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You are here: Home / family / baby / {Our first week as a family with Maxwell.}

{Our first week as a family with Maxwell.}

March 19, 2013 · 64 Comments

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

^ my last baby bump photo before Maxwell was born

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

^ waiting {and waiting, waiting, waiting} for our precious baby to be born

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

^ our very first photo of Maxwell // Zack was able to visit him in the NICU right away, but I had to wait until morning because of my emergency c-section

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

Over a week ago we checked into the hospital — as ready as we ever would be — to meet our baby. I was 41 weeks, 4 days when Maxwell joined our family and made us complete :)

Monday morning, March 11th, started out slow. Looking back, it has set the pace for how our family would forever be transformed. Labor was slow and long, over 30 hours. I wanted so badly to move Baby Whitley from inside my womb to my arms, but the progress was too slow. It was nearing Midnight on Tuesday and Baby was still inside my belly.

The contractions were intense. In between them my body managed to fall asleep + find some rest, for just a moment, before the nurse coached me on another round of three. For four hours my body worked hard and eventually we realized an emergency c-section would be the healthiest solution.

Zack held my hand as they pulled Maxwell out of me. What I remember the most? Two things: Zack crying and the doctor saying, “What a big baby boy!” It was a long, anticipated moment for us. After 8 months of wondering “pink” or “blue” we finally knew.

In that moment our hearts were processing so much. All I could think about was a fast-forwarded version of the last five years with Zack: getting married in 2008, chasing adventure after adventure, traveling to Tanzania, showing him my positive pregnancy test, and now — our sweet miracle baby.

We spent five nights in the hospital before heading home Saturday afternoon. Max spent four nights in the NICU, there were some minor complications during labor/delivery {he was having trouble breathing and I had a fever during labor} so they ran a couple precautionary tests on our sweet boy.

Maxwell-Zackary-gussy-sews

Maxwell Zackary Whitley // born March 12th at 11:47pm, 9 lbs, 7.5 oz and 21″

It’s been one week since I met my son and an indescribable love was born. Time has slowed down to a lovely pace. I’ve been able to heal, find rest throughout the day and snuggle Max. My parents are here and they’ve been a mountain of help.

And you all — thank you so, so much for every prayer, happy wish, message and gift sent our way. They have been such a blessing to our family :)

We are praising God for our healthy son.

Every day with Max is sweet like honey.

Every diaper change, burp, facial expression and moment saying “our son” is being treasured.

Becoming a mommy has been a natural transition, a wonderfully treasured gift…

 

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March 19, 2013 · Filed Under: baby, family, Maxwell, Zack · 64 Comments

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Comments

  1. Alysa (InspiredRD) says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    A huge congratulations to you all. Your labor and delivery experience sound absolutely identical to mine. Induction, lots of waiting, emergency c-section, fever, NICU, 5 nights in the hospital. So rough, but so so worth it :)

    Rest up and enjoy :)

    Reply
  2. Jolanthe says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    There is no ‘love’ button for this post. So very, very happy for you and Zach. Literally crying in happiness for you both right now. {hugs}

    Reply
  3. Traci Michele says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    you both are precious! So so happy for you friend!

    Love, Traci Michele

    Reply
  4. Ashley says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    The picture of you three as a family makes my heart so happy Maggie!!!!!!!!!!! Knowing how long sweet Max has been prayed for makes looking at his sweet little face that much sweeter. He is seriously such a beautiful baby. Love you and so happy for you friend :) :) :)

    Reply
  5. Trish says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Maggie – you gave birth to a one month old! Maxwell IS a big boy and oh, so so so cute!! Congrats to you and Zach. Nap often and enjoy!

    Reply
  6. Dr. Heather Rupe says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Congrats!

    Reply
  7. Sabrina says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Congrats on the birth of your sweet baby. And I love the mirror pic with the both of you. Max has the cutest smile and wave.

    Reply
  8. jamie says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    CONGRATs to you Ms. Gussy! So glad to be able to hear all about it, and see your sweet boy! He looks so healthy! Way to go momma. jamielynn

    Reply
  9. Ginger says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    Congratulations! What a sweet story. So happy for your little family!

    I love the picture of you two and he is looking in the mirror. He looks like he is ready to be the son of a blogger, hehe. “This is my instagram face.” So cute! Congratulations again!

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    So adorable! Congrats! My first son was born with meconium aspiration after being born at 41 weeks and a very long stressful labor, we were in the nicu for five days as well. Im happy your little man is home and healthy! Congrats!

    Reply
  11. Absolute Mommy says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    Congrats and many blessings. Nothing prepares you for how you feel when you meet your child. Maxwells story is beautiful. Welcome to club mom.
    Xoxo

    Reply
  12. Leslie Moore says

    March 19, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    He is precious! So glad to hear you are all home and doing well!!

    Reply
  13. Kathleen C says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    Congratulations and enjoy your babymoon!

    Reply
  14. Jess says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Wonderful! Sounds like you are really enjoying your precious son :-)

    Reply
  15. Brooke says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    Love this post!!! Congratulations!!! Thank you so much for sharing this experience with all of us. God’s richest blessings on your family!!!

    Reply
  16. Southern Gal says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    I can’t quit smiling at your loveliness and that sweet baby boy. You did good, Mama.

    Reply
  17. Mego says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    as a mom of a little boy, I can relate to how you are feeling! Congratulations!! Remember to take care of yourself, too!! you just had major emergency surgery! my son spent 7 days in the NICU for similar reasons (hypoglycemia & apnea issues), but has been a peach ever since!! Praise the Lord!

    Reply
  18. Rachael Barclay says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Oh it’s been so wonderful to follow along with you on this journey- and love seeing picture updates on Instagram:) So glad you are home resting and healing( and snuggling your little boy of course!) congratulations again:)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 28, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      @Rachael Barclay, oh thank you!!!!! :) we are so in love with Max… xx

      Reply
  19. laura~eye candy event details says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Many congrats on becoming a mom! It is a LOVE like none other & only can be imagined once you have a child – it can NOT be explained. I am so thankful you are ok as I have been following along. Praise God you both are fine & welcome to the momma club! =) It’s the greatest club you will ever belong to! ;)

    Reply
  20. The Chatty Mommy says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:44 pm

    Thanks for sharing! We were all praying for you and stalking twitter! So thankful you are both okay and thriving!

    Reply
  21. Rachel @CreativelyRedeemingHer says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    Congrats! New fan from Compassion Bloggers:)

    This sweet, sweet post on motherhood reminded me of my posting earlier today, when you have a free second, which might not be for many months OR might be during a 2 a.m. feeding, visit here http://creativelyredeemingher.blogspot.com/2013/03/feelin-so-thankful.html

    Reply
  22. Diana Foree says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    What a sweet post! Have been waiting for your story and read it with joy for the 3 of you. Having a big baby and a c-section is a lot of work…I know…I had the same thing with Kristy who as 9 lb. 6 oz. c-section and 3 weeks late. Not a whole lot of those little items fit but save them for your next little one. Blessings to you all and joy. Will love following your adventures.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 28, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      @Diana Foree, He was born fitting into size 0-3 month clothes ;D we are soooo in love with this chubby baby. And we are so thankful for how God blessed our family!

      Reply
  23. Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. says

    March 19, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    I am so happy to hear that you and your sweet little boy are okay! Congratulations on having a little boy, there is nothing like they way a boy loves his momma! I have two little boys and they are truly a blessing. I love seeing you so happy and enjoying motherhood! xoxo

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 28, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      @Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve., Every day is sweeter than the previous… ♥

      Reply
  24. anna {girlwithblog} says

    March 19, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Welcome to miracle motherhood. That newborn haze is so wonderful – I adored it. So, so glad you’re healing and able to take it in!

    Reply
  25. Annabel Vita says

    March 20, 2013 at 3:09 am

    That is one gorgeous baby you’ve got yourself there! Congratulations to all three of you (and Bauer)

    Reply
  26. Cilla says

    March 20, 2013 at 3:28 am

    Your experience was similar to mine 22 years ago! No matter what we go through, the end result is the same, there is nothing like holding that miracle in your arms. He is a beauty, congratulations and good luck to all of you. Enjoy this most precious of times!

    Reply
  27. Susan Combrinck says

    March 20, 2013 at 4:15 am

    Congratulations to you and Zack.

    Reply
  28. Chloe says

    March 20, 2013 at 5:17 am

    So excited for you!! Can I ask about that sweet floral hospital gown? I love it!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 20, 2013 at 10:56 am

      @Chloe, it’s from Annie & Isabel :)

      Reply
  29. Jamee says

    March 20, 2013 at 5:30 am

    Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! He is so handsome!

    Reply
  30. Dana (Happy Little Lovelies) says

    March 20, 2013 at 5:31 am

    Gosh…how fun it’s been to watch you on this journey. So, so happy for you and thanking Jesus for His sweet gift. He gives such good ones, doesn’t He? :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 28, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      @Dana (Happy Little Lovelies), yeowwwww! He sure does ;D

      Reply
  31. sarah says

    March 20, 2013 at 6:06 am

    What a journey, esp the last week! Sounds like you have many more great weeks to come!Sar=)

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage

    Reply
  32. annie says

    March 20, 2013 at 6:40 am

    He’s perfect Mag! Just perfect!!!!!!!! I am so thankful that you and Zack have this precious gift! Enjoy every moment! They go way too fast! Easton just turned 3 Monday! :( So proud of you!!!!!! xoxoxo

    Reply
  33. Kristin S says

    March 20, 2013 at 6:53 am

    Beautiful post, Maggie.

    Reply
  34. Katy says

    March 20, 2013 at 7:42 am

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  35. mara says

    March 20, 2013 at 7:58 am

    LOVE THIS! makes me teary. so happy for you and your sweet max :)

    Reply
  36. Anna says

    March 20, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Congrats Maggie. Enjoy every second, minute and day with sweet Maxwell. xo

    Reply
  37. Heather says

    March 20, 2013 at 9:29 am

    Beautiful pictures. I wish you all the best as a new mother. There is nothing quite like it. Treasure these moments. My oldest is 16 years old and it seems like she was born just yesterday.

    Reply
  38. Megan - FireWifey says

    March 20, 2013 at 11:55 am

    I have been silently following your journey this whole time (I’m really bad at remembering to leave comments), and am so full of joy for you. You are already an amazing Mama, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for your family. Beautiful pictures too!

    Reply
  39. Blue Eyed Brooke says

    March 20, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    Congratulations Maggie!!! I’ve followed your entire story and I’m so happy to see you holding your sweet baby boy finally. I have 2 boys myself and know the joy of snuggling a precious son. These early days are so very special. Wishing you the best with your new little guy!!! :)

    Reply
  40. Ti Madame says

    March 20, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Thank you for taking the time to update us on how you are doing. I’m so glad to see and hear how well you all are doing. You and your sweet family will continue to be in my prayers. God Bless.

    Reply
  41. Linday Roberts says

    March 20, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    He is perfect Maggie! Congrats!

    Reply
  42. *Alex* says

    March 20, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Congrats on your gorgeous little man! :D

    Reply
  43. Katy (lil' alice) says

    March 20, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    So happy for you sweet mamma! The days & nights seem long but the years are so short! Take your time recovering, there is nowhere that important that you need to be. God bless that sweet baby!

    Reply
  44. Emily says

    March 20, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    He is such a doll! Glad you are doing well:)

    Reply
  45. tiffany day says

    March 20, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    Hi Maggie,

    My name is Tiffany — I have read your blog off an on for quite a while – I have seen you all over the blogland and first learned about you from Lisa Leonard!

    Anyway my reason for emailing you is to say Welcome to LA! And contragulations on your baby boy!

    I also live in LA – work in Century City actually!

    I blog here: justbeingtiffany.blogspot.com

    I realize you have been in LA for a little bit now but if I can help in anyway with places to go/visit/eat, etc. Please shoot me an email! I hope you are enjoying LA!

    Hugs,
    Tiffany

    Reply
  46. Hubbs says

    March 20, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    Love you Maggs and Max. Great post sweetheart.

    Reply
  47. Natalie Schlabach says

    March 20, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    So happy for you!!

    Reply
  48. Elizabeth says

    March 20, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    Congratulations on a healthy baby boy!!! I’m a big fan of the “almost 10 pounders”….my son was 9lbs 13.5oz 21.5 inches. Gotta love those chubby babies!! So happy that he arrived safely! God bless you & your sweet family!

    Reply
  49. Mindy Harris says

    March 20, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    this post blesses me so. i’m glad everything turned out okay. maxwell is beautiful. boys can be beautiful too. i think my wilder is.
    (hugs)

    Reply
  50. sarah says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    He is sooo cute and you two look like you are over the moon with happiness! Enjoy this time, it’s so special. I know you already are.

    Reply
  51. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    March 21, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    I am so happy for you! Congratulations and all my love!

    Reply
  52. Melissa Gill says

    March 23, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    What a precious precious boy! He’s adorable!

    Reply
  53. bre dale says

    March 26, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing, you are inspiring as always and Max is adorable!

    Reply
  54. ex-lover jealous says

    April 3, 2013 at 3:35 am

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about outspeak. Regards

    Reply
  55. Nicole Massey says

    May 19, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    I cannot beleive how in sync our births were, except the c-section!! I was 41 weeks 3 days. My boy was born on March 11th, assisted. He was 7lbs 2oz and 20 inches long. So neat. Congrats to you momma. I love my fella so much I feel like I could cry. It’s an amazing thing.

    Reply
  56. Gauravi says

    March 18, 2014 at 5:33 am

    Oh Karen,I’m HUGGING you right now in prayer as I pray for your heart. I don’t know what it is but our Abba Father knows and He loves you so very much. I know you know that. I pray you feel HIS warm, livnog, strong, caring, restoring arms around you right now in only the way that He can hold us.I love you! Buzz me if you need me ok?!

    Reply
  57. Silmara says

    March 19, 2014 at 1:08 am

    d8afdaa9d8aad8b1 d8b4db8cd8b1d988db8cdbb1dbb4 d8aadb8cd8b1d88c dbb1dbb3dbb9dbb2d8b3d984d8a7d985d88c d8aad8b6d985db8cd986 d8a8d8a7d986daa9db8c d8a7d986d8acd8a7d985 d8aad8b9d987d8af (performance bank guarantee) d8aad988d8b3d8b7 d8a8d8a7d986daa9 d8b5d8a7d8afd8b1 d985db8c d8b4d988d8af d8afd8b1 d8add8a7d984db8c daa9d987 renettion d8afd8b1d8b5d8afdb8c d8a7d8b2 d8add982 d8a7d984d8b2d8add985d987 db8cd8a7 d8abd985d986 d985d8b9d8a7d985d984d987 d8a7d8b3d8aa daa9d987 daa9d8b3d8b1 d988 d986d8b2d8af daa9d8a7d8b1d981d8b1d985d8a7 d8a8d987 d8b9d986d988d8a7d986 d8aad8b6d985db8cd986 d986daafd987d8afd8a7d8b1db8c d985db8c d8b4d988d8af.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Project Life 365 {Week 11} » The White Peach Blog says:
    March 21, 2013 at 11:19 am

    […] for my sweet friends who prayed long and hard for this sweet baby boy to enter their lives. Stop by Maggie’s blog to get a peek at her yummy little babe and congratulate her on their new […]

    Reply
  2. Maxwell and his supervisor. says:
    December 17, 2013 at 3:01 am

    […] Oh my. It feels like just yesterday he was born and we were celebrating our first week as a family. […]

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Since 2008, I've been writing to inspire myself
(and others) to keep chasing the adventure of life. Whether that be through my faith in God, simple living, motherhood, handmade business, or friendship, there is much joy to be found!
My husband and I live in the Detroit area with
our THREE young children. We are adventure seekers, passion chasers, and believe inspiration is all around you. READ MORE...
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