Ashton Lavar HInton

The biggest highlight of 2009 was, of course, the birth of our smiley little baby Ashton. Damon was absolutely sure and determined that we were having a girl. No trick question or inopportune time could make him say or agree that it was a boy. So, I thought if any of us was bound to have intuition, it would be him. After all, he is the most innocent out of the three of us (Adam, Damon and I). Then on the day we were to find out Ashton's gender, the little raskal (yes, I'm refering to Damon) changed his tune. On the way into the ultrasound he said, "Um, maybe it's a boy?" Then, we found out it really was and I was very relieved that I had only bought one thing in pink. I'm not sure if Damon was disapointed as much as he was confused that his request had not been heeded. On the way out he said--a little whiny I might add, "But I wanted a gurl." However, it took him all of ten minutes to get used to the idea and start coming up with very interesting names for the baby such as Clark as in Clark Kent, Dinosaur, and at one point he even suggested Darth Vader as a good alternative to his other suggestions. Thankfully, Adam and I were in control of the naming bussiness. Damon got a doll at the hospital that he promptly named Clark. Phew, that was a close one.

Our first picture of Ashton

Because I was considered a high-risk pregnancy, I had to have stress tests twice a week: and, let me tell ya, if I didn't have stress before, those tests sure did a good job at giving it to me. I really wanted to give birth the traditional way, but since I was high-risk and I'd had a previous c-section, I only had a small window to let nature do it's work. The doctor gave me until I was 38 weeks to go into labor on my own. I was having contractions, but they weren't doing anything. Just another week is all I needed, I'm sure. Anyway, I got looking at the added risks: being on blood thinners, previous c-section, and then the worry about how it all would affect the baby and I decided to be a good girl and do what the doctor told me (yes, my attitude was okay, even if it could have been a little better).

So, Ashton was born on July 1, 2009 at 7:31 AM. He was 20" long, and weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. For being two weeks early, he was a big boy! I knew he would be, though, because as soon as I could feel him, it seemed like he was covering more space than Damon ever had. Much of the time I could feel him stretching way down low as well as way up in my rib cage. It was often uncomfortable, but at least I could feel him moving and that gave me comfort to know he was still thriving inside me. I know, a little paranoid, but after waiting for 3 1/2 years for him, I was anxious to get him here safe and sound.

He was a beautiful, chubby baby who has since thinned out a bit. Nonetheless, he is still beautiful and is getting funner every day.

Waiting before the C-section...

 

Damon had to keep himself occupied somehow.

Here is when our angel was born:

Isn't he the cutest...Of course I thought this about Damon too.

Just look at his chubby cheeks and double chin. It's just so squeezable.

My parents and Adam's mom were there. After everyone got to spend a few minutes with the baby (over an hour after the c-section! Unacceptable!), Damon went to stay with Adam's parents for a few days and my parents headed home for some much needed rest, Meadow is about 2 hours away from Cedar City.

     I definately believe in love at first sight.

     It was the same with Damon.