I wrote this in the hospital and it still applies.

It's amazing how the birth of your child changes your life in so many ways, instantaneously. I am ever amazed at how someone can fall so tremendously in love with someone so quickly, so fully. Carl and I are so in love with Benjamin. This is more than I deserve.

I'm thanking God constantly these days it seems. For my health, for my son and his health, for my recovery. And most of the time, for my husband. He has been so great this whole pregnancy. The past few months he has taken care of me better than I could ever ask for. When I blacked out, he was beside my bed begging me to keep my eyes open, even if I couldn't see. I'll never forget the way he looked when I finally could see. Going through this has really shown me how much Carl loves me, and also how much I so love him. I could not have asked for a more loving and caring husband. I know he is going to take care of me while I recover, and help me to do my best to care for Benjamin as well. He is such a good father. Benjamin and I really hit the jackpot. Carl has been so encouraging to me. He has helped me as much as he could, and more.

introducing Carl Benjamin Jenkins

Our beautiful baby boy was born January 19th at 9:50 PM after 17 hours of labor. Labor wasn't too bad with the epidural, and pushing wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Benjamin's heartrate had dropped and they were very close to giving me a c-section when our doctor checked and said it was time to push. I pushed for about an hour and twenty minutes. I am so thankful for modern medicine because I didn't feel it when Benjamin's apparently big head split me BAD. I lost a lot of blood, so shortly after giving birth my body went into shock and I blacked out for quite a long time. I didn't pass out but I could not see for a while and wanted to close my eyes but Carl sat by me and told me to keep my eyes open. I will never forget the moment I was finally able to see again and how excited I was to be able to see Carl beside me. The next morning I received 2 units of blood transfusion, and they kept me an extra day. We went home the following Thursday.

I've recovered quite nicely and although we have hit a few bumps here and there, everything is coming together as best as it can! We are very happy with our Baby Boy!

I'm sorry it took so very long to post something like this. I'm sure you can imagine why. The tear I received was a complete 4th degree tear, which is the worst you can get. So I've been concentrating my energy on feedings and recovering.

Oh and we have internet at the house now!

Love,
Kristen

About My Layout

Yes, it's true. I designed my blog myself. I didn't do it alone, though.

The font for my blog post headers, sidebar headers, and blog post dates I got from http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/ - Currently I am using Pea Carrie Script

I used digital scrapbooking kits from http://www.shabbyprincess.com

I used the program free Gimp (www.gimp.org) for my header.

This is a sort of hobby of mine. I don't do any of this to gain money for myself as I use free elements to put it together. I am still learning the ropes, but if you'd like me to try to create one for you, e-mail me @ bringingupbenjamin@yahoo.com and we'll talk about it. I will probably only be able to do one at a time, as I am super busy with Benjamin and my house, if there are any who are interested.

I would be more than happy to give pointers or tips or advice. Just e-mail me!

Other blogs I have designed:

- {My Blessed} Life in Three-Six-Five - My Photoblog
- Hey Good Lookin' - My Recipe Blog
- The Adventures of Benjamin and Mariah - Ben and Mariah's blog
- Held - Gina's Blog
- A Preacher's Life - Hubby's Blog