The Night You Were Born

The night you were born was the best night of your dad's and my life thus far.  We had waited so long for your arrival, and we were so blessed to be there when you came into the world.  Katie went through hours of painful labor without any medicines to numb her pain.  She wanted to deliver you naturally--she was so brave and strong.  Drew was right by her side and did everything he could to help her.  Your birth parents are amazing people, and we love them so much.

 This is the room where you were born:

The computer monitored your heart rate and Katie's contractions

When I first arrived at the hospital, around 2:30 in the afternoon on July 31st, Katie was just in the beginning stages of labor and wasn't in great pain yet.  She and Drew were surfing the internet looking for LRG clothes for you to wear. :)

Her contractions started coming more quickly, and soon she was in a lot of pain.  She sat on an exercise ball, and Drew pushed on her back--the counter pressure helped ease the pain.  I didn't do much other than hold the chair steady and pat Katie's back.  I felt pretty useless, but I was glad I got to be there with them!

Then Katie started walking the halls of the labor and delivery wing, hoping that gravity would help you come more quickly.  She had to stop periodically and hold on to the wall when she was having a tough contraction.

Katie's dad, Mark, took over for Drew, and Drew took a ten-minute nap in the waiting area. :)

 

When the pain got too unbearable, she got into a bathtub in her room.  The warm water helped to ease the pain.

While all of this was going on, your dad arrived.  He had taken the first flight out of Denver when he heard that Katie was in labor.  He made it in plenty of time and waited outside the door of her hospital room for much of the night.  His mom, your grandma Nielson, also arrived and waited with him.

Coming into the hospital with Katie's dad, Mark

Eventually, Katie's contractions got so painful that her mom had to coach her through some deep breathing, while Drew kept pushing on her back.

And then it was time for you to arrive!  The doctor and nurses came into the room and got all of the instruments ready.  Katie got through the hard pushing much more quickly than anyone expected because she was so tough and brave.

And before we knew it, you were here!

I was the first person to hold you.  I couldn't stop crying--I was so happy.  Your dad was just outside the door and heard your first cries, then came into the room and hugged me while I held you for the first time.  It was the best moment of my life.

 

Katie and Drew were so full of joy when they saw and held you for the first time.

Your dad was on Cloud Nine!  Finally, a father!

And then your grandmas got to admire you!  Katie's mom, Elizabeth, and Drew's mom, Shanea, had been in the delivery room the entire night and also watched you come into the world.  It was a sacred experience for all of us.  Your grandma Nielson and Katie's dad, Mark, came into the room right after you were born and also got to hold you in your first few minutes of life.

 

Showing off your hair

The room was full of so much love--it felt like Heaven!

Katie seemed so happy.  She was on a "natural high"--feeling relief, joy, accomplishment, and love for you.  We were all so proud of her.

Then you got weighed, got your first bottle, and got your first burp. :)

Katie's grandma, Edna, arrived to get a little peak at you. :)  She couldn't wait until morning!

Finally, it was time for you to go to the nursery for a bath and a few more tests.  I was lucky enough to go with you! So fun!

After they were all done with you in the nursery, I got to wheel your cart to Katie and Drew's room.  They were so excited to hold you again and to admire your mohawk.

 

Ryan and Drew spent about ten minutes trying to figure out how to do the pull-out bed.  Katie and I thought it was humorous that they wouldn't just ask for instructions from the nurses--typical men!

Since Katie was so tired, we got to take you to our room for the night, and it was really special to be alone as a  family of three for the first time.  We couldn't stop snuggling you!

It was such a perfect night...the best night we ever could have imagined.  You are a precious angel who was sent to us from Heavenly Father in such a special way.  We are so lucky to be your parents and so lucky to have witnessed your miraculous birth.