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.