18.3.10

it's a boy!

on a sunny day in chilliwack, with the spring blossoms scenting the air, tyrn james g took his first breaths. (pronunciation -TIE rin jAYMz greh DAN us)
kylie started labour late tuesday, and was up all night with strong regular contractions. i included this picture of our tree out front b/c i hope i will always have the memory of lying in bed on wednesday morning in a daze, looking out the window at the delicate blossoms outlined against the blue sky and pink clouds of dawn and thinking that we would get to meet our baby on such a beautiful day.

the maternity ward in chilliwack was relatively quiet and we were ushered directly into a labour room, rather than having to share a room for the first stage (which is common). the rooms in chilliwack are pretty utilitarian, but have one wall of solid windows with beautiful mountain views.

just before sunset on the toughest day of her life, kylie pushed out a screaming baby boy. his head circumference was 36 cm and he was 54 cm long.

i was so proud of kylie. i have seen 100s of women in labour, and although the kenyan women are the toughest i have witnessed, kylie was one of the strongest canadians. seriously. she was fantastic. she gave solid pushes through the full length of every contraction, and didnt complain or scream (until the very end when the head was almost out... then there were a few involuntary howls).

here's tyrn having his first bath. as soon as he came out i was struck by his resemblance to my brand new baby pictures. my mom agreed and sent us this picture of her holding me on my first day.


once kylie had showered and rested our friends started to arrive. we had an excellent evening and following morning in the hospital, with a perfect mix of visitors and naptime, and even a decent night's sleep. i also went down to visit the emerg a few times. the nurses there are SO excited for us. someone put up a birth announcement for us, and no one could figure out how to pronounce "tyrn".



being a part of the new generation of doctors, i feel like i got as much teaching on the importance of skin to skin contact as on how to deliver a stuck shoulder, or deal with labour dystocia. with all the emphasis i had to give it a try. i cant testify to its purported physiological effects, but it sure is fun!
now the family is back at home. niko is interested and tolerant, and not yet jealous. kylie and i are tired, and tyrn just had a good feed, so it's time to try sleeping at home with our new baby. welcome home ty! it's good to have you.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

So proud of you Kylie!! Tyrn is absolutely beautiful! You guys look radiantly happy! Can't wait to hear more of your adventures in parenting.
Vicky

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS - what a beautiful looking family. I too look forward to hearing all the adventures you will go through as parents! Love, hugs and prayers to all of you!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS - what a beautiful looking family. I too look forward to hearing all the adventures you will go through as parents! Love, hugs and prayers to all of you from Deanna

Anonymous said...

so happy for all 3 of you! wishing you all a lovely nite's sleep! love nolene.

Mama Bear said...

Kylie is a trooper! Awesome news! So excited to see little baby Tyrn!

Lowell & Julie said...

I love love LOVE him! Congratulations and I can't wait to meet him in real life!!!!!! :)

PS- Great post Marco!

jesperbot said...

Congratulations! What a great name! Ty was so excited when he called me to tell me the good news. All the best!

Erin said...

Congratulations on your teeny tiny bundle of joy! May your transition to parenthood be as smooth as possible!!

shareen said...

How is it possible to be bursting with love for a little boy I have never actually met?

Sneep Family said...

Yay! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! So happy for you both!! Tyrn is such a cutie and I love the name! Kylie, you looked amazing for just giving birth! I loved the part about looking at the beautiful blossoms and day :) Welcome to the indescribably amazing world of parenthood! Cherish this time while he is small and immobile, they grow up way too fast!!
Raila

Anonymous said...

Congratulations guys!!
Arie, Leanna and Samuel

Carlynne said...

Wow Marc. Tyrn looks exactly like you when you were born! I can't wait until my nephew (weird!) grows into a little freckled, raspy voiced mischevious boy. Can't wait to see him:) Glad NIko is handling the situation with such grace. Really proud of you Kylie! I have seen a lot of labours and it sounds like you were amazing:)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Marc and Kylie - you must be so excited! What a lucky boy - he has a fun day to have a birthday on - St. Patricks Day!

P.S. My word verification: Linger

I hope your little boy lingers long in the little stage, cause I hear they are a handful once they get big!

Anonymous said...

Oops. Love Alisha

carmen said...

Congrats Mark and Kylie! He's so gorgeous. Perhaps we'll be in Lethbridge at the same time so that we can meet.

Anonymous said...

Yip yip yippeee kay ehhhhh!
Lisa
xo

Sixstrongarms@gmail.com said...

What an amazing family you have there.......... he is absolutely beautiful. As for the name not to worry they will get it and not forget it either! Congrats again
Deb A

Randi said...

Oh what fantastic news, congratulations to your whole family!

Bloggy Mama said...

"just before sunset on the toughest day of her life" brought tears to my eyes. I'm so proud of you, too, Kylie!! Way to go MAMA!!!! Wishing you many many blessings as you embark on life as parents. The adventure is unreal. Mind if I stop by on a regular basis? I hope not, because I'm totally bookmarking you.. don't know why I haven't snooped on Julie's links before.
Bless you, guys. Bless you and bless you all over again. (sorry, I'm gushing)

diana said...

Oh... Nick and I are so so happy for you three. May you enjoy every moment, even when it's hard. Remember, everything only lasts a short time - including the night feedings! Amen! We love Ty's name Tyrn James is perfect. All our love. Diana Nick and Xander. xox

Haley said...

We are so pumped for you guys! What a beautiful little boy. You guys are going to be great parents! Wow do Marc and Tyrn's baby pictures ever look the same.

Katherine said...

Hooray! You are both radiating joy in those photos. Can`t wait to meet Tyrn and read about your adventures in parenthood.

Rachel said...

Congratulations! Way to go Kylie!

Anonymous said...

Post something new you lazy asses. It's not like you're busy or anything. P.S. That's one good looking baby. It kinda looks like some handsome young chap that I know (i.e. Marc sans mustache).

chris.birrell said...

Hey Marc and Kylie - beautiful addition to our world! Congratulations and all the best with the little one.

Chris