At 6:03 Tuesday night, Alexander Michael Tarves came into the world. It was a little earlier than expected, and a little lot more stressful than we ever thought it could be.

Tuesday was supposed to be the day we began the induction process. With Stephanie’s blood pressure still on the rise, the plan was to get her ready to be induced on Tuesday and then begin the Pitocin drip on Wednesday to get labor really going. All that changed when he started not tolerating the minor contractions caused by the Prostiglandin Tuesday afternoon. With every contraction, his heart rate would decelerate slightly. The obstetrician that was handling the procedure said he really didn’t think that Alex would tolerate full-fledged labor any better and that it would just be best to deliver him by Cesaerean Section. We asked “When?” and he advised that “There’s no time like the present.”

Then the whirlwind began. Nurses, anesthesiologists, and doctors all started running through their respective facts, risks, and forms. Before we knew it, she was being whisked away and I was walking through the operating rooms doors in the odd-fitting stock scrubs they threw at me.

A few minutes later, we had a baby. It seemed like forever until he cried (it was only a few seconds), beginning the constant state of stress that is having a newborn. From there, we’ve worried about glucose level, body temperature, platelet count, urine output, breast latch, and the big, bad, wolf. We’ve had blood draws, heel sticks, hearing tests, peepee checks, and just about everything else you could imagine. And suddenly, all was well.

He’s been eating great, pooping like a madman, sleeping soundly, and having little spurts where you can look him in the eye and just melt. Stef’s doing well too. The pain from the incision waxes and wanes and we’re both generally exhausted. But the hours of sleep that are nowhere to be found haven’t nearly taken away from the awesomeness that this little guy brings us.

We’ve had a lot of visitors so far, and many more are coming. The next few days are sure to be filled with stress and not filled with sleep, so don’t expect too many posts. We’ll get back on track in a few days.

Alex’s stats:

• D.O.B.: September 18, 2007 at 6:03 P.M.
• Weight: 6 lbs, 2.4 oz
• Length: 18 inches