Happy Birthday, Sweet BOY!

How do you even put into words what it is like to lay eyes on your baby for the first time? To hear that first beautiful cry? Even though this was our 4th time to experience it, it was every bit as magical and wonderful as the other three times. This time though, there was a bit of extra excitement, because we didn't know the baby's gender!

I was very anxious as they wheeled me into the OR...having a huge needle stuck in my spine & laying there awake as they cut me open is not easy. (I have watched way too much Grey's Anatomy, so every worst-case scenario was running through my head.) I do have to say though, that this c-section may have been my easiest, in the sense that I didn't get sick at my stomach. I basically begged the anesthesiologist to do everything he could to help me with that part. He was able to keep my blood pressure from dropping too low, which made a huge difference. I didn't feel any pain at all, just a lot of pressure and tugging. The first part of a c-section is the hardest, because once the baby is out, you're at least distracted by what is happening with the baby.

I'm always relieved once they let Brian come into the OR to sit by me, because I know at that point, the baby will be out within just a few minutes. All of a sudden, Dr. Shepherd said "Okay, here comes baby..." and just a few seconds later we heard that first beautiful cry! Really, the best sound in the entire world. There was a little clear window in the curtain that they opened as Dr. Shepherd held our little miracle up, and said "IT'S A BOY!!!" We could not have been more excited! Brian just kept saying "It's a boy!!" over and over! He admitted later that he was really hoping for a baby boy! And well, so was I! I kind of thought it was a girl throughout my whole pregnancy, I think mostly because I didn't want to be disappointed if it wasn't a boy. =0) I was really so surprised and kind of shocked that it was a boy, but I couldn't have been happier! One of my very first thoughts was that I couldn't wait to tell Jonah that he got the baby brother he was hoping so badly for! I can't forget to include that in the excitement of seeing him for the first time, and finding out he was a boy, Jack was peeing everywhere...that's right, he came out of the womb peeing! Such a boy! =0) 

Not knowing the gender was definitely a challenge at times during my pregnancy, but it was the most amazing surprise at delivery and something I will always be so glad we did. I honestly didn't think I could have that kind of patience, and I'm really proud of myself for waiting! The surprise of hearing "It's a boy!" was worth the wait for sure. It was the best surprise of my entire life. 

I wish I had a video of Brian from my viewpoint on the operating table. I could see him over at the warmer with the baby, as the nurse worked on him. He kept raising his fist in the air, exclaiming "It's a BOY!" and he was beaming. I loved it! He was a very proud Daddy! 

Jack Brian was born at 7:52 AM on Friday, June 19th, weighing 9 lbs 6 oz and 21" long. Yes...9 POUNDS 6 OUNCES...SAY WHAT?!?! 

When they started weighing him, my guess was 8 lbs 3 oz...I felt like he was bigger than our other three babies, who were all in the 7 lb range, but I had NO IDEA that he was so big!! I could not believe he was 9 lbs 6 oz...they even weighed him again because we were in such disbelief about it! But sure enough, he's a big boy!! No wonder I was in so much pain those last few weeks. The newborn diaper they had to put on him barely fit him. Once they got him all cleaned up and finished with measurements, footprints and shots, they bundled him up and let Brian bring him over to me. They asked if I wanted to do skin to skin right there on the operating table, but I wasn't feeling the greatest so I decided to just wait until I got back to our room for that. I always love that sweet moment when Brian holds the baby up to my face and I get to kiss those sweet cheeks for the first time. Talk about love at first sight! 

We are so thankful to God, for giving us another little miracle baby boy. The gift of life is such a beautiful thing. I don't know how people can look at a newborn baby and not believe that there is a God who created it.

Jack Brian, 

We are so glad you are here! You are deeply loved by your Mommy and Daddy! We can't wait to see just exactly who God created you to be. 

Our hearts are so full, they could just burst!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13

Jack's Birth Video:

It's a BOY!!! (Short version)

Just a few seconds before he came out...so much pressure...this video shows the not so fun part of a c-section.

It's a Boy (long video)

Here's the pee pee shot! Hahaha! At least we knew his bladder works! 

I guess it felt good to stretch because he kept straightening his legs out like this! 

Proud Daddy! 

So serious!! I mean, being born is hard work, ya know?! 

This is so gross...Brian took this weird picture of the rags they used during surgery. It really is amazing that they can just cut you open and pull out a baby, while you are awake, without you feeling any of it. Oh, I also had a tubal this time, so my surgery took a few minutes longer than normal. Have I mentioned how happy and relieved I am that this was 100% my last time to have to do this?! 

"Hi sweet boy, I'm your Momma!"

This was the first time that I've ever gotten to have the baby in the bed with me as I've been wheeled out of the OR and back to my room. I loved that the baby stayed in the OR the whole time and I didn't have to miss anything. I just wish our family would have been there, to meet baby Jack and hear "It's a boy!" as we went past the waiting room. =0(