The first week

"He smells like frosting," that is what I kept telling everyone. I was immediately in love. Even though I was supposed to be resting and recovering from my C-section (and 4 days of labor) I found myself in the nursery every chance I got, even if it was just to stare at him. He was my angel, my miracle, my new love affair. The flood of emotions was like nothing I could have ever prepared for...I know all of you moms know exactly what I mean. Pure love!

Due to his early arrival Gabriel had a few small hurdles. He had jaundice, which in the end is not a big deal, he just needed to spend a few days in the tanning bed (bilirubin light). He also had not quite mastered the suck swallow breathe reflex and since he was so little eating took all his energy. Since he needed energy to grow versus eat they had to put in a feeding tube. It was tough to see him with it but we had to just keep reminding ourselves it was helping him get big and strong so he could come home with us. Luckily I could hold him during his tube feedings so oddly enough this became my favorite time of day because I could hold my warm bundle of love close and just stare at him.