Friday, December 18, 2009

She's Here!!!




Well, despite my last post's inference that our daughter would be born on the 17th, it wasn't until 12:56am this morning that Ellie came into this world. It was a long, draining day, but the results were out of this world!
Les and I showed up at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital around 7:45am; however, it wasn't until about 8:15-8:20am that we were escorted to the labor and delivery room. Our naivete set in around that time, thinking we'd get this ball rolling in a matter of moments. What ensued was countless hours of waiting...and more waiting!
Since she was getting induced, Leslie's providers decided to give her the liquid drug pitocin. She first received this around 11:00am; yet it takes upwards of two hours to begin working. Around 2:00pm, Leslie started feeling more intense contractions, and this lasted for almost 2 1/2 hours before she asked for an epidural. I'm sure she could've endured the pain for longer, but her contractions were only about 90 seconds a part. I don't know about you, but if someone told me I could either go to the plate with a wooden bat or an aluminum bat, I'm swinging some metal! (Note: At this time, apply the analogy above to the situation of going through labor natural, or with an epidural.)
After getting the epidural, Leslie had to wait another 6 hours before getting to push, as she wasn't fully dilated and needed more time for her body to prepare. Around 11:30pm, she got the go ahead to start pushing and a little less than 90 minutes later, we had our baby girl!
In short, it was such a surreal experience, and I'm so thankful for being given this gift; yet at the same time, it was a very gross process and I saw more things that I ever wanted. My beautiful bride is such a trooper and I'm so honored to be her soul mate, but I never thought I'd see her in "all her glory".
My daughter is healthy, as well as her mommy, and for that I am so grateful. But this experience has further solidified one thing in my life... THANK GOD I'M A DUDE!!!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Tomorrow

In the season finale of the West Wing, (arguably one of the greatest TV shows ever and a personal favorite of ours), outgoing President Bartlett was asked by his wife what he was thinking as they took off on Air Force One for the last time. His reply was simply, "Tomorrow." Although this was the last word spoken for the entire show, it represented a new chapter in the former President's life; much like tomorrow will be the first day of the next chapter in my life.
Tomorrow morning, Leslie will be going in for an induction and (good Lord willing) we'll only be hours away from becoming parents. It's been a long road with lots of growing pains (pun intended); but the time has finally come for our daughter to enter this world. It's honestly one of the most surreal moments of my life so far. To think that God has given us the privilege of creating and caring for another human being is such an honor. Despite the uncertainties that lie in front of us (for who knows how long), we are eagerly awaiting this experience. Leslie, in her best effort, is trying hard not to be overwhelmed with the birthing process, so I ask for your prayers during this tumultuous time. We're thankful for all your prayers and support up to this point and thank you in advance for your efforts in the near future.
I'll do my best to update everyone as soon as possible, but please don't feel slighted if things are a little delayed. We're not too sure what opportunities we'll have to communicate with the outside world, but rest assured that you're love and support will be felt and appreciated.
Take care and hold fast.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Countdown

I'm sure many of you think the countdown to fatherhood began many moons ago, and to a point I agree with you. However, with the recent news from Leslie's doctor, it has now become a very, very real countdown.
"I'm not going to let you go past next Friday," Maj. Gerber announced to Leslie at her appointment last Wednesday. "Either you'll go on your own before then, or we'll induce; but, it will need to be before the 19th." When she said that, it began to sink in that I was only days away from being a father. Shock? Anxiety? Excitement? What exactly was it that I was feeling? Honestly, it was a multitude of emotions; yet, none of them made me the slightest bit uncertain about this awesome new stage of life I'm about to enter.
Now that Leslie has finished her last day of work at Austin Peay (this past Friday), it's going to give her some down time to soak in her final days without a child. I think these days of rest and relaxation will be all her body needs to trigger the start of the birthing process and catapult us into the organized chaos that is parenthood. We are both very excited and ever mindful of the beauty and love that our Father has shown us.
With regard to informing our friends and family, we will both do our best to let everyone know what is going on and when. Lord willing, everything will work out and we'll have our newest addition home by the end of next week! Thanks to all for your prayers and support over the past several months and we can't wait to share our great news with you in the days to come.
Take care and Happy Holidays!