Kieran Patrick Rother has arrived!

Kieran Patrick Rother was born March 12th, 2009 at about 3 a.m. He weighs 8.26 oz and is 19" long and he's perfect.
Early labor began at around 1:30 the morning of the 11th and continued throughout the day, progressing VERY slowly until contractions were around 6-7 minutes apart. Rick and I went to Capital Region hospital around 6:30 and were admitted. I received an epidural around 9:00 pm and things were a lot more fun after that!
After my family stopped by to wish us well and around 11:00 Dr. Su came and "broke" my water. Rick and I slept after that for a a couple hours at which point a nurse checked me out and discovered I had dilated from a 6 when Dr. Su last checked to a 10! Ready or not... here comes baby! Dr. Su arrived at the hospital around 2:00 and everyone set up for the delivery. After about a half hour of pushing, Kieran made his way into the world in a very typical fashion- head first and crying! The delivery was a singular and amazing experience that neither Rick nor I will ever forget- what an amazing night! Rick was a wonderful coach, holding me up and counting for pushing and cheering me on all the while. He cut the cord and was never squeamish! They gave me the baby right away and I can't begin to tell you how unreal it was to finally hold our little boy on my chest and in my arms rather than in my belly! What a beautiful moment. After a bit of cuddling Kieran was poked and prodded a bit- which was quite well behaved for, as the proud new daddy stood by. Mom, on the other hand was still stuck in bed being stitched up and waiting for sensation to return to my lower half! The scariest moment of that night was when Kieran and I were cleaned up and together with dad and all the nurses and doctors had left the room and there we were, with this precious baby, not knowing what to do next! The knowing is coming slowly, moment by moment as we take on each new challenge and surprise.
We came home today and it was such a relief to be here, together as a family, in our own space. Kieran is doing well, a bit jaundice, but eating like a champ and making us proud with every new diaper development! Who knew poop could be so exciting! We are all a little tired but thrilled just as well. We thank all our visitors for their support, advice and lovely gifts and hope you will come by and see us at home as well. Keep checking back as I am sure we will have new things to post all the time now!