6.05.2010

Happy Birthday, Ryan & Quinn (6.3.10)

Ryan David Greenwood Clanahan - born at 6:55pm on June 3rd, 2010, weighing 5lbs 2oz, 16 3/4 inches long.
Quinn Eugenie Clanahan - born at 6:56pm on June 3rd, 2010, weighing 3lbs 13 oz and measuring 17 inches long.

Ryan was checked out by the pediatric unit at birth and given a clean bill of health. Because he was so strong, he has been able to stay with us since the first night. What a huge blessing. He is a joy and such a great baby so far. He loves to cuddle with his mommy and daddy and HATES having his diaper changed. He has been eating well and sleeping great.

Quinn, as we anticipated, was whisked away to the NICU after birth. I was able to see her for one minute in the operating room while she was in her incubator. Matt followed her to the NICU with my mom to get her settled and find out a quick report. She obviously was much smaller than we thought -- but still very strong. She was stable almost immediately and has been watched very closely by the cardiac team since her birth. She has not required any surgery/stints/oxygen or meds for her heart condition. This was a big victory for her! She was started on formula yesterday (Friday) and has done pretty well with it -- although by nightime, she gets pretty lazy and falls asleep before the feeding is over. She is fiesty in every other way, always moving and squirming just like she did in the womb. Ry is much more content to lay there and Quinn just wants to see everything that's going on! She LOVES her huge green paci they gave her and she's so tiny that it takes up much of her face. She is precious and we look forward to her being able to head home with us - perhaps as soon as 2 weeks!

After running back and forth between the NICU and our regular room, both Matt & I are pretty tired but we are THRILLED to be parents. It blows me away that these kiddos were the same ones I carried for almost 36 weeks. Matt is such an awesome dad, changing most of the diapers and handling the first feedings. He has been so amazing and I couldn't ask for a better partner in all of this. I have to say that these have been some of the sweetest days of my life. Just spending time rocking and loving on my kids makes my heart almost burst with joy. I could stare at them forever and very often do :) I honestly was scared to death that I wouldn't know ohow to feel "motherly" towards these 2 little babies --- and while it's such a cliche to say, it just comes naturally. I haven't done everything perfect, that's for sure (just ask Ry and his backwards diaper) but I feel like I know what they want and what will soothe them. What a cool thing.

And while these have been sweet days for sure, it still has been agony on my heart to only be able to hold little Quinn for short periods of time and then to have to leave her behind in a totally separate building. I hate that my kiddos are separated from each other and from us. Tonight I couldn't stop crying when I saw her --- I hadn't been able to see her all day and I felt incredibly guilty. Here I had spent all this time with Ryan but hadn't even been able to even say good morning to my daughter. I just prayed that she would remember me as her momma and even though we have to spend a lot of time apart right now, I just pray she will instictively know us. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks, having to leave her behind constantly -- but I thank God that the doctors have taken such awesome care of her and made it even possible for her to come home with us until she needs surgery.

We are so blessed. God has answered so many prayers and moved in so many amazing ways in our lives these past 3 days. Thank you all who have been praying for my little ones. They are precious and perfect in every way. Pics to come soon - the hospital internet connection makes it difficult to even get one picture uploaded.

Love,

Meagan








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5 comments:

Lisa said...

Meagan,
A beauitful post (as always). I'm sure there is a huge struggle and a "fight" for your time between Ryan and Quin, but in no time you will have them both in your arms and you will wonder what you ever worried about. These next couple weeks will be just but a tiny peice of their long lives. And stop worrying that Quinn wont remember you... you are her Mommy and she has heard your voice for months now and trust me she KNOWS who you are.

Can't wait to see them!

Libby said...

We're so glad to hear that you are all doing well. Sounds like Quinn is a strong little fighter, so you will all be together at home soon enough. I hope you're getting some snippets of rest between all of that lovin'. We are so very happy for you!! Again, Congratulations.

Ellie said...

So excited for yall both!!! Motherhood is so incredibly rewarding! Who knew you could fall in love so deeply and quickly!

Wishing you 4 the best!

The Roque Family

Anonymous said...

Meagan, I'm so sorry you're having to leave Quinn like that. But I'm very grateful, like you are, for the way medicine has advanced, even over the last 10-15 years! Don't worry, she won't forget you. She heard that voice for months, and you never forget a voice when you've heard it from the inside out :-) I think mommies and babies have an invisible umbilical cord that lasts a lifetime... No matter where you are, near or far, you always love your mommy.

Bethany Lenhart said...

Congratulations!! They arrived on my birthday - June 3rd! I hope these next few weeks are peaceful and that Quinn and Ryan continue to grow strong. Take care of those little ones and yourself as well.