Happy Birthday, Dave, i got you a son.

things progressed quickly last evening, and our little guy entered the world at 2300 hours (dave's favorite number is 23), one hour before dave's birthday!

he came feet first, in a bag of waters, and just as he was about to slide through, the bag burst and his little head got caught in my cervix (which had only dilated to about 4 cm). this was a very painful process for both of us, and yet, the Lord gave me strength to endure through the very raw and intense pain. the little guy didn't have quite as much strength, and had to be resuscitated upon arrival. they had to cut a little incision in my cervix to get him out. and somehow in the process, i tore a bit on the outside, needing a couple of stitches. i was really determined if at all possible to NOT have a c-section, and the doctor was very supportive and did the best he could to prevent this from happening-- for which i am EXTREMELY grateful. The chances of having to have a repeat c-section for future births would have most likely been inevitable, as preemie c-sections tend to be more complicated and can require a lengthwise incision, rather than a lateral.

he weighed in at a whopping 1 lb, 8 oz, and measured 12 and 1/4 inches! a string bean with long fingers and toes (just like his big brother)! we only got to see him briefly before they whisked him up to the NICU (thank God we were at this hospital! otherwise he would have been transferred here, leaving me in Paoli)!

poor dave had gone home again to try to get some sleep, and by the time i realized he might need to get himself here (fast), it was barely enough time for him to make the trip. he got here around 10:30, and i only pushed a few times.

we were in some serious shock for the rest of the evening and into this morning. there was no holding back the emotions, and no need to. everyone here has been so supportive, kind and comforting. from the docs to the anesthesiologist, to the lactation consultant to the NICU staff. they know what they're doing, they're compassionate, and they are striving for excellence. and once i got to my own room the food improved too! a little highlight-- they even bring a snack tray around 2x a day!

so i take back what i said in my last post.

we've visited the teeny tiny one twice today (he's one floor above us). he has been stable all day, breathing regular air (rather than forced/enhanced oxygen) thru his ventilator. and even with all of the wires attached to him, he is a perfectly formed little person of great design and detail. he is very dark skinned (and haired, if you can call it that). but they say a lot of tiny ones are very darkly complected at first. he has some bruising on his neck from the birth, and some stitches in the back of his head from the trauma during delivery. apparently he is on the thin-skinned side of the scale of preemie skin. it was a lot less difficult to see him for the first time than we anticipated. we were prepared for the wires and the scariness, but we were surprised by the awe and wonder that such a little miracle evokes in one's heart. it really was more amazing than it was tragic... obviously God's mercy being poured out on us!

it's just so overwhelming to hear them list all of the systems that are being monitored and treated. his skin, his lungs, his eyes, his brain, his nutrients, etc. etc.

and even though one system could be doing well (or poorly) today, it could be doing the opposite tomorrow. this first week is critical and if he makes it through the next month without developing major complications or infections, that will be a great feat!

meanwhile there are a million people (i'm convinced) praying for him, and us, and we can definitely feel it!

right now we're trying to rest and prepare for the potential long haul of the next few months-- and yet just focus on getting through each preemie baby step as it comes. we're also working on a name, so stay tuned...

we feel so supported and loved and we are confident that this little eternal being is in the hands of a Sovereign, Loving Creator and Sustainer who has a plan for each of us, and as a family.

this is certainly not what we expected at all-- but now it is ours to embrace and it is our only choice to lean fully on the One who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine! (eph 3:20) We are trying to keep our eyes on His Love and Goodness, rather than the goodness or badness of our current (moment-to-moment) circumstances. please keep this in the forefront of your prayers as you think of us. . .

thanks!