Oh hello there.
I had a baby two weeks ago and am just now remembering what my blog dashboard looks like.
And what sleep feels like.
Elijah Cole is a perfect little being who entered our lives in a dramatic way. Here is part one of the birth story, in pictures. Consider it a highlight reel of the entire experience. I thought it best to start with the positive stuff.
(Don’t worry…no pictures of my nether regions are included in this part of the story, although I most definitely classify them under positive stuff.)

My husband. He was by my side during the entire 33-hour ordeal, holding my hand, reminding me to breathe and cheering me on. He even cleaned up my puke. Turns out spicy Indian food does not make for the best last supper.

My saucy birthing gown. I bought this at Bundle, an eco-friendly and very Boulder-esque maternity store. Although a little doubtful at first about how it would perform during the event, this dress turned out to be worth every penny. First of all, I didn’t have to wear a hospital gown. Those things suck. Plus, this number was made out of super-soft cotton, had a cute sushi design on the front and was accessible from every angle. It also worked like a charm post-delivery, when I started breastfeeding. In fact, I didn’t take it off for five days in a row and was getting compliments on it from all the nurses in the recovery ward.

My friend Jess. We met in massage school and have been friends ever since. She moved back to the East coast this past summer and I’ve missed her. Before leaving, we had a conversation about having her involved in my labor and delivery. The universe complied and I was fortunate enough to hang out with Jess for a week before Eli arrived. She also was with me during my entire birthing experience, providing me with massage, support and much-needed laughter. I can never thank her enough. (If you’re in Rhode Island, be sure to give her a call.)

My favorite snack. I love Justin’s Nut Butter. This is well-documented on my blog. In hour eleven of labor, when I needed something to help power me through…you can see what I chose. The nurse was only recommending I eat ice chips and popsicles. Fortunately, my midwife was okay with bending the rules a bit in my favor. Thanks Justin’s!

My midwives. Speaking of…they rock.

My nurses. They were amazingly helpful and I can’t thank them enough for their breastfeeding help, parenting wisdom and good humor. I think it helped that word had already spread around the ward about my pregnant standup routine. I may have been semi-famous on the third floor for a few days.

My hospital room views. Not bad, Boulder Community Hospital, not bad.

My family. Amazing. Enough said.

My baby. Elijah Cole came into the world on March 27th, 2011. Obviously, the best part of what I will always call the longest endurance event of my life.
Until I do an Ironman, that is.
Which hopefully won’t end in surgery like this one.
(Part Two coming soon. Or whenever Elijah dictates.)