Pelatowski Family In London: Welcome Aiden William Pelatowski

February 27, 2012, Aiden William Pelatowski made his arrival at 9:31am at Chelsea Westminster Hospital in London. He came fast and furious in only three and a half hours with only seven minutes of pushing!! Not even enough time for the epidural to work!! He weighed 7lbs 4oz and measured 21.2 inches at birth.

The experience of delivering a baby in England was a bit different than the United States. Even though I had a "consultant led delivery" the midwife (who was FABULOUS by the way) really did everything. Thank God she was there to talk me down from the edge when push time came with no pain relief!!! At home the babies get dressed and swaddled up...here they strongly promote skin to skin contact to regulate baby's body temp, and assist with breast feeding. At home a baby is bathed while in the hospital...not here, no bath before bringing him home. After an uncomplicated delivery, if both mom and baby are doing well, you can be discharged from hospital after 6 hours...not at home. Tea and cake are promptly served at 3pm every afternoon here in London...not back home. Circumcisions are done 24-36 hours after birth, by the OB, while still in hospital...not here, baby must be between 1-6 weeks of age and goes to a private clinic where a procedure is done by a pediatric urologist. This is because a circumcision is considered elective and not covered by the NHS and will not be done in an NHS hospital. Just a few of the differences noted, although I am sure there are many more I have already forgotten! Overall, I received fabulous care and had a very positive experience delivering Aiden.

Meeting for the first time!!

There is only one moment better than the first time you see your baby and that is the moment you get to see all of your children together for the first time. Mandy and Ryan were so much a part of this pregnancy. They were so excited for the arrival of their baby brother and the moment I had them all together for the first time was one I will never forget.

Ready to go home!

As I sit here writing this post, Aiden is quickly approaching 6 weeks already. I cannot believe how fast this time is going! In these 6 weeks, however, he has experienced many wonderful "first" moments. Such as....

The first time Ryan held him...

His first ride on the London Overground...

His first bath...

Which he wasn't too happy about...

His first successful ride in the buggy (ie: stroller)

His first trip to Kew Gardens

His first bottle from his big sister...

His first visit with Grammy and Grampy...

His first smiles...

So happy...

Mandy and Ryan have been fabulous with all the change in the house. They both love having a little brother and frequently shower him with attention and LOTS of hugs and kisses!!! Mandy is proving to be a fabulous helper, always willing to hold him or sing to him. She has even changed 2-3 diapers already!!! Ryan loves to talk to Aiden and now that he is beginning to smile, Ryan enjoys making funny noises to try to get a reaction. Aiden adores his sister and brother as well. His eyes go to them as soon as they enter the room, and he fights sleep when they are around as if he doesn't want to miss anything. Very cute watching them all interact with each other.

Love these photos of him with his serious face and chubby cheeks!!

Life with three is busy and everyday things, like leaving the house, take a little longer. We have little bumps throughout the day, but overall things are wonderful. Aiden is such an easy going, happy little guy and has added a whole new dimension to our family. We are so lucky to have this wonderful little man in our lives. We can't wait for our trip home this summer so we can introduce him to all of you back home!