Reunited Heartbeats

Today was the day I have been waiting for....24 days overdue. I finally got to hold my sweet baby girl, Elise. A family member said, "I can't wait for Elise to hear your heartbeat again!" It took me a minute to understand the "again" part of her statement. Then it hit me...reunited heartbeats.

Can I describe how I felt while holding my daughter for the first time? Not really. It was beyond wonderful. A sense of calm came over me. Most importantly, it felt natural and right to be close to my daughter, who before, I could only stare at through glass. Of course I had some Momma tears as soon as our skin bonded, but they were certainly happy tears. Even though I see her every other day, her size was put into perspective for me when she laid against my chest. She now weights 1 pound 11 ounces....teeny tiny shall we say? I say precious, too.

The nurse said if Elise would tire out or start to misbehave (drop her heartbeat/oxygen levels) she would need to go back in her isolette. She said we could try for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

This momma held for 3 hours! Elise did so well while I held her. Mostly awake...and even popped open those eyes to see Daddy as he snagged some video.

Enjoy our day as you scroll through the pictures....

So calm and full of love

I can't begin to explain what it felt like to feel those little fingers on my chest!

Momma tears...

Love, Love, Love.

My little smurf hat!

THIS is what life is all about.

Daddy's turn tomorrow!

G & J & E