Happy Birthday, Zoe Grace

Zoe Grace Armitage was born this morning at 7:48am.  She weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces and measured 19 inches long.  Her loud cries were the sweetest music to my ears!

 After a thorough examination and several tests, the Neonatologist and Pediatric Cardiologist confirmed Zoe's prognosis.  Our talented team of doctors will be reviewing her case in the morning to determine a treatment plan.  Dr. King visited us this afternoon to let us know that he is planning on her first open heart surgery being scheduled this Friday.  Depending on what is found, the surgery will be at least 6 hours long.  He also let us know that she is having a hard time taking to the bottle, which is why he would like to start an NG tube to ensure enough nutrients.

I was so relieved when Andrew was allowed to be with Zoe while they cleaned her up, checked vitals and completed all the testing.

What a beautiful moment it was when I got to hold her for the first time.  I wasn't sure if or how much I was going to be able to hold her, so when they placed her in my arms... I was overwhelmed with emotion.  She was so chatty and full of sweet noises.  

Early this evening, Papa and Auntie Nell brought Lulu to the hospital to meet her little sister for the very first time.  When Londyn first got to my room, she wasn't sure about the situation and took a while to warm up to us.  She agreed to ride on my lap in the wheelchair to go see Baby Zoe.  When we got to the NICU, Londyn was shy and unsure about the baby.  It didn't take long before she got up close and started talking about her sister.  It was so sweet to witness such a special moment between sisters.  I just love how Zoe looks so much like Londyn as an infant.

Papa & Auntie Nell got to hold Zoe for the first time!

I love my family!

I had no idea what to expect with the c-section... and I can't really describe it, but it was quite the experience!  I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty proud of myself because I was SO nervous.

The pain is overwhelming, but I am trying to take care of myself and be active so that I can spend more time with Zoe.  My nurse keeps commenting on how independent I am and how she has never seen a patient so determined.  I just hope I'm not going overboard!