Thursday, October 16, 2008

Our Beautiful Miracle...


It has been a few trying but amazing days for us. On October 15th at 9:45 PM our precious Eleanora Dawn came into the world. She is the perfect combination of beauty and spunk, although her delivery was far from perfect. Since Kara was past her due date and the baby was getting bigger, her doctor recommended that she be induced Wednesday morning. After a long day of labor, it was finally time to push. Kara quickly showed the makings of a pushing champion. Despite all her hard work, after over 2 1/2 hours of pushing, little Eleanora still wasn't ready to introduce herself to the world. After a trying time with the vacuum, the doctor made the decision to do a C-section.

After a whirlwind of getting ready (who knew I would get to wear a spacesuit), Kara was whisked to the OR and our beautiful miracle made her debut soon thereafter. It was a very trying time for Kara, who didn't really get any quality time with Eleanora until almost 3 hours after she was born. After a difficult initial recovery for Kara, they were finally reunited. Kara was amazing throughout the whole day, never complaining despite some very difficult moments. I have never loved her more and am so proud of her.

Yesterday was a much better day: introducing her to Opa and Gigi Gibson and Auntie Natalie as well as Grandpa and Gram Hoffman and Auntie Erin over the phone. We also were able to give the good news to Great Grandma B and Great Mena, both of which are some of our greatest inspirations and therefore inspired Eleanora Dawn's first and middle names. Most of all, it was a wonderful day of just getting to know my daughter. I have never known the feeling of loving someone the very instant you meet them; it is indescribable and has changed my life.

Thanks to all of you for your supportive thoughts and prayers. We love you and are so glad you're in our lives.

Sleeping in Mom's arms

Getting to know the Gibsons

Our New Family

10 comments:

Jenn said...

Congratulations Hoffmans!!!! Praise the Lord for a safe delivery and for sustaining you all through those first few days of joy and trial. Eleanora is SO beautiful!! Praying for you guys in these first days and weeks and rejoicing with you in this precious gift!!

Joliearaignee said...

I am absolutely in love with Eleanora, and I haven't even met her yet. She has to be the most beautiful and precious little girl that I have ever seen. I am so happy for you both, and I am so anxious to get to meet her in person around Christmas! I absolutely cannot wait to hold her! I love you all!

Joliearaignee said...

(Joliearaignee...is Auntie Erin)

Unknown said...

thank you thank you thank you for all the details... I am in tears!! AMAZING! I am so excited for the 3 of you! AMAZING! Lots of love coming from Geneva!!!

Erin said...

We are so ridiculously thrilled for you guys, and the entire Gibson and Hoffman families. Eleanora is one lucky babe!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness - I have tears streaming down my face!! (Kara, are you surprised?) :) What a wonderful story and fabulous family! We are so thrilled for you guys.

Megan said...

What a crazy delivery that was. Good thing you got a good prize at the end! Eleanora is just beautiful! Congrats!

Katy said...

Congratulations Ben and Kara! What a precious baby girl. You two are so blessed! We will check back often for more pictures and updates! Enjoy these special first weeks together.
Love, Brett and Katy
PS When you have time (ha ha), you can check out our boys on our blog brettandkatydutton.blogspot.org. :)

Alicia said...

Congratulations!! She is beautiful!

Ben- My sister, Adrienne, told me to tell you hi and congrats as well!

Natalie said...

I am in Eleanora withdrawl...life has a whole new meaning now that I'm an aunt! Has it really only been 5 days?