficult in almost every way (throwing up daily the whole time, dehydration, restless legs, insomnia, and itching all over). So I was pleasantly surprised when they announced I was at a 9 dilation only 6 hrs after starting induction. Delivery went pretty smoothly and quick. And there was our beautiful baby boy! He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz, was 20 inches long and came at 2:45 p.m. When I looked at his beautiful face, I immediately fell in love. Everything I had gone through during pregnancy with him was now very worth it. He brings me so much joy when I look into his tiny face.
My wonderful parents were here to stay with Atley at our house, which was SUCH a blessing. So we didn't have to worry about a thing with her. We knew she was in good hands. When they first came to visit and saw Stayven, Andy held Atley above him so she could see his face. She exclaimed, "It's a baby brother!" And then she wanted to hold him right away. She sat beside me on the hospital bed, and held little Stayv. She kept giggling, and saying "Mommy, his hat tickle my face." She kissed him on the head. Truly a mother's greatest joy.
Recovery has been tough with this little guy as well. The day before I was induced, I had been throwing up all day and was completely dehydrated. So I had to go get fluids via IV in the hospital. So I had nothing to eat that entire day. The next day was induction and I didn't eat most of that day either until evening. So for the next couple of days I was completely dizzy and nearly passing out every time I would stand up. My energy was literally drained. Andy seriously had to pretty much carry me to the restroom. When the day came to go home (about 48 hours after the birth), I had been complaining of left calf pain. The doctor did an ultrasound and diagnosed me with a DVT (a blood clot in the leg), which can be really scary. I just started bawling, as it seems like this pregnancy has been one hurdle after another. They decided to discharge me anyway that day, and just treat me from home if I promised I would do the regimen religiously. So I started on my lovenox injections, twice daily, in my stomach and also taking my coumadin pills daily (these are blood-thinners), and getting my blood checked twice a week. I am now off of the lovenox, which is a nice break for my bruised belly, but have to be on the coumadin a minimum of 3 months, possibly 6. So... no crazy stunts this summer I guess. :P

So thanks to all for patiently awaiting pictures! It's been a difficult/busy, but totally wonderful time. We are in love with our new boy, and are sooo happy he's in our family! Enjoy the pictures! :)