He's Here!

Daddy and Hayden I think this is so precious!

Right after he was born
The night he was born

Hayden Thomas Ricks
June 5, 2008

5lbs 11.5oz

18 1/2 in.

Our little Hayden decided he was sick of waiting, he was ready to come meet us 3 weeks before his due date. Thursday morning started out as a pretty normal day. I went to work at 6am just like I do every Thursday morning. I go to the University for a couple hours while the department of surgery has a meeting and basically man the breakfast foods. I wasn't feeling awesome while I was there but I hadn't gotten very much sleep the night before so I didn't think too much about it until I threw up, and then I knew I wasn't going in to work. I called in sick and came home after the meeting instead of going into the office. I went back to bed for about an hour and when I got up and started walking around about 9:30am I told Josh I thought my water broke, and I was having some cramping. Being first time parents we weren't sure if this was the real deal or not so I tried to call my Dr's office. My phone wasn't working so we went to Tyler & Rachel's to use their phone. I couldn't get a hold of my Dr. so we decided Josh would go to school...he had a practical that day...and I would get a hold of him if I needed him. I wasn't going to go to the hospital without a working cell phone so after Josh went to school I went and got a new phone. Josh and Rachel told me I couldn't be out driving if I was in labor, but I didn't listen. After getting my phone I called my Dr. again. I asked him what I should do. I had a stress test scheduled at 2pm, so I wasn't sure if I should wait until then to be checked or come to his office. He told me to go to labor and delivery to be checked. He said if it's the real deal they will admit you, if not go to your stress test appointment. Rachel took me down to the hospital at about 1pm and I was dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced, so they admit ed me. During the first hour at the hospital we tried to get a hold of Josh at the school, I threw up twice and my contractions were getting stronger and closer together. At about 2pm we finally got a hold of Tyler who was able to go get Josh. Josh was still in his practical so Tyler called to see if he should interrupt him. I wasn't sure what to do and the nurse said this is your first baby, you don't know how fast you will go get your husband here. Not too long after that Josh was at my side. I was so excited to see him! The first thing he said to me was "I'm SO excited!" After asking for my epidural for about an hour and a half I finally got it and I was able to be a little more comfortable during my contractions. I was not very patient while waiting for the epidural to come. Rachel said it was the only time I was grumpy. I kept asking where it was and why it was taking so long. I didn't think anyone was taking me seriously and I really wanted the epidural! I don't know why anyone would do it without! Labor went pretty fast and little Hayden was born at 5:51pm. I never thought I'd let anyone be in the room while I delivered except Josh, but after being with me all day Rachel just happened to be there when all the action took place! She said she always wanted someone to let her be there...so you're welcome Rach! Really I should be thanking her for all she did and continues to do for us. Thanks Rachel!

Hayden has had some problems breathing because his lungs are immature. So he is in the Special Care Nursery (NICU) where he is getting the constant care he needs right now. They expect that he will be fine in the next few days, but for now I'm home and he's still there, which is weird because it doesn't seem like we really had a baby. We love him so much and hopefully he'll be home with us and doing great really soon.

He has a little bit of jaundice. So here he is with his cool shades.