11/12/13

On Monday I was texting back and forth with my sister-in-law about when Ian might make an appearance. Sunday had been the day she had first chosen and for a little bit there we thought he might prove his Auntie Ruth right. Anyway, she mentioned that the next day, 11/12/13, would be a neat birthday. I hadn’t thought of the date until she said something. I began hoping and Daniel did too that this fun birthday would be in the Lord's plan for his arrival. To add to this fun date I found out it would have been my great grandpa's... Ian's　great great grandpa's 122nd birthday, so this made me want it even more.　

But, Tuesday morning dawned with no sign of him on the way, which with my long, hard labors seemed to mean he would not make it for this great date. My mom, the kids and I headed off to Target with me hoping our shopping trip would have to be cut short. Well, we got to fully enjoy our outing with no abrupt end to our time there. After lunch I lay down for a nap with my dream of him arriving on the 12th fading as quickly as it had come. You have to understand my labors had been close to 24 and 12 hours.　

I have been discrete but, the following may have a little more detail then some of you want...

Around 4:40pm was the first sign I had that labor might not be far away, but no real labor. I called Daniel to tell him my feelings. At about 5:30 I start to have the first pre-labor contractions and by 6:30 I knew it was the real thing with them moving to three minutes apart. My midwife arrived around 9:30, just before she arrived I told Daniel I was scared because I was already feeling like I couldn’t handle it and didn't know how I would be able to do it if this was only the start of labor and that I had hours still to go. To hear from my midwife a few minutes later I was already at 8cm was some of the most wonderful news I had ever heard. Daniel’s verse for me this time was John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. I felt the Lord's peace settling over me and him telling me that Ian would have this fun birthdate. With less than six hours of labor and our sweet little man arrived at 11:26pm. He weighed 8lbs even and was 21" long. The Lord also blessed in that I had no hemorrhaging this time!

Shelden and Jenae were elated to wake in the morning and find their baby brother was already here (they had gone to bed excited of that possibility). No baby could ask for a more loving big brother and sister. Ian receives many sweet hugs, kisses and cuddles. We are so thankful to The Lord for all of our precious blessing. Here are some more pictures of our cuties. 　

Ian Elijah

Well, our third little youngster squeaked into the birth date of 11/12/13 by being born at 11:26 PM after a relatively short labor (as compared to our previous standards). We prayed for good health, and God has chosen to answer in the affirmative. The little man even sleeps decently at night. I would even be tempted to say that he sleeps through the night, as I have yet to hear him cry. The elbow in the side to change a dirty diaper however proves otherwise.

Over the several days that have passed since his birth, Shelden and Jenae have continued to develop a bond with him, and even carry on monologues with their new brother. Both enjoy wishing him a good morning, and kissing him good night. Jenae’s bear hugs could do with being a little less hearty. 

With three kids now, I feel like an old man, or at least an experienced one. I recall those weeks after Shelden’s birth, how much of an adjustment it was to having a child and not having sleep. 7:30 at night seemed like a perfectly appropriate bed time. Now the additional responsibility of having kids to watch while still attempting to somewhat keep track of additional responsibility at work, surprisingly seems bearable. Much of this is due to the invaluable support of family and friends.

So here we are with an additional soul for whom we have been granted full custody. It truly is a daunting task. The little guy is 100% dependent on us for every need. As the kids grow older, I am again reminded of this fact. This evening, Shelden and I had a discussion of his current skill set as his older brother looked forward to playing animals with him, and commented on his lack of productivity. Investing, however, in my kids I feel like is one of the soundest ones I feel like I can make. They require a lot of work on the front end, but I trust that the best is yet to come.

Daniel

Ready and Waiting

Well, we are ready and waiting for our third little blessing to arrive. I was 39 weeks yesterday so anytime now is fine with this Mama. :) Big brother is ready too... Any question to him about someone coming or something happening is answered with "baby Ian!" and a big smile. Ian's nursery is decorated and waiting for him, although he will be in Mommy and Daddy's room for awhile. Yes, we keep the panda theme we had used with Shelden so a lot of it will look the same if you saw his nursery pictures. Hopeful our next post will be of Ian Elijah's arrival!!!