We are pleased to announce that Jaron Roland arrived last Sunday,April 19 at 11:50pm (2 days early). He was 6 lbs., 15 oz. and 21 inches long. I was in labor for 19 1/2 hours and had planned to give birth at a freestanding birth center, but because of the shape of my pubic bone (flat instead of arched), I was unable to push him out under the bone by myself and ended up being transfered to the hospital for a vaccum extraction (I don't recommend it for anyone with a low pain threshold!) The midwife went with me and assisted at the birth. She and the doctor were wonderful. I think they really saved me from having a c-section.

The insertion of the vaccum extraction cup was extremely painful, much worse than the actual birth. The only medication I had the whole time was a local anesthetic for the episiotomy, about which I am very proud. Although I think next time I may ask for something if I have to have another vaccum. DH was an awesome coach. The midwife wanted to know if she could rent him out to other patients :)

We've had an eventful first week. We came home from the hospital on Tuesday, 21st, but on Wednesday Jaron had to go back into the hospital. He was dehydrated and had a fever, so we took him to the emergency room and they were afraid he had a bacterial infection from the delivery, so he was admitted to the hospital for tests and IV fluids/antibiotics. DH and I both stayed at the hospital with him for four days and after lots of tests for Jaron and stress for mommy and daddy, they determined that he did not have any infection, but probably had a virus that was causing him not to eat well and get dehydrated. I got some help from the lactation consultant on breastfeeding and have been breastfeeding him and feeding him breast milk in a bottle. He's doing really well now. We came home Saturday.

We just can't get enough of him. Grandma and Grandpa were here for the week to help out. We love being parents. I have enjoyed this board so much and thank everyone for your insights and support. We hope to have pictures on Jaron's website soon, maybe in the next week or so. http:www/newvisionchurch.org/babystuff.htm

- Lisa