Despite the weeks of waiting, and trying to expect the unexpected, the big day came in sort of an unsurprising way. We had a standing appointment on Monday for a checkup, in the event that the baby had not come before then.
And so, almost as if prompted by the deadline, Lisbeth started to have pains late Sunday night. The pain was strong enough to keep her up all night, but not strong enough for her to decide that we needed to head to the hospital. So we went the next morning for our 8:45 appointment.
To our surprise, we were told that she was two centimeters dilated. The midwife doing the exam seemed surprised too, and even tried to get us admitted, but was told that Lisbeth would have to be further along before we could get in.
We got something to eat, and stalled for time, as the midwife advised us to stay close to the hospital. We got another exam at around noon, and learned that she was between three and four centimeters. It was good progress, but the contractions were still to short and irregular to get admitted.
By 3:00 pm, the contractions were strong and less than five minutes apart, and we were admitted. It was another forty five minutes before we got to the delivery room, but once we did, things progressed quickly.
Ellen Vestergaard Trujillo was born two hours later, at 5:46 pm. She weighed 3,450 grams (7.6 pounds) and was 53 centimeters long (21 inches). My first impression was that she was mad. Very mad. The midwife told us that she was crying while she was in the birth canal. She cried when she was born, and she kept it up for two solid hours afterwards.
Lisbeth was amazing. She delivered without painkillers (she asked for them, but the midwife seemed determined not to provide them, each time saying it was either too late or too early for painkillers.) And, on top of staying up all night before, she stayed up pretty much all night with the baby the following two nights.
It’s quite an experience — being there for a delivery. I told Lisbeth at the outset that I’d be there and I’d help in whatever small ways a man can, but that I didn’t want to study every gory detail. But as time went by, I got more and more curious. I saw more than I planned to, but nothing that I regret. Still, I have a new sympathy for men that faint in the delivery room. The birth itself — when that massive little head emerges, seemingly out of nowhere — it’s a rush, and it made me dizzy.
And with that — with the long months of waiting behind us — waiting to find out whether it’s a boy or a girl, and what he or she looks like, there she was. We had our baby, and it was time to start to get to know her.
We had her at Hvidovre hospital, largely because they have a wing where families have their own rooms where they can stay for up to two nights after the birth. It’s a nice setup, because once you get through labor, the last thing I wanted to do was share a room with other screaming babies. One screaming baby is enough.
The next day Lisbeth’s parents visited to see the baby. To some degree it seems like the more experience one has with children the more excited one gets when a new one is introduced. Frits and Karen have three children, and have three grandchildren already, all girls. And yet they are both clearly thrilled with the addition to the family. They brought a bottle of champagne, along with some cake that the Danes often have for celebrations.
Because Ellen was overdue, she didn’t have any of the grease, or oil, that newborns are typically coated with. This grease protects the skin. After all, the baby is floating in water for nine months — imagine how your skin would look after nine months in a bathtub.
In Ellen’s case, the lack of protection wasn’t immediately obvious, but the next day we noticed that the skin on her hands and feet was quite dried out. So her hands and feet look a little strange for now.
Although the hospital experience was perfectly nice, after two nights we were really anxious to get home. So we dressed Ellen in some of the great clothing that friends and family members have given us, and packed up our bags. And then, just minutes before we left, Ellen decided to get serious about opening her eyes and looking around.
She didn’t like everything she saw.
Adam and Lisbeth:
Did you really mean it when you said the midwives didn’t admit that Ellen is the MOST GORGEOUS child in Christendom? I would have taken them off the job immediately, no matter what stage they were in in the delilvery.
Yes, our grandchild is perfect. Extremely good looking. She has Hansen, Coppock and Trujillo looks, but it’s obvious the really good looks come from the Trujillo side.
I’m so proud!
Daddrrr
Dear Family!!!!
Well!! I was wondering and praying for the best…and here she is…little Ms. Ellen! Congratulations Mom and Dad! …although sounds like Lisbeth did all the work. I wish you all a lifetime of happiness, health and peace.
Kindest Regards,
Dolly
Hi Stan and Lisbeth, Congratulations first off, how fantastic and she looks super cute in a ‘I don’t take s…from anyone’ kinda way:) it was so enjoyable to read your blog Stan…I read it out loud for Doug as well, he sends his best. Lisbeth has always been very accountable for deadlines so figures she’ll make this one hihi:)
good to hear all went well, take care all three of you,
Pernille & Doug
nb. love the name!
Stan, I’m so happy for you. Congratulations to both you and Lisbeth. Ellen is a such cute little baby! Your pictures are priceless. How did you get such amazing photos during these critical moments? My favorites are “10 seconds old” and the series of Ellen opening her eyes. The one with the staff member on the scooter is also very fun!
Warmest Regards,
Eric
Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl!
Love and hugs,
Aunt Doey
She’s BEAUTIFUL!!!! Congratulations Lisbeth and Adam. I’m glad it went so smooth and relatively quickly. Adam, remember, Lisbeth must now be treated like a queen for at least a year ;D.
Also, the “grease” is called vernix.
Love, Auntie Connie
Hej Ellen, Adam og Lisbeth
Tillykke med Ellen – hun ser sød og bestemt ud! Sikke fine billeder, vi glæder os til at komme pÃ¥ besøg. Det bliver først næste weekend, sÃ¥ kan jeg blive helt rask og Kaspar kan komme med.
HUN ER DA SKØN
Knus fra Kaspar og Hanne
Guys, she is perfect! What a beautiful little girl
I can already tell that she is going to do amazing things in her life. I can’t wait to meet her- what a little angel! Congratualtions! Also, congratulations to the 4 new grandparents!
Love,
Auntie Heather
Dear Lisbeth and Stan:
I take it back–all newborns do not look alike! She is a beautiful, precious princess who will eventually become a “reina” (queen) in the tradition of all of the Trujillo women. Amazingly, she has already given us glimpses of her unique personality. The “eye-opening” series is priceless.
Love and blessings,
Aunt Dorothy
Congratulations on such a beautiful little girl, Dona Dinamarca, and such a beautiful mama.
Love,
Aunt Bingy and Jeff
Congrats to all Trujillos, large small, young and old.
This little girl already looks as if she knows what she wants and we wish her all the best.
Helmut and Klare, Friends of Bonnie and Art in Las Vegas
Stan and Lisbeth, your dad shared the blog and photos with me. Congratulations and enjoy. Another wonderful event in the Trujillo family. Love Judy Long