life anew

I'm a gramma!  For real!  Lennon Christian-William Berry made his entrance into the world Thursday, April 7 at 11:16 p.m., after 2 very long and trying days for the mom and dad.  They checked into the hospital Tuesday evening to prep for induced labor, started the process Wednesday morning to no avail, took a break Wednesday night, then started again on Thursday morning.  After a long day of labor, morphine, an epidural and a lot of "push, Christine!!!!", we got to meet Lennon for the first time live and in color.

The good thing was that Tine's mom got there from Germany late Wednesday, so she didn't miss the birth.  The bad thing was that all of us did a lot of waiting, waiting, waiting for two days.  The end result was certainly worth it.  Lennon is beautiful in every way.  Of course, he's my grandson so he can't help it.  :)

Being part of the whole experience was amazing.  I was allowed to remain in the birthing room through it all.  I've been part of 2 births myself, but never a spectator, and it was such an experience.  The nurses worked their butts off to get him into place, and Tine was super - pushing with all her might and hanging in through the whole thing.  Seth was both supportive and in awe; obviously anxious, concerned, and ready to meet his son.  The doctor was there for about 10 minutes just to bring Lennon out and check him over - they have the easy job.  Lennon appeared all pale and slimy, but took those first few breaths and turned pink and perfect.  Hearing those first few squeaks of new life in oxygen were wonderful, and made me realize what a miracle it all is.  He went from the warm, floaty, confined space he knew for 9 months into the bright, harsh, but loving environment we all know.  He didn't seem to be very happy about the light and passing-around he met as he left his comfort zone, but now he has taken to it well.

I'm so proud of and for Seth and Tine and how hard they worked and how much they obviously love this little life that is a mix of them both.  I didn't realize how much Lennon looks like Seth until I found pictures in my storage unit of Seth as a newborn.  They're identical.  I'm sure Lennon will develop into a perfect mixture of his parents, but there is no doubt that he's Seth's right now.  :)

I miss being there with them, but I'll return in 2 weeks for a couple of days.  He will have changed so much by then, and over the coming months when I will only see him a few times.  It is plain, however, that I want to be there and experience everything he goes through and see first-hand his growth and new abilities as he strengthens.  It was hard leaving, but it is what it is.  I know I'll be back by the time he is able to call me gramma.  Or Mama-Lynn, or whatever we decide I will be.

Until then, I'll see him whenever possible, and we will Skype often, and I'll certainly be a part of his life even from afar.  Sweet, precious baby boy - can't wait for a cousin to be in the works.  :)