The First Day of the Rest of your Life

Dear George, 

You have been in our lives such a short while, but we love you so much already. We can't imagine our family without you.  

I wanted to take some time to remember the events surrounding your birth - those precious details that can easily fade from memory, but I so desperately want to hold onto them forever.  Truly, one of the best days of our lives.  

I suppose it all began Tuesday morning with my check-up at the doctor's office.  I left feeling quite discouraged, thinking I might possibly be pregnant forever.   Fast forward about 15 hours.  I woke up around 2:00 a.m. with contractions about 5 minutes apart.   I waited until 6:00 to wake up your dad, then told him it was time. He jumped out of bed, anxious to meet you.

We arrived at the hospital and were checked in around 7:00.  

Your dad always knows how to make me laugh.  

Pulling out his senior picture from high school, he says

 it's a perfect focal point for me during labor. 

He's still as handsome as ever! 

Playing cards in between contractions.

One very important detail to note: I won that round of Golf.

Or maybe given the situation, Daddy let me win.  Smart man!

The delivery itself went well.  I was dilated to 5 cm for several hours, which was rather discouraging, but within a half hour I became fully dilated and ready to push. You just didn't want to be rushed, but when you were ready, you let us know.  You were born at 1:33 PM.  The doctor didn't announce your gender.  He just laid you on my chest, and I remember the first thing I said was, "It's a boy!". We were shocked.

We didn't want to share this before you were born, but a few weeks ago, when a different doctor realized you were breech, he made the comment: "She's definitely breech.  Her head is up here."  We hadn't been told your gender up to that point, so when he said that, we weren't certain if he was using those terms generically or if he let the secret slip.  But needless to say, we were both surprised and so excited about a beautiful baby boy.

Something also worth mentioning is that the doctor showed us a knot in your umbilical cord.  He says it's not too often that he sees a true knot.  

Another interesting side note: Grandpa and Grandma Sternberg and Aunt Kelsey were just pulling into the hospital parking lot at 1:30 when they heard the song "Hold us Together" by Matt Maher.  In it, they noticed the lyric, "This is the first day of the rest of your life."  It continues:  "Cause even in the dark, you can still see the Light.  It's gonna be all right."  Very appropriate to welcome you into the world!

And there you are!

I hope I never forget how this moment felt.  

True joy.

Love at first sight.

The following day - checking in with Dr. Tabor who delivered you.

He was pleased to see you doing so well.

Daddy waits with you during your hearing test.

One thing we've learned about you is that you're not a great test taker.

                             You failed your hearing test...twice.  

                             The nurse assured us, however, that your hearing seems just fine.

                             You also failed your bilirubin test...twice.  

                             Your lab work came back perfectly normal though.

Perhaps you just needed more time to study.  Pop quizzes are tough!

Getting ready to head home.

When Grandma told your big sister that you were coming home, her response was perfect.  She said, "It's a miracle!".  It really is.

Proud Grandma wants to tell the world.

IT'S A BOY!

Claire and Henry in hover mode.

Reading books to you.

As Henry sat by your bed, I overheard him say, "The first thing to remember is that this is an airplane".  So many things for you to learn, George.  But no rush.  You have your whole life ahead of you.  And two older siblings eager to teach you.

They're also eager to share their toys with you.  

I saw them slip these toys into your bed.

(A warning: Don't be surprised if this phase passes sooner rather than later.)

The boys have made it clear how happy they are to 

outnumber the girls in our home.  But Claire and I aren't worried.  

We know we have the boys wrapped around our little fingers!

Well, George...this really is just the beginning.  The first day of the rest of your life. I can't wait to see where life leads you. Wherever it is, our prayer is that you are led by the Lord.  May He lead you daily in your decisions and in your actions, that you will always be a witness to His Light.  We love you.