Ella's First Day!

Adrenaline kept us up most of the Ella's first morning, but we finally settled in our room in the Mother and Baby ward about 6:00am. Everybody at UT Medical Center was awesome our whole stay, but a few folks really stood out. Melissa, our night nurse, was one of these people. She made sure Jamie and Ella had everything they needed and was so kind and generous each night we were there.

I also want to make a quick kudos to Coleen, our doula. I'm sure we'll make another post about her, but I don't think Ella Ruth's birth would have been so seamless and enjoyable, especially for me without her. Prospective parents should definitely consider a doula, regardless of your birth plan, and if you're in Knoxville definitely give Coleen a call. I know Jamie appreciated Coleen's help, and the statistical data in favor of bringing having a doula present during labor is pretty extensive. Coleen's presence helped me focus on sharing the experience with Jamie, rather than worry about all the other things going on.
After a few hours sleep, Ella Ruth said bye to Aunt Corrie who had to travel back to Oklahoma. Ella had several other friends and well wisher's celebrate her first day with her, but it was really great for her grandma and aunt to be around for the special occasion.


The most amazing thing this first day was how fast I fell in love with her. Obviously there's an over used cliche of 'love at first sight'. Early in our pregnancy I knew I would love Ella as soon as I saw her, but when I heard her make her first sound...I think some sort of switch inside me was flipped. Its hard to explain, I suspect that other parents can understand, but regardless its very cool feeling part of yourself change that way.